Starting with cold engine - Enrichener questions
 

So regardless of the weather, I usually start with the enrichener all the way off (pushed in), then as its cranking I pull the enrichener out halfway. (this seems to be a bit easier on the battery).

So after it starts up it idles up to about 2k rpm or so, but that only lasts for maybe 20 seconds. After that it chokes down to less than 1k rpm, and eventually dies (after about 10 seconds).

I've tried multiple ways to start it, but basically it will not run with the enrichener out at all. I literally have to babysit the bike until the water temp reads on the digital gauge (about 100 degrees), by revving it slightly over and over...

I've also tried starting it without the enrichener (pushed all the way in), and that doesn't work at all...

It doesn't matter what the outside temp is, I get the same results...

Does anyone else experience this?

My jetting specs are in my sig.

Mine operates exactly as you describe. I've found it useful to very very slowly push the enrichener in once the engine starts to about 1400 and it will usually warm up and idle. Also found it useful to start riding at moderate speeds soon after it is started.

Surely Honda didn't intend this?

Let's fix it!!! I need a winter project, besides my back brake and adjustable mixture screws and rearset/frame powdercoating...

James

I have had no other vehicle that behaves this way. But mine has done this with 2 different sets of carb with stock and non stock configurations, in at least one case, perfectly clean carbs. I am surprised you are the first to bring this up here I suspect many owners experience this.

But if you figure out a cure pass it on! I promise to do likewise.

Not Mine
 

Pull out enrichener hit starter and she fires right up. Idle stays high while it warms up. Push back in to bring idle down as it comes up to temp. Carbs have never been off of the bike that I know of.

Mine acts as you would expect (same as Pidge's) so it is possible. Pull out, starts great, high idle, push in to ride. Enricher should help immediately all the way pulled out, not need to be fiddled with in my experience. Not sure what the fix would be...

+2 on the Enricher pulled completely out at start, let her warm up, then push into ride. You know what also helps, Seafoam in the gas tank! I looked thru some prior threads on this, and now I am a believer. My Hawk cranks up on first push start, and warms up much faster than before. Try it, and let us know the results.

Hmmm. Come spring i may try that... Just started taking it apart for the winter projects :)

James

To clarify a bit how mine behaves -
1) never fails to start in any temperature immediately with enrichener pulled out.
2) never fails to idle well once fully warmed (170 degrees or better)
3) frequently does not want to idle reliably between cold and fully warmed without blipping throttle or fiddling with enrichener.

I use seafoam regularly - no appreciable difference for this issue that I can detect on my bike. I'd like to try an experiment with pure gasoline over the 10% ethanol diluted stuff we get here.

Mine is about in the middle of the two results. Start with full pull, about 2K, RPM starts to fall, go to half pull, 1.4K, idle is somewhat stable, though still falling. Once out of the driveway I push the knob in and ride away keeping RPM below 3K.
FI, FI, FI, how I wish there was a plug and play FI for the SH.
Don't know if you have seen this. Should be a location somewhere near you.
Ethanol-free gas stations in the U.S. and Canada

I always run non ethanol 91, so that isn't a factor.

James

Ok there's one question resolved

Lol... Next :)

My bike does the same as yours.

Sounds like partial block of an idle jet.

Mine doesn't misbehaive like yours (deat). I only need it in cold temp but I first hit the starter then pull it out as it spins. This is what you NEED to do under say 15*F when the bike has been in that temp for hours.

But yes it will idle high til I slowly push it in. But do you really sit there for the long time it takes to get over 100*? Thats a waste. Just ride off slowly and let it warm only a minute or 2 to get oil everywhere is all you need. (obviously dont push the engine).

Yes, i wait... That's my "put on the gloves and helmet time..." :)

I like to warm my vehicles up a bit...

James

thedeatons my bike acts the same way all the time in 30 degree or 90 degree temps. Would be interested to see a solution.

I was letting this thread play out. I just figured it would be one or two bikes that have this little issue.

I wonder if it has to do with the fuel? Nah, that wouldn't make any sense. Different altitudes then?

My bike acts the way I assume it's supposed to with the enrichener.
-Pull it out all the way
-Start the bike
-Let it run for 20-45 seconds untill the RPM's rise
-Push the enrichener in a tad and drive off
-Once the engine is up to temp, push the enrichener all the way in
(if I push it in before the engine is warmed up, it wants to die at idle)

If I pull the enrichener all the way out and leave it untill the bike is warmed up, the RPM's will climb to between 2,500-3,000 RPM's. I've accidentally done this once or twice while looking for my riding gloves or jacket.

+ 1 on the above. No issues for mine!

Crux, that is the ideal behavior IMHO

This is my routine to.... although not my neighbors :p:rolleyes:
but like the most i just pull out it starts but mine runs high for a few seconds as the choke pulls itself in halfway then it runs slightly higher then normal, when really cold i ride it about 100 meter with half choke then in
otherwise not

Rode my bike yesterday had to replace my phone, it fell out of my pocket. So I got home and left the bike out side. It did get cold last night (31-32 degrees). This morning it wouldn't start. I pulled the choke gave it one gas pump (pulled the throttle once) and ... nothing. Pushed the choke in waited 5-10 min and tried again, without pulling the throttle and nothing again. had to cage it to work. Hope it cranks when I get home. Its 55 now :wheelie:

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So, if i pull the carbs off, is there anything you guys can think of to check while i'm there?

What about maybe the enrichener circuitry?

James

James, the main issue with the enricher is that the weak 90 degree bends are made of plastic. I and others have replaced the with a Polaris metal part. It is hugely worth it since once its broken (it will) it will always tend to richen your carbs. Order the Polaris parts before you disassemble.

I would daresay that this is what is happening to all these guys who are having trouble since even a crack in the plastic comprimises the integrity of the part.

Just do the change I promise its worth it.

Smokinjoe, would you be able to add a part # & link where to get the Polaris parts. Sounds like these parts will help a few people.


Please & Thank you !

Search the forum for> polaris choke < Plus in the UK we have a chap making brass or titanium alternatives.

Yeah, on this your search is as good (or better) than mine. I am a poor searcher but there is a lot written on it.

Polaris OEM Parts,


Polaris ATV OEM Parts,


2000 Polaris XPLORER 400 (A00CG38CA) Parts


Part # HOLDER,GUIDE

3130199


Price, around $10.


Part needs modification for those that don't know !


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