ATV Cranks but Won't Start

Your ATV cranking when you turn the ignition key signifies that the starter is trying to start the engine so it can begin running on its own. But what if you turn the key and the ATV cranks but won't start? You feel frustrated, right?

That is how all of us feel when we are faced with this challenging scenario. But there is a solution to this. Knowing the possible causes of an ATV cranking but not starting lets you know how best to fix the issue.

Low Compression

Four major factors are responsible for running an ATV engine on its own: fuel, air, spark, and compression. Low compression is a common reason your ATV cranks but won't start.

The principal cause of insufficient compression in ATV engines is leakage in the seals and gaskets. You can fix this issue by replacing certain components in the engine, such as the valve seals and piston rings. With these components replaced, your machine should start again if it suffers from low compression.

Clogged Fuel Injector

Yes, you have checked if you have sufficient fuel in the gas tank, and that doesn't seem to be the problem. But having enough fuel in the gas tank doesn't eliminate fuel issues with your ATV engine. You can have a full gas tank, and the fuel is not reaching the engine.

The fuel injector nozzles are blamed for this issue. When the clogged injectors are blocked with debris or rust, they might not supply the right amount of fuel to the cylinder.

Fixing this issue involves cleaning or replacing the fuel injectors. Also, be wary of filling your machine with low-quality fuel, especially fuel that has been stored for a long time and has accumulated debris.

Bad Fuel Pump

If your ATV engine cranks but won't start, another component you want to blame it on is a bad fuel pump. Like clogged fuel injectors, a bad fuel pump also prevents the engine from getting enough fuel from the tank. This also requires replacing the fuel pump.

Bad Spark Plugs

For your ATV to start, it needs the spark plug to ignite the air-fuel mixture inside the cylinder. The ignition starts your machine, so it can run on its own. But when the spark plugs refuse to provide a spark in the cylinder, your machine may only crank but won't start.

Although spark plugs can last for thousands of miles before going bad due to too much carbon buildup in the engine, spark plugs need replacing from time to time.

Bad Crankshaft Position Sensor

Again, your ATV engine needs a spark to ignite the air-fuel mixture and power the engine. But this needs to occur at the right time. The spark plug failing to send a spark to the combustion chamber at the right time prevents the mixture from combusting entirely, resulting in the engine not cranking or starting correctly.

Your ATV might experience the spark plugs firing incorrectly due to a faulty crankshaft position sensor. This is the sensor that provides the engine's computer with the needed information for the correct starting and running of the engine.

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