When you're going offroad after a rainstorm, big deep puddles are a common hazard. If you're not familiar with a particular trail, you can find yourself in a much deeper sinkhole than you thought you would. If this happens, you engine can get flooded with water and you'll get a "drownout." If this happens to you while you're all alone and far away from help, it can put you in a world of trouble - if you don't know how to do field maintenance, even if the ATV becomes completely submerged or flips over in the water. There are also a number of ways to prevent bad mud and water damage from affecting your ATV.
Most modern ATVs are extensively tested for water and mud damage. If you know you're going to be going through wet trails, be sure to grease all the exposed surfaces before you go out using high quality lube or mining machinery grease. Conduct more strenuous cleaning than you otherwise would in between rides in inclement conditions. Run a 0-ring chain, and if you don't have one, be sure to grease the chain heavily. The first thing to do is to pull the ATV out of the water. Pop the top off of the airbox and pull out the spark plug if it's soaked. Run the engine to clear it water. If more keeps leaking out of the exhaust, try tipping the ATV to get rid of all the residue. Once you think you have all the water out, replace the spark plug and try to run the engine. If you hear it sputtering, cut the engine as fast as possible to prevent your engine from becoming permanently damaged. Consult your ATV manual for further instruction - every one should have instructions about water problems. What you need to do in case of a severe problem depends on your engine type and a number of other variables. Try to keep the manual with you at all times in a sealed plastic bag in case you break down far from civilization. |
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