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18
Starting and Stopping
Engine
1. Move the engine stop switch to the
UP or RUN position.
2. Insert key into ignition switch; then
rotate key to the RUN position.
NOTE: When a cold engine is being
started, DO NOT COMPRESS THE
THROTTLE CONTROL LEVER. If the
throttle control lever is compressed,
the engine will not start because the
fuel/air mixture will be too lean.
3. If using manual start, pull the recoil
handle slowly until resistance is felt;
then give a short quick pull. Repeat
until the engine starts.
NOTE: In extremely cold weather
(-10° F/-23° C or colder), pull the
recoil handle slowly two to three
times to begin the starting proce-
dure.
4. On 800 models and using electric start,
press the start switch button located on
the left-side handlebar control; then
when the engine starts, release the but-
ton.
ONS-070
NOTE: When the engine starts,
allow it to warm up properly. Idle the
engine several minutes until the
engine has reached normal operating
temperature. Do not idle the engine
for excessively long periods of time.
5. On 400 models and using electric start,
rotate the key to the START position;
then when the engine starts, release the
key.
6. There is a “cold drive-away” function
incorporated within the engine. This
function is active until the engine
reaches operating temperature.
7. Flooding — If the engine does not
start but seems ready to start, engage
the brake lever lock; then compress
the throttle control lever fully and try
to start the engine. When the engine
starts, release the throttle control lever
immediately. After the warm-up,
release the brake lever lock.
NOTE: If the engine fails to start
during the attempt with the throttle
control lever compressed, remove the
spark plugs and clean and dry them
thoroughly or install a new set of prop-
erly gapped, recommended spark
plugs.
8. To shut off the engine, turn the igni-
tion key to the OFF position or push
the engine stop switch to the DOWN
position.
CAUTION
To avoid damaging the recoil starter,
DO NOT pull the recoil rope to its
limit or release the recoil handle from
an extended position. Allow the rope
to rewind slowly.
CAUTION
Do not continuously run the starter
for more than 5 seconds at a time.
CAUTION
It is extremely important that the engine
be properly warmed up before subject-
ing the engine to high speed operation
or heavy loads. The engine should be
allowed to idle at least 3-4 minutes
before being operated at more than 1/2
throttle. In extremely cold conditions,
the warm-up time will be longer. Cold
seizure and piston scuffing caused by
insufficient warm-up will not be covered
by warranty. Also, do not idle the engine
for excessively long periods of time.