Engine Overheats, Engine Backfires | Polaris 2003 MSX manual

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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Polaris 2003 MSX owner manual Engine Overheats, Engine Backfires

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 Part Maintenance Requirements Age Restrictions Identification Numbers Safety Signal Words and Symbols Safety Decals Safety To Avoid Collisions Righting Capsized Boat Informational Decals Located on the engine water manifold Operator Safety Operator Guidelines Safety Safe Riding Gear Personal Floatation DeviceEye Protection Suit/Shoes/Gloves Fire Safety Overloading the Watercraft Weather and Darkness Protective Apparel Obstacles and Shallow Water Turning and Accelerating Service and MaintenancePre-Operation Check Jet Pump Water Intake Safety Electrical Shock HazardSafe Riding Position Lifting the Watercraft Operator Fitness Operator AwarenessBoating Under the Influence Vehicle Modifications Operator Fatigue and DehydrationHypothermia To avoid hypothermia Features and Controls Exhaust Outlet Reverse Gate 911 Reverse Operation Handle Features and Controls Engine Components under seat Engine Components New Generation Instrument NGI Accessible FunctionsPrimary Functions Function Overview Display Mode Instrument Operation Display Warnings Check Engine RPM 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 Inspection What To Do Fuel Refueling Oil Jet Pump Intake Ride Plate Impeller Drive Shaft Throttle SteeringEngine and Storage Compartments Seat Loose PartsFire Extinguisher Battery Drain Plugs and Bilge HullRiding Gear Switches/Buttons Engine Break-in Procedure Principles of Operation Operation Navigational Rules Right-of-way and Give-wayStand-on Vessel Give-way Vessel Encountering Vessels RuleMeeting Vessels Overtaking Vessels Crossing Paths Non-Motorized Craft Fishing Vessel Right-of-Way Reading Buoys and Markers Avoid CollisionsLaunch Ramp Etiquette Launching the Watercraft Stopping the Engine Before Starting the Engine Starting the Engine If the Engine Doesn’t Start Boarding the Watercraft Boarding and Starting in Deep Water Operator Only 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 Post Operation Maintenance Daily Care Operation Temporary Storage Transporting The Watercraft Anti-Corrosion Treatment Submerged Waterlogged Engine Engine Water Removal Procedure Maintenance and Lubrication General Maintenance Periodic Maintenance Schedule Maintenance Schedule Key Description Fuel System Hull / Deck / Steering / Controls Steering Cable Joints and Inner Wire LubricationThrottle Cable Drive Line Seat Latch And Hooks Steering Nozzle Pivot Shaft Throttle Body And Oil Injection PumpElectrical Connections Steering Handle Pivot Shaft Spark Plugs Maintenance and Lubrication Hull and Deck Care Oil Polaris VES II Synthetic LubricantPolaris Premium Gold Synthetic Lubricant Polaris Nature Oil Synthetic Lubricant Fuses Steering Cable InspectionThrottle Cable Inspection Battery Battery Maintenance and ChargingReplenishing 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 Extended Storage Engine and Exhaust System Draining Watercraft 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 Misfires Engine Overheats Engine Backfires Engine Loses Power Engine Pings or Knocks Engine RPM is Too High With Limited Speed Unusual Noise or Vibration From Propulsion System Polaris Products Oil and Lubricants Specifications Capacities / Dimensions Propulsion Warranty Obtaining Service and Warranty Assistance Warranty Policy HOW to Obtain Warranty Service Engine Oil California Emission Control System Limited Warranty Polaris Watercraft Engines OWNER’S Warranty Responsibilities 109 Index Emissions 111