Hard to start in Cold weather

[BGONE]

I have two 2001 st350 workhorses. I use them alot for hunting, both of them are hard to start during cold weather once they start they run fine, I'm always afraid my battery is going to die on me before they start. My freinds have atv's and they all fire right up, heck my lawn mower starts easy for pushing snow. Is there something I can do so they will start easier in frigid weather. If you think about it there is not much difference between my lawnmower engine and my workhorse engine. Any help I would appreciate. Thanks

[ez go go]

I'd say cleaning the carb. and fuel pump is a good place to start to make sure you don't have any trash in the way. I'd also check the pump for defects in the diaphram and change the fuel filter if needed. Also, I'd remove the pulse line from the crankcase and make sure it's free of any clogs. That line puts pressure on the pump and sometimes gets a little oil in it and doesn't perform well. Try that and see if it helps.

[Dave Box]

If they only start badly in cold weather (and presumably start well in warm weather) I would be tempted to look at the mixture seting. If they are running very lean this would account for your symptoms. Pop out the spark plugs and have a look. If they are white / grey or burnt you could be running way too lean.

[DOOmsman]

Yes and yes ez and dave
also check for air leaks.

[BGONE]

Yes they start great in warm weather. I will check the fuel mixture. I alway thought gray on the spark plug was good, that it meant it was not burning oil. Thanks for the info I will pull the plugs and go from there.

[Dave Box]

If you were buring oil you would see a black oily deposit on the plug. If it is black and furry you are running rich. White/grey is lean. You are looking to see light brown or nothing at all, like a clean electrode.
Have a look at this
http://www.verrill.com/moto/sellingg...colorchart.htm

Dave Box

[BGONE]

Thanks Dave that is great info on sprark plugs it will come in handy.

[StoveBolt]

Don't know if this helps but on all the ezgo's I've had, I noticed they start easiest if you pull the choke and with peddle to the floor wind it over a bit, then bring the peddle up to just above idle and they start.

Michigan, gets cold here.