I have an ’02 Sportsman 700 that has recently developed a slight issue. This machine has always ran beautifully until recently. I ran it out of fuel and had to utilize the reserve fuel to make the last 500′ back to the garage. I immediately filled it up with gas and turned the fuel from reserve to on. While not thinking clearly, I choked it to start it and ultimately flooded it. I let it set for a half hour, turned the fuel to the off position and cranked it until it started. It then proceeded to run for a couple minutes with the fuel in the off position. I turned the fuel back to on and took back off.

However, after running for a while going slow (approximately 5 mph) I noticed that it was starting to bog down and lose power. When I would throttle it up it didn’t want to take off like it should. If I pulled the choke a little bit when this was happening it would regain it’s power and take off. I could also run it wide open and it would have the power that is expected. The exhaust did sound a little unusual to me when I had it running wide open but that could very well be my ears playing games with me. Furthermore, now when I go to start it I have to choke it on occasion and get it warmed up before it will idle like normal and not want to cut out and die.

In the entire time I have owned this machine I never recall needing to use the choke, even in the dead of winter. It has ALWAYS started with just a quick bump of the key. I did replace the plugs for good measure, even though I realize that is part of the ignition process and not the fuel delivery. There were no other variables in play here. Something went wrong when I utilized the reserve and I’m not sure if it has done something to the carb or possibly the fuel lines have an issue or maybe it has something to do with the fuel shut off switch.

I will admit that I have absolutely no idea how the reserve fuel system works so I don’t know where to begin with troubleshooting the issue. I am no expert mechanic by any means but I am able to find my way through things, especially with the help of this forum. I just recently changed all of the filters and fluids successfully so I’m hoping maybe I can find the root of this issue. If it involves working on the carb though, I’ll definitely be finding outside assistance for that. I know my limits!

The only other change I made after the issue was adjusting the idle screw on the carb. I turned it up some as it seemed like it was idling a little low after the issue began. I apologize for the long post, I just want to provide as much info as I can up front in hopes that someone might be able to point me in the right direction.

Thanks!