[harnic]

My Indy 500 has been running amazing for the last few years... no problems until yesterday when it started bogging down whenever I hammer on the accelerator. I have not messed with the carbs or anything for at least two years. but the way the engine is responding to the throttle reminds me of what it feels like if you leave the choke on while riding. It almost feels like the engine is flooding. Also after I start it up and let it idle for a while I have noticed that the exhaust pipe is wet where it exits the cylinders, does this mean it is flooding? if so, what might be the cause? what should I check?

Thanks,
~Nick

 

[dtmmil]

Check your plugs, is this the first time you ran it this season?

 

[harnic]

Check your plugs, is this the first time you ran it this season?

No, I have put about 50 miles or so on it this year... I will change the plugs and give her a go, but I looked at them last night and I don't think that is the problem.

 

[dtmmil]

What color were they, were they wet? How does it start when its cold and has sat overnight? Have you done a compression test?

 

[harnic]

What color were they, were they wet? How does it start when its cold and has sat overnight? Have you done a compression test?

they were wet, it always starts up on the first or second pull... even after sitting for weeks. No, I have not done a compression test

 

[harnic]

New plugs did not help the problem.... after running it for a short amount of time the exhaust pipe is very wet where it joins together after leaving the cylinders. Am I right in guessing that this means the engine is flooding?

 

[ACEXLT]

First thing I would do is clean the pilot jets especially if you leave gas in over the summer.

 

[Ironlung]

Check the choke plungers on both carbs to make sure they are seated back down when the choke lever is returned back down. If they don't, you'll have a chronic flooding issue. Follow the choke cables to the carbs and unscrew the brass base nuts, after unbolting these and if the springs/plungers don't pull out gently and they look green...I doubt they have seated good. Sometimes you can feel something is not right when pulling the choke lever up and it pulls hard, even breaking the cables in some circumstances. If they are stuck, chance are you've got more to look at...ACE is right...get those carbs off, drop the float bowls and inspect everything.

 

[polarisfreak08]

yeah my 94 indy xcr 440 with a 97 indy 500 engine if i stop on a little sloop going up a hill my sled will bog down if i try to go up, like it doesnt have enough power in it. i dont know why it does this. my old 86 indy 400 did it to.

 

[harnic]

OK, I dropped the carbs and checked them out... they were very clean... but when I pulled the throttle cable out of the right one, the Jet needle stayed in the carb. Apparently at some point the little metal e-ring that holds the needle in the carb fell out. Would this cause my flooding/bogging problems or should I keep searching? I would like to explore all possiblities now while it is all apart.

thanks

 

[Ironlung]

I would say that carb was not getting enough fuel into that cylinder causing the bogging issue. Did you remove the choke cables on the carbs? Did you check the freeplay under the choke lever? In order to seat the choke plungers, there must be 1/8" or so under the lever when it's down. Pull out on it with the lever down. More than that would tell me there's an issue, less than that would tell there's an issue also...
The exhaust pipe may just be worn enough at that joint, causing some leakage and the springs are shot as to not hold it in tight...

 

[harnic]

The main Jet needle has like five notches to put the e-cilp on, does anyone know what the stock notch is for my 1995 Indy 500?

I would say that carb was not getting enough fuel into that cylinder causing the bogging issue. Did you remove the choke cables on the carbs? Did you check the freeplay under the choke lever? In order to seat the choke plungers, there must be 1/8" or so under the lever when it's down. Pull out on it with the lever down. More than that would tell me there's an issue, less than that would tell there's an issue also...
The exhaust pipe may just be worn enough at that joint, causing some leakage and the springs are shot as to not hold it in tight...

When I pulled the coke plungers out, they looked fine and the lever moved well... how is it that the choke works exactly? when the plunger is down it blocks a jet, and when it is up it opens it? So technically you could disable the choke (if it was causing you a bunch of trouble)by leaving a lot of slack on the choke cable right?

 

[Ironlung]

Yep, you could leave alot of slack in the cables, but then of course it wouldn't pull the plungers up enough to allow gas to prime the motor when it's cold. The plunger has a spring pushing on it when the cable is bolted back on the carb and it that should keep the port closed and not allow gas to flow up from the float bowl. This plunger has some soft rubber on the bottom to seal up the port. make sure it sits down on the seat, If not, these are replacable.

 

[harnic]

Well, I picked up the e-clip from a Polaris dealer in Maplewood, clipped it onto the jet needle and put her all back together. She seems to be running back to normal, but I need to get her out on a longer ride to make sure... looks like I actually may have fixed the sled for only $1.79, AMAZING.

Thanks for all the help,
God Bless.

~Nick

 

[Tredeb]

Well, I picked up the e-clip from a Polaris dealer in Maplewood, clipped it onto the jet needle and put her all back together. She seems to be running back to normal, but I need to get her out on a longer ride to make sure... looks like I actually may have fixed the sled for only $1.79, AMAZING.

Thanks for all the help,
God Bless.

~Nick

Heres hoping that lost clip went out the exhaust. It may be in the bottom of the engine.

 

[harnic]

[/quote]

Heres hoping that lost clip went out the exhaust. It may be in the bottom of the engine.
[/quote]

agreed!

 

[BillyBoyMN]

Heres hoping that lost clip went out the exhaust. It may be in the bottom of the engine.
[/quote]

agreed!
[/QUOTE]

 

[BillyBoyMN]

My Indy 500 has been running amazing for the last few years... no problems until yesterday when it started bogging down whenever I hammer on the accelerator. I have not messed with the carbs or anything for at least two years. but the way the engine is responding to the throttle reminds me of what it feels like if you leave the choke on while riding. It almost feels like the engine is flooding. Also after I start it up and let it idle for a while I have noticed that the exhaust pipe is wet where it exits the cylinders, does this mean it is flooding? if so, what might be the cause? what should I check?

Thanks,
~Nick

Hi, I have the same issue on my 1990 indy 500 SKS. Did the e-clip solve the issue?

 

[thfarmr3]

Same

 

[edmondpogi]

It sounds like your Indy 500 may be experiencing fuel-related issues, which could be causing it to bog down and potentially flood. The wetness on the exhaust pipe could also indicate that there is an issue with fuel delivery or combustion.
There are a few potential causes for this issue, including:

1. Carburetor problems: The carburetors may be dirty or clogged, which could be causing fuel delivery issues. It's possible that debris or contaminants have built up in the carburetor since you last cleaned them.
2. Fuel system issues: The fuel pump, fuel filter, or fuel lines may be clogged or damaged, which could be causing a lack of fuel flow to the engine.
3. Ignition problems: If the spark plugs are fouled or the ignition system is not functioning correctly, it could be causing incomplete combustion and leading to fuel buildup in the exhaust.

To diagnose the issue, you should start by checking the carburetors and fuel system components to ensure they are clean and functioning properly. You should also inspect the spark plugs to see if they are fouled or worn out. If you are not comfortable performing these checks yourself, it may be best to take your sled to a trusted mechanic for diagnosis and repair.