My 1998 polaris 500 will not start, it has spark and is getting gas to the engine. any ideas?

Question

Could it possibly be a sheared pin on the flywheel?

This is a two stroke snowmobile.

Answer 1

Greetings!

Damage to the flywheel would not allow it to crank.

1) remove distributor cap and crank engine and verify that the timing chain is not broken.

2) remove spark plug from cylinder #1 and put a long screwdriver down to rest on the piston. Mark the pulley at tdc and withe the battery disconnected put a socket over the pulley and turn the pulley. You will see the screwdriver rise. When it is at its highest point it is at and should match the timing mark above the pulley TDC.
Look in your manual to see the correct timing and and adjust the distributor accordingly.
I am going to bet it is the timing belt/chain.

Good Luck

Answer 2

If it has been sitting for a long time with gas in it, the gas could be bad. You would need to drain the rest out of the tank and take the carburetors apart and clean them.

Answer 3

If you are sure it is getting enough fuel and spark then your timing is probably off. Could be worn timing chain and sprockets or the timing belt not sure which one your engine has.

Answer 4

if it has spark and gas ,,it will run unless the timing is way out...

Answer 5

not enough detail....I could suggest a number of problems, "however" try for ignition timing first.

Answer 6

you didn't use oil other than Polaris oil did you?

Answer 7

try new plugs