Polaris 2003 MSX owner manual Engine Overheats, Engine Backfires

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ENGINE TROUBLESHOOTING

Engine Overheats

	Possible Cause	Solution
	Possible Cause	Solution

	Clogged jet pump intake	Clean intake

	Use of non-recommended fuel or oil	Replace with recommended fluids

	Sand or debris in cooling system	Flush the cooling system

	Plugged thermostat assembly	Disassemble and clean thermostat

	Plugged cooling system	Inspect and clean cooling system

	Clogged exhaust pipe screen fitting	Clean screen fitting
	Engine Backfires

	Possible Cause	Solution
	Possible Cause	Solution

	Weak spark from spark plugs	Inspect, clean and/or replace spark plugs

	Incorrect spark plug gap	Set gap to specs or replace plugs

	Old or non-recommended fuel	Replace with new fuel

	Incorrectly installed spark plug wires	See your Polaris dealer

	Broken reed petals/valves	See your Polaris dealer

	Incorrect ignition timing	See your Polaris dealer

	Mechanical failure	See your Polaris dealer

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Contents MSX Page We’ve created a web site, just for YOU Page Polaris Recreational Vehicles WelcomePolaris Professional Series Workmobilest Table of Contents Your Responsibilities Do Your PartMaintenance Requirements Age RestrictionsIdentification Numbers Safety Signal Words and SymbolsSafety Decals Safety To Avoid Collisions Righting Capsized Boat Informational Decals Located on the engine water manifoldOperator Safety Operator GuidelinesSafety Safe Riding Gear Personal Floatation DeviceEye Protection Suit/Shoes/GlovesFire Safety Overloading the WatercraftWeather and Darkness Protective ApparelObstacles and Shallow Water Turning and Accelerating Service and MaintenancePre-Operation Check Jet Pump Water Intake Safety Electrical Shock HazardSafe Riding Position Lifting the WatercraftOperator Fitness Operator AwarenessBoating Under the Influence Vehicle Modifications Operator Fatigue and DehydrationHypothermia To avoid hypothermiaFeatures and Controls Exhaust Outlet Reverse Gate911 Reverse Operation Handle Features and Controls Engine Components under seat Engine Components New Generation Instrument NGI Accessible FunctionsPrimary Functions Function Overview Display Mode Instrument OperationDisplay Warnings Check EngineRPM Limiter Standard Equipment AccessoriesOptional Equipment EPA Emissions Regulations EmissionsCalifornia Star Labels Two Stars Very Low Emission One Star Low EmissionThree Stars Ultra Low Emission Operation Pre-Operation InspectionWhat To Do Fuel Refueling Oil Jet Pump Intake Ride Plate Impeller Drive ShaftThrottle SteeringEngine and Storage Compartments Seat Loose PartsFire Extinguisher Battery Drain Plugs and Bilge HullRiding Gear Switches/Buttons Engine Break-in Procedure Principles of OperationOperation Navigational Rules Right-of-way and Give-wayStand-on Vessel Give-way VesselEncountering Vessels RuleMeeting Vessels Overtaking Vessels Crossing PathsNon-Motorized Craft Fishing Vessel Right-of-WayReading Buoys and Markers Avoid CollisionsLaunch Ramp Etiquette Launching the Watercraft Stopping the EngineBefore Starting the Engine Starting the EngineIf the Engine Doesn’t Start Boarding the Watercraft Boarding and Starting in Deep Water Operator OnlyBoarding With a Passenger Reverse Operation Turning the WatercraftStopping the Watercraft Beaching the Watercraft Operating in Rough Conditions Towing a Disabled Watercraft Righting a Capsized Watercraft Operating With Passengers Post Operation Maintenance Daily CareOperation Temporary Storage Transporting The Watercraft Anti-Corrosion Treatment Submerged Waterlogged EngineEngine Water Removal Procedure Maintenance and Lubrication General MaintenancePeriodic Maintenance Schedule Maintenance Schedule KeyDescription Fuel System Hull / Deck / Steering / Controls Steering Cable Joints and Inner Wire LubricationThrottle Cable Drive LineSeat Latch And Hooks Steering Nozzle Pivot Shaft Throttle Body And Oil Injection PumpElectrical Connections Steering Handle Pivot ShaftSpark Plugs Maintenance and Lubrication Hull and Deck Care Oil Polaris VES II Synthetic LubricantPolaris Premium Gold Synthetic Lubricant Polaris Nature Oil Synthetic LubricantFuses Steering Cable InspectionThrottle Cable Inspection Battery Battery Maintenance and ChargingReplenishing Battery Fluid AntidoteBattery Removal Battery Charging Battery Installation Battery StorageSalt Water and Unclean Water Care Jet Pump Water Inlet ScreenCooling System Flushing Extended Storage Engine and Exhaust System DrainingWatercraft Engine Fogging Procedure Cleaning Lubrication Engine Doesn’t Turn Over Engine TroubleshootingEngine Turns Over But Doesn’t Start Possible Weak Spark Cause Solution Engine Runs Irregularly, Stalls or MisfiresEngine Overheats Engine BackfiresEngine Loses Power Engine Pings or KnocksEngine RPM is Too High With Limited Speed Unusual Noise or Vibration From Propulsion SystemPolaris Products Oil and LubricantsSpecifications Capacities / DimensionsPropulsion Warranty Obtaining Service and Warranty AssistanceWarranty Policy HOW to Obtain Warranty Service Engine OilCalifornia Emission Control System Limited Warranty Polaris Watercraft EnginesOWNER’S Warranty Responsibilities 109 Index Emissions111