[kelticknots]

Hey there I just picked up a old safari 377 super cond low miles 2500km's but it's hard to start when cold. Once I get started it works perfect idles perfect and starts first pull after initial start-up.....any idea's?
thanks

 

[Blizz]

what is your start-up procedure? It could be as easy as too much or not enough priming.

 

[ScoobyDoo519]

learn to put up with it my 377 does the samething i bought a brand new carb for it new pistons and rings complete gasket kit includes crank seals new cdi new coil and when it's cold you have to prime it right the first time if you don't she a *&#*X to start but it does eventually start runs excellent i even have a manual choke on it. so doesn't matter if you use the manual choke or the primer if you don't get it the first time i have had this sled now for 2 winters you learn how to start it right but every now and then you miss
p.s. i even checked the timing it was perfect. make sure you carb is clean good plugs and you should be alright

 

[kelticknots]

what is your start-up procedure? It could be as easy as too much or not enough priming.

I generally prime it 3-4 times it kicks then i pull until I'm out of breath then it fires up it almost seems like a spark issue?

 

[Blizz]

try a little less prime if that works good, if not try another half shot. If it doesn't help you may just have a cold blooded [email protected]#H

 

[ScoobyDoo519]

that's what mine does too when you prime it it does a little kick then you pull your arm off pulling when i hit right it starts then runs as long as you keep reving it up if it wants to stall hit the primer then it will keep running that's how you learn to start it

 

[barrieguy]

Try Priming it 3 or 4 times then wait for about 5 seconds check the throttle to make sure it is not frozen and start it while holding the throttle open. It works well for me for years but make sure the throttle is not frozen or..........

 

[jaylo600]

They can be some what of a dirty hore but you can overcome that with learning it's sweet spot on the primer. I got a brand new Stihl weedwhacker that does the same thing, some days i could throw it under a bus but others it purrs like a kitten (not a cat a kitten, no cat talk on this site). Take your time you'll figure her out.

 

[kelticknots]

Thanks guys for all the great advise! might have to switch to light beer and consider it a little work-out!

 

[pierrevaillan]

Mine starts fine when cold with 4-5 primer push and runs perfect but, if I stop the engine when hot, it won't start again and seems to flood ! If I wait until cold, it Will start and run perfectly,even on idle ! Could it be the coil failing when hot ???

 

[2wheels]

what machine do you have?

 

[alainm]

Mine starts fine when cold with 4-5 primer push and runs perfect but, if I stop the engine when hot, it won't start again and seems to flood ! If I wait until cold, it Will start and run perfectly,even on idle ! Could it be the coil failing when hot ???

Welcome to Dootalk!

It sounds like you have low compression in the cylinders, did you test them?

 

[pierrevaillan]

what machine do you have?

I have a 1989 Safari Scout ! It starts fine at any temperature when the engine is cold! Number of primer shots depends on the actual temperature, but, once it has run for a while, If I turn it off, I t won’t start (and floods) until it is cold again 🫤

 

[2wheels]

Have you tried replacing the spark plugs, just before you try the hot start?

 

[pierrevaillan]

Have you tried replacing the spark plugs, just before you try the hot start?

Brand new plugs, new fuel pump, new fuel lines. I’ll try to replace the coil and see 🤷‍♂️
Some coil get weak when hot but not enough to affect the performance once started and running !

 

[alainm]

I am reapeting, did you test the compression in the cylinders? when it is low it is harder to start the engine when it is hot.

 

[pierrevaillan]

I am reapeting, did you test the compression in the cylinders? when it is low it is harder to start the engine when it is hot.

Hi! Yes I did but I will do it again! Last time it was around 125 psi so I it is a possible cause I will have a big job to do 🥴👍

 

[alainm]

125 for a fan engine is not bad, not great but usable it could actually last a long time. So not low compression.

Do you have a air leak, on my 377 one time when I installed the intake one of the gaskets moved and air was passing, the engine would start cold with the primer and would even idle not to bad but was almost impossible to start hot.
Obviously that cylinder was running lean, but strangely not excessively when comparing the plugs.

 

[pierrevaillan]

125 for a fan engine is not bad, not great but usable it could actually last a long time. So not low compression.

Do you have a air leak, on my 377 one time when I installed the intake one of the gaskets moved and air was passing, the engine would start cold with the primer and would even idle not to bad but was almost impossible to start hot.
Obviously that cylinder was running lean, but strangely not excessively when comparing the plugs.
I ordered a rings and gaskets kit, I’ll open it this summer and refresh the top end and probably the crankshaft seals! I like this little sled and it is cheap to fix, compared to new machines !
Thanks for your helpful comments by the way!
]

 

[RV crazy]

Both of my safaris start different, you have to learn the starting procedure and write it down, same with the RV's and PRS sleds, 1 sled 2 primes, 1 sled 3 primes, 1 sled 1/2 prime, 1 sled 2 primes when it starts to die 1 more then 1 more, everyone is different, LOL