TBoss 550 died while running, then wouldn't start.

[TapBoss]

So I'm out a deer camp and ran the sxs for 2 days.  The next morning, fired it up and headed out.  Made it about 50 yds then bogged down and died.   Restarted twice and only moved a few feet then would not restart.  Took the truck out for the day to hunt and when I got back I could hear the fuel pump kick on when the key was turned but it would still not start.  Added stabilizer to the fuel and put the trickle charger on it and tried again the next day, still the same - pump coming on and turning over but no start.  Other than spark plug, air filter or injector clog any ideas?  Out in the middle of nowhere so limited on resources.

[D. Newton]

Hi TapBoss,  This maybe beyond field repair, the electric fuel has a restriction/clog.  I had a similar problem with my Kawaski 750 Teryx (2008).  I would drive a little distance and bogged down, but not die.  I was able to drive at less than 5 mph back to camp.  Took it in for service, and then found out the problem.  The Teryx has the fuel pump in the gas tank.  I was very careful in filling the tank then, using a filter in the funnel.  Panty hose works as a great strainer, seriously.  Hope this helps.  Don N.

[motojoe]

It sounds like your stator is going out, when the machine cools down it will run for a short time, and then shut off? When it shuts off check to see if you have spark, if not it is the stator or the ECU.

[TapBoss]

No, never started again after that incident. Got it home now, air box/filter clean but couldn’t find my spark plug tool to pull it. Have a new one arriving Wednesday so we’ll see then if plug is fouled. About at the recommended hrs for changing and I had been doing a lot of short trips. Will check fuel filter as well. 

[Greg Kilgore]

Had similar situation. Road a nice long ride. Stopped to get a drink at a store. Machine started but wouldn't idle and died. Had to give it gas to keep running.

Got home sat a little and all was good. Changed the fuel filter and even though it's a new machine. Looked like paint chips inside the filter on the output nipple. 

I put a plastic filter on and haven't had any trouble with idle since. I'm going to get another injector and replace just to be safe. Once I get other issues taken care of.

[TapBoss]

Update, replaced the spark plug which did nothing.  Pulled the fuel injector and it is working properly (mist) - but the video on youtube from Massimo states if you see 2 streams it's bad.  The fuel injector has 4 holes??  Anyway, added fresh fuel just incase, still no changes.  Battery is fully charged and engine will turn over like crazy but not fire up. 

 

[Greg Kilgore]

Remove spark plug. Ground the spark plug to the engine. Remove the electrical connection on fuel injector (so not spraying fuel into cylinder. Less of a fire risk.). Check for spark at spark plug gap.  Let us know. 

[motojoe]

Does it have spark? If not then is most probably your stator.  If it has spark then it is either your fuel injector is clogged, clean it with carb cleaner until you have a good stream of fuel; take off your air filter and spray starting fluid into the intake manifold try stating it; if it starts then it either your fuel pump or your fuel line.  If it doesn't start then it is electrical (stator, ECU or a wire)

[TapBoss]

So after changing the spark plug, checking out the injector and air filter and putting in a new battery, my TBoss will crank over and start. However, the idle immediately starts to drop and it dies. When I first turn the key, you can hear the fuel pump prime as well. 
 

Not sure where to go from here. 

[Greg Kilgore]

Just for giggles have you changed the fuel filter. There is a screen in the injector also. Don't know if it is serviceable. So may have to change the entire injector.

Had similar issues out of my Axis 500. Would not idle. Had to keep foot on gas at all times. Changed the fuel filter and that corrected the problem.

 

Actually it looked like oem painted the inside nipples of fuel filter and it started flaking off

[TapBoss]

Well, after changing all those parts and everything else, we drained the fuel tank. 

Someone is in for an ass-kicking because I’m pretty sure I know who the culprit is. 
 

[Greg Kilgore]

That would do it. 

 

Years, years ago. Girl friends 5 year old was playing in his sand box. Filled the tank to a kerosene heater with sand. 

 

Well at least you got to the bottom of it. 

[Greg Kilgore]

Started at the top and read the entire thread again. Sounds like a "buddy" didn't want competition at deer camp and knew how to mess with your mind.

That's dirty.

[TapBoss]

Not even sure what it was, looked like lemonade coming out. The bottom of the jug appears to be an oily substance like cooking oil. What’s odd is the machine would start up then die every time with this in the tank. Back to running like new once we drained the tank and line completely and put in fresh fuel. 

[Greg Kilgore]

😂 maybe somebody put "excellence" in the tank.

Ricky Bobby wasn't hunting with you was he?

[TapBoss]

He was given 5 acres by the owner of the property probably 20 years ago. The owner has since passed and his son and I take care of the place. This guy has gotten progressively worse since his passing. What sucks is he’s always there and we’re an hour away. We had a disagreement over him bringing someone else in to hunt the night I believe this happened.