What To Do If Your Blaster Won’t Start In Cold Weather ATV?

As a seasoned ATV rider, you might have encountered situations where your blaster won’t start in cold weather.

It can be a frustrating experience, especially when you are all geared up and ready to hit the trails. It can be even more dangerous if you’re stranded in the wilderness.

An ATV’s blaster won’t start in cold weather because of a weak battery, fuel system issues, a faulty spark plug or ignition system, a cold engine, and extreme temperatures.

Solutions may include charging or replacing the battery, checking the fuel system, replacing the spark plug, warming up the engine, and using a block heater.

In this article, we will discuss why your blaster won’t start in cold weather and what you can do to prevent this from happening.

Reasons Why Your Blaster Won’t Start in Cold Weather

1. Cold Battery

cold battery
Source: mynrma

Cold temperatures can significantly affect the performance of your ATV’s battery.

In cold weather, the battery’s chemical reaction slows down, reducing its ability to supply power to the engine.

If your battery is not fully charged, it may not have enough power to start the engine in cold weather.

2. Weak Or Dead Battery

A weak or dead battery is one of the most common reasons an ATV blaster may not start.

The battery may not provide enough power to start the engine, or the battery may be completely dead.

In this case, you may need to charge or replace the battery.

3. Clogged Fuel System

A clogged fuel system can prevent your blaster from starting in cold weather.

Over time, debris and sediment can build up in the fuel system, clogging the fuel lines and filters.

It can restrict fuel flow to the engine, making it difficult for your blaster to start.

4. Old Or Dirty Spark Plug

Old Or Dirty Spark Plug
Source: vehiclecollege

The spark plug is a crucial component of your ATV’s engine. It ignites the fuel-air mixture, providing the necessary power to start the engine.

Over time, the spark plug can become old or dirty, making it difficult to start the engine, especially in cold weather.

5. Low Compression

Low compression is another reason your blaster may not start in cold weather.

It can occur when the engine’s internal components, such as the piston rings and valves, are worn out or damaged.

Low compression can prevent the engine from starting or cause it to stall after starting.

6. Moisture In The Fuel System

Moisture in the fuel system can also prevent your blaster from starting in cold weather.

When water or condensation accumulates in the fuel tank, it can mix with the fuel, causing the engine to stall or not start.

7. Incorrect Fuel Mixture

A blaster’s engine requires a specific fuel mixture to operate correctly.

If the fuel mixture is too rich or lean, the engine may not start or run poorly, especially in cold weather.

Always ensure you use the correct fuel mixture, as the manufacturer recommends.

8. Starter Motor Issues

If your blaster doesn’t start in cold weather, it may be due to starter motor issues.

The starter motor turns the engine over when you start your blaster.

If it is not functioning correctly, the engine may not start or may start sluggishly.

9. Faulty Ignition System

If the ignition system is faulty, it may not be able to produce a spark, preventing the engine from starting.

The ignition system includes the spark plug, ignition coil, and CDI box.

You may need to diagnose and replace the faulty component in this case.

10. Old Or Stale Fuel

Old Or Stale Fuel
Source: vehq

Old or stale fuel can cause starting issues in an ATV blaster.

Old fuel can lose its volatility, preventing it from igniting.

If your ATV has been sitting for an extended period, it is recommended to drain the fuel and add fresh fuel.

11. Electrical Issues

Electrical issues such as loose connections or damaged wiring can prevent the engine from starting.

You may need to diagnose and repair the electrical issue in this case.

12. Clogged Carburetor

A clogged carburetor could be the culprit if your blaster won’t start or idles poorly.

In cold weather, the carburetor’s fuel can freeze, preventing it from reaching the engine.

13. Dirty Air Filter

Dirty Air Filter
Source: championautoparts

A dirty air filter can restrict airflow to the engine, causing it to run poorly or fail to start.

In cold weather, a dirty air filter can become clogged with ice or snow, making it even more difficult for air to reach the engine.

14. Choke Malfunction

The choke regulates the flow of air and fuel to the engine during startup.

The choke can become stuck or malfunction in cold weather, preventing your blaster from starting.

Try cleaning or lubricating the choke mechanism to fix this issue.

If the issue persists, consider installing a new choke cable or lever.

15. Low Engine Compression

Low engine compression can prevent your blaster from starting or cause it to run poorly.

Low compression can be caused in cold weather by worn or damaged engine components, such as piston rings or valves.

What To Do If Your Blaster Won’t Start In Cold Weather

If your ATV blaster doesn’t start in cold weather, there are several solutions you can try to get it started.

Here are some tips to help you start your blaster in cold weather:

Check The Battery

Check The Battery
Source: executivetowingservices

The battery is one of the most common culprits for starting issues in cold weather.

If your battery is weak or dead, it may not have enough power to turn over the engine.

To ensure your battery is in good condition, check the voltage with a multimeter.

Replace the battery or recharge it if it is weak or dead.

Keep Your Battery Charged

Ensure your battery is fully charged before starting your blaster in cold weather.

You can use a battery tender or charger to keep your battery charged when not in use.

Check And Clean The Fuel System

A clogged fuel system can prevent fuel from reaching the engine, causing it to not start.

Verify that the fuel is fresh and that the tank is full.

Check the fuel filter, fuel pump, and carburetor for any signs of clogs or damage.

Clean or replace any affected components.

Replace The Spark Plug

A fouled spark plug can prevent the engine from starting. Remove and inspect the spark plug for fouling signs, such as black deposits or damage. Clean or replace the spark plug if necessary.

Check Compression

Check Compression
Source: dubizzle

Checking the compression of your blaster’s engine is crucial in preventing starting issues, especially in cold weather.

You’ll need a compression tester to assess the compression.

Follow these steps to check the compression of your blaster’s engine:

  • Remove the spark plug from the engine
  • Insert the compression tester into the spark plug hole.
  • Hold the throttle wide open and crank the engine several times using the electric starter or Kickstarter.

Read the compression on the tester. The compression should be between 120-150 PSI.

If the compression is low, it indicates an internal engine problem, such as worn piston rings or valves.

If the compression is low, taking your blaster to a qualified mechanic to diagnose and fix the issue is recommended.

Drain Fuel And Add Fuel Stabilizer

If you plan on storing your blaster for an extended period, it is recommended to drain the fuel and add a fuel stabilizer.

It will prevent moisture from accumulating in the fuel system, which can cause starting issues in cold weather.

Use A Block Heater Or Heat Gun

If you are having trouble starting your blaster in extremely cold weather, you can use a block heater or heat gun to warm up the engine.

It will help the engine to start more easily, even in cold weather.

Use The Choke

Using the choke can help your engine start in cold weather.

The choke restricts the airflow to the carburetor, creating a richer fuel mixture that is easier to ignite.

Make sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for using the choke.

Warm Up The Engine

Warm Up The Engine
Source: coolster

Letting your engine warm up for a few minutes before attempting to start it can help it start more easily.

You can also use a block heater or heat gun to warm up the engine before starting it.

Adjust The Fuel Mixture

Adjusting the fuel mixture can help your engine start more easily in cold weather.

Consult your owner’s manual for the recommended fuel mixture for your ATV blaster. Adjust the fuel mixture as needed.

Conclusion

If your blaster doesn’t start in cold weather, there are several solutions you can try to get it started.

Check the battery, use the choke, warm up the engine, check the fuel system, check the spark plug, adjust the fuel mixture, and use a fuel stabilizer.

If you are still experiencing starting issues, taking your blaster to a qualified mechanic is recommended to diagnose and fix the issue.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How Can I Warm Up The Engine If It’s Too Cold To Start?

Try warming up the engine by turning on the ignition and letting it run for a few minutes before starting the engine. It can increase the engine’s temperature and make it easier to start.

2. How Can I Check The Battery Voltage?

You can use a multimeter to check the battery voltage. If it’s low, try charging the battery or replacing it with a new one.

3. How Cold Is Too Cold To Start An ATV?

In some cases, extremely cold temperatures can make it nearly impossible to start an ATV. It can be particularly true if the temperature drops below zero degrees Fahrenheit.

4. What Should I Do If None Of These Steps Work?

If you’ve tried all these troubleshooting steps and your ATV still won’t start in cold weather, it’s best to take it to a professional mechanic for further diagnosis and repair. They can diagnose the problem and recommend a solution tailored to your ATV.

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