1988 Cougar starting issues when warm

[valley acres]

Originally Posted by rider_quad

its your fuel pump not sure where it would be exactly on your sled if you follow your fuel line from the carb you will find it. there will be a hose connected to the crankcase that is the vaccum line it should be dry. you can take the pump off and take it apart there is two diaphrams in there they can dry out and crack and leak gas into the motor and/or they will not be able to pump fuel. its worth a check.

Thanks I'll check it out

[billww]

Are the plugs wet after you let the sled sit for a while? A way to try something is run the sled come to a stop hit the kill switch and then shut the gas off then go back out and try to start it then if its starts easy then check your floats I always shut my gas off when I not running.

[billww]

Shut the gas off and use the kill switch to shut down the sled then come back and try it, you did not say if the plugs were wet when you come back to restart it.

[valley acres]

Thanks ,I have put new plugs in it when this happens and still won't start ,plugs are wet.I have no way of shutting off gas on this sled,It comes from the tank to the fuel pump to the filter to the Carbs. ...VA

[Auggie2612]

Just for the sake of trying.. Next time this happens and you go to change the plugs, before you put the new ones in.. Pull the crap out of it ( 6-8 times ) with the plugs out and the throttle to the bar.. Watch to see if alot of fuel vapor comes out or for the matter even raw fuel when pulling.. Turn the key to off also.. After pulling try installing the plugs and pull to your hearts content, if still no start check the plugs again.. Let me/us know the outcome, your problem really is eating at me..

[valley acres]

Originally Posted by Auggie2612

Just for the sake of trying.. Next time this happens and you go to change the plugs, before you put the new ones in.. Pull the crap out of it ( 6-8 times ) with the plugs out and the throttle to the bar.. Watch to see if alot of fuel vapor comes out or for the matter even raw fuel when pulling.. Turn the key to off also.. After pulling try installing the plugs and pull to your hearts content, if still no start check the plugs again.. Let me/us know the outcome, your problem really is eating at me..

Thanks Auggie and all for taking an interest in this. The machines are "up north" right now, we leave them there for weekend trips for the winter so I will definitely try your suggestion next weekend and let you know what I find.I was hoping it would be somthing simple,now just hoping to make it through the winter ,then if it is time consuming work, do it in the spring ..... VA

[valley acres]

Sorry All,Little late getting back,I bought my daughter a new (to her)2001 500 Zl.
The problem with the Cougar was the head gasket.I changed it and starts in 1-2 pulls as new
THANKS ALL

[timekeeper]

change your needle and seat or just the seat. the seat is rubber and ethanal might of eat it some.