Polaris 2003 MSX Engine Overheats, Engine Backfires

ENGINE TROUBLESHOOTING

Engine Overheats

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

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

Contents

Main Page Page Page WELCOME TABLE OF CONTENTS YOUR RESPONSIBILITIES Do Your Part YOUR RESPONSIBILITIES Age Restrictions Maintenance Requirements IDENTIFICATION NUMBERS Page Page Page The collision warning decal is located on the dash of your watercraft. RIGHTING CAPSIZED BOAT Informational Decals Operator Guidelines Page Safe Riding Gear Overloading the Watercraft Fire Safety Weather and Darkness Protective Apparel Obstacles and Shallow Water Turning and Accelerating Pre-Operation Check Service and Maintenance Jet Pump Water Intake Safety Electrical Shock Hazard Safe Riding Position Lifting the Watercraft Operator Awareness Operator Fitness Boating Under the Influence Vehicle Modifications Operator Fatigue and Dehydration Hypothermia Page Page Page Page Engine Components (under seat) Engine Components Primary Functions Accessible Functions Function Overview Instrument Operation Display Warnings RPM Limiter Standard Equipment Accessories Optional Equipment EMISSIONS EPA Emissions Regulations California Star Labels EMISSIONS California Star Labels Page Page Page Fuel Refueling Oil Jet Pump Intake Steering Throttle Engine and Storage Compartments Loose Parts Seat Fire Extinguisher Battery Hull Drain Plugs and Bilge Riding Gear Switches/Buttons Principles of Operation Engine Break-in Procedure Right-of-way and Give-way Rule 2 Encountering Vessels Meeting Vessels Overtaking Vessels Crossing Paths Non-Motorized Craft Fishing Vessel Right-of-Way Avoid Collisions Reading Buoys and Markers Launch Ramp Etiquette Launching the Watercraft Stopping the Engine Before Starting the Engine Starting the Engine Boarding the Watercraft Boarding and Starting in Deep Water (Operator Only) Boarding the Watercraft Boarding With a Passenger Reverse Operation Turning the Watercraft Stopping the Watercraft Beaching the Watercraft Operating in Rough Conditions Towing a Disabled Watercraft Righting a Capsized Watercraft Operating With Passengers Page Daily Care Temporary Storage Transporting The Watercraft Battery Anti-Corrosion Treatment Submerged (Waterlogged) Engine Engine Water Removal Procedure General Maintenance Maintenance Schedule Key Page Page Page Lubrication Throttle Cable Steering Cable Joints and Inner Wire Drive Line Page Page Spark Plugs Page Oil Polaris VES II Synthetic Lubricant Polaris Premium Gold Synthetic Lubricant Polaris Nature Oil Synthetic Lubricant Steering Cable Inspection Throttle Cable Inspection Fuses Battery Maintenance and Charging Replenishing Battery Fluid Antidote: Battery Removal Battery Charging Battery Installation Battery Storage Salt Water and Unclean Water Care Jet Pump Water Inlet Screen Cooling System Flushing Engine and Exhaust System Draining Watercraft Engine Fogging Procedure Cleaning Lubrication Engine Doesnt Turn Over Engine Turns Over But Doesnt Start Engine Runs Irregularly, Stalls or Misfires Engine Overheats Engine Backfires Engine Pings or Knocks Engine Loses Power Page 101 POLARIS PRODUCTS Oil and Lubricants Fuel System Maintenance Products Grease General Maintenance Products SPECIFICATIONS CAPACITIES / DIMENSIONS ELECTRICAL ENGINE COOLING SPECIFICATIONS PROPULSION Obtaining Service and Warranty Assistance LIMITED WARRANTY REGISTRATION WARRANTY COVERAGE AND EXCLUSIONS: Limitations of Warranties and Remedies Warranty Policy HOW TO OBTAIN WARRANTY SERVICE Engine Oil POLARIS WATERCRAFT ENGINES YOUR WARRANTY RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS MANUFACTURERS WARRANTY COVERAGE: OWNERS WARRANTY RESPONSIBILITIES: Page 110 INDEX A B C D INDEX N O P R