It is common for an ATV owner to find a machine that won’t run as it should or won’t stay running. Moreover, the ATV bogs down when applying acceleration sometimes. Whereas, some owners find their machine starts and run, but for a short period. Does your ATV engine stall when accelerating?
The most common reason that an ATV engine stalls when you accelerate are the blockage caused by the restricted flow of gasoline or airflow in the engine. And, this is because of a dirty carburetor or air filter. This might happen when the ATV is used for some time without maintenance. Besides, fixing the issues is straightforward.
Apart from the reasons mentioned above, there could be other reasons that make an ATV stall when you accelerate. In this post, you get to learn all the possible causes of an ATV stalling especially when you give it gas or try to accelerate.
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Why does your ATV stall or die and how can you fix that?
There could be plenty of reasons that make your ATV bog down. However, the most reason that makes an ATV dies or stall is due to improper flow of fuel and air to the engine. Whenever the flow of fuel or air is inefficient or when the carburetor has insufficient ignition, it can make the engine stall.
In both the cases mentioned above, the air filter gets dirty along with the carburetor. Besides, your ATV might have issues with the choke as well. The situation might arise when you have used the ATV for a long time. But you haven’t taken the ATV to the nearest shop to service.
However, the good news is that the issues could be resolved by following simple steps. Let’s discuss them in the section below in the easiest way possible.
Check the air filter thoroughly and clean it
It is the first step that you should take to resolve the issue. When the air filter gets dirty, it means that it has been occupied by foreign matter or a certain mixture in your ATV’s fuel or air. As a result, it causes the engine to become inefficient in terms of fuel delivery.
However, the bogging down of the ATV usually goes away when you clean the air filter. Cleaning the air filter isn’t a hard task. All you need to do is take the ATV to a service center that specializes in ATV maintenance and you can get the job done in no time.
They have the required tools and expert technicians that will clean the air filters effectively. Even after cleaning, the problem might exist sometimes. If the problem doesn’t go away, it is better to buy a new air filter and replace the old one. That way, the problem should get resolved.
Check the carburetor and make it clean
The second step involves checking the carburetor and making it workable by cleaning it thoroughly. Also, you must check the carburetor regularly and clean it from time to time. That way, you can prevent the carburetor from malfunctioning.
Commonly, the carburetor will get dirty after some time. So, making it clean is a necessity. However, if you can clean the carburetor with simple hand tools, you can proceed with caution. But if you have little idea about cleaning the same, you should take it to the repair shop.
First, you should check the adjustment for the carburetor. When disassembling the carburetor, be careful if it is your first time dealing with the item. Also, make sure to deal with the metal tab carefully without bending them. It is near the float assembly.
After you have successfully disassembled the carburetor, check online about the specs of the float assembly. That way, you can make the right adjustment needed for the carburetor. The second step involves cleaning the carburetor. And, it is done by removing the float bowl. Next, pull out the jets.
And, soak them carefully in a carburetor cleaner. Later, blow them out with compressed air. After completing the cleaning and adjustment, it is time for you to put them back together. You can run seafoam from time to time when it comes to carburetor’s cleanliness.
Make sure that the choke is working fine
Finally, you should check the condition of the choke. The choke might get stuck even when there is no need for it. So, make sure that it is working properly. Besides, it is good to turn the choke off whenever the engine becomes warm. That way, the choke will work effectively without causing much trouble.
In general, the issue of your ATV bogging down usually goes away after these procedures. If you are still confused and unsure about how to undertake them, it is wise to take the carburetor to a shop and get it fixed at a low cost.
What does it means when your ATV stalls when you give gas or accelerate?
As mentioned earlier, the ATV will bog down whenever the flow of fuel or airflow is inefficient. Also, it could mean that the ignition concerning the carburetor is not up to the mark. Apart from these issues, certain causes can make the ATV stall or bog down whenever you try to accelerate or give gas.
The ATV starts without worries, stays put while idle but bogs down all of a sudden when accelerating. The most notable solution is by cleaning the air filter and carburetor. And, sometimes checking the status of the choke. But these aren’t the only reasons for an ATV stalling when giving gas.
Here are some of the issues that are also the probable cause of bogging down your ATV when accelerating. Also, you get to learn about the corresponding solutions to these problems.
Dirty or old gas tank
It is no surprise that most ATV owners tend to forget to clean the gas tanks. As a result, it leaves a gasoline clot in the tank. Because of the clotting, it causes a slow transfer of fuel to the engine. Or, prevents the right amount of fuel needed for the engine.
However, if you have a similar gas tank, you need to clean it properly. Cleaning the tank is quite easy. Carefully remove the gas tank and pull off the petcock. Try to flush it with a garden hose after treating it with an appropriate cleaning kit.
When it is over, you will need compressed air to make the tank dry. So, take a can of compressed air and use it on the tank until it dries completely. Again, put the gas tank in its original place and insert the petcock. If you believe that cleaning isn’t possible, maybe it’s time for you to buy a new gas tank and replace the older one.
A faulty transfer pump screen
Sometimes, a dirty transfer pump screen might be the reason why your ATV stalls when you accelerate. First, check the pressure and take out the transfer pump screen. Next, dip it into a bucket that’s half-filled with water.
Carefully examine the transfer pump screen while it is still submerged in the bucket. After that, drain the fuel inside your ATV and refill it. Finally, place the pump screen in its place and find out if there is any difference.
Check the emission system
If you are using the ATV for quite some time, there could likely be issues with the emission system. An evaporative emission system can be the real cause of your ATV bogging down when accelerating. And, this happens when the system gets warm and causes stalling when the ATV is in the throttle.
If you are dealing with a similar problem, it is wise to get the ATV checked by an expert. An authorized mechanic that has received training from the manufacturer should be the right one for your needs. The y are familiar with the emission system in your ATV and take good care of them.
Low fuel pressure
ATVs with an EFI system can have low fuel pressure for several reasons. And, mostly because of a faulty fuel pump. So, how to check that? Turn on the ignition and notice if you can hear the pump working. Watch out whether or not the sound is healthy.
The fuel pump should get activated for some seconds to work effectively. To find out the accurate fuel pressure, you may need a fuel pressure gauge. However, if you don’t have one, you can leave the job to an experienced mechanic.
Contributing factors for low fuel pressure
A faulty engine control unit or ECU, throttle position sensor or TPS, manifold absolute pressure sensor or MAP, and pressure regulator are other factors that might result in low fuel pressure. Also, fuel injector issues and sensor issues are reasons for low fuel pressure.
Malfunctioning vacuum petcock
Vacuum-styled petcocks tend to fail sometimes and that won’t let gas come out of the fuel tank. Hence, inspect the vacuum line to the petcock for any visible damages. Also, check if they are coming loose. A rubber diaphragm is found inside the petcock that might be damaged as well. Besides, ensure that the carburetor vent line isn’t plugged.
