Engine Pings or Knocks, Engine Loses Power | Polaris 2003 MSX

	ENGINE TROUBLESHOOTING
Engine Pings or Knocks

Possible Cause	Solution

Poor quality or low octane fuel	Replace with recommended fuel

Incorrect ignition timing	See your Polaris dealer

Incorrect spark plug gap	Set gap to specs or replace plugs

Engine Loses Power

Possible Cause	Solution

Weak spark	Replace spark plugs and/or wires

Incorrect fuel or fuel mixture	Replace with recommended fuel

Water present in fuel or oil tank	Replace with recommended fluids

Clogged fuel filter	See your Polaris dealer

Clogged jet pump intake	Clean intake

Clogged exhaust and/or cooling system	Clean exhaust, flush cooling system

Hydrolock	See your Polaris dealer

Too much load/weight on craft	Reduce load per vehicle specifications

Mechanical failure	See your Polaris dealer

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Polaris 2003 MSX owner manual Engine Pings or Knocks, Engine Loses Power

Contents

MSX Page We’ve created a web site, just for YOU Page Polaris Professional Series Workmobilest WelcomePolaris Recreational Vehicles Table of Contents Do Your Part Your Responsibilities Age Restrictions Maintenance Requirements Identification Numbers Signal Words and Symbols Safety Safety Decals Safety To Avoid Collisions Righting Capsized Boat Located on the engine water manifold Informational Decals Operator Guidelines Operator Safety Safety Personal Floatation Device Safe Riding GearEye Protection Suit/Shoes/Gloves Overloading the Watercraft Fire Safety Protective Apparel Weather and Darkness Obstacles and Shallow Water Pre-Operation Check Service and MaintenanceTurning and Accelerating Electrical Shock Hazard Jet Pump Water Intake SafetySafe Riding Position Lifting the Watercraft Boating Under the Influence Operator AwarenessOperator Fitness Operator Fatigue and Dehydration Vehicle ModificationsHypothermia To avoid hypothermia Exhaust Outlet Reverse Gate Features and Controls 911 Reverse Operation Handle Features and Controls Engine Components under seat Engine Components Primary Functions Accessible FunctionsNew Generation Instrument NGI Function Overview Instrument Operation Display Mode Check Engine Display Warnings RPM Limiter Optional Equipment AccessoriesStandard Equipment California Star Labels EmissionsEPA Emissions Regulations Three Stars Ultra Low Emission One Star Low EmissionTwo Stars Very Low Emission Pre-Operation Inspection Operation What To Do Fuel Refueling Oil Ride Plate Impeller Drive Shaft Jet Pump Intake Engine and Storage Compartments SteeringThrottle Fire Extinguisher Loose PartsSeat Battery Riding Gear HullDrain Plugs and Bilge Switches/Buttons Principles of Operation Engine Break-in Procedure Operation Right-of-way and Give-way Navigational RulesStand-on Vessel Give-way Vessel Meeting Vessels RuleEncountering Vessels Crossing Paths Overtaking Vessels Fishing Vessel Right-of-Way Non-Motorized Craft Launch Ramp Etiquette Avoid CollisionsReading Buoys and Markers Stopping the Engine Launching the Watercraft Starting the Engine Before Starting the Engine If the Engine Doesn’t Start Boarding and Starting in Deep Water Operator Only Boarding the Watercraft Boarding With a Passenger Turning the Watercraft Reverse Operation Stopping the Watercraft Beaching the Watercraft Operating in Rough Conditions Towing a Disabled Watercraft Righting a Capsized Watercraft Operating With Passengers Daily Care Post Operation Maintenance Operation Temporary Storage Transporting The Watercraft Submerged Waterlogged Engine Anti-Corrosion Treatment Engine Water Removal Procedure General Maintenance Maintenance and Lubrication Maintenance Schedule Key Periodic Maintenance Schedule Description Fuel System Hull / Deck / Steering / Controls Lubrication Steering Cable Joints and Inner WireThrottle Cable Drive Line Throttle Body And Oil Injection Pump Seat Latch And Hooks Steering Nozzle Pivot ShaftElectrical Connections Steering Handle Pivot Shaft Spark Plugs Maintenance and Lubrication Hull and Deck Care Polaris VES II Synthetic Lubricant OilPolaris Premium Gold Synthetic Lubricant Polaris Nature Oil Synthetic Lubricant Throttle Cable Inspection Steering Cable InspectionFuses Battery Maintenance and Charging BatteryReplenishing Battery Fluid Antidote Battery Removal Battery Charging Battery Storage Battery Installation Jet Pump Water Inlet Screen Salt Water and Unclean Water Care Cooling System Flushing Engine and Exhaust System Draining Extended Storage Watercraft Engine Fogging Procedure Cleaning Lubrication Engine Turns Over But Doesn’t Start Engine TroubleshootingEngine Doesn’t Turn Over Engine Runs Irregularly, Stalls or Misfires Possible Weak Spark Cause Solution Engine Backfires Engine Overheats Engine Pings or Knocks Engine Loses Power Unusual Noise or Vibration From Propulsion System Engine RPM is Too High With Limited Speed Oil and Lubricants Polaris Products Capacities / Dimensions Specifications Propulsion Obtaining Service and Warranty Assistance Warranty Warranty Policy Engine Oil HOW to Obtain Warranty Service Polaris Watercraft Engines California Emission Control System Limited Warranty OWNER’S Warranty Responsibilities 109 Emissions Index 111