2002 argo 8 wheeler shuts off after about 20-30 minutes

[Steve_howell78]

My first post. I just bought a 2002 argo 8 wheeler. It runs pretty good for about 20 minutes then it shuts off and won't start back up till it sits about 20-30 minutes. It has the liquid cooled kawasaki engine. Any idea what could cause this? Was told it ran good but I see I was lied to by the previous owner

[msafi65]

Several things to check including spark, fuel pump,or fuel solenoid in carb. My first place to look as I've had a real rash of these this year is in the inlet to the carb. These Argos must all be getting to the age the fuel line is decomposing. I had several this last year with small bits of hose packed into the carb inlet. The orfice into the float valve is very small and I had to remove the top of the carburetor to blow it out. I then replaced all the fuel line from tank to carb with new filter.
Should be able to hear the fuel pump running behind the seat with key on. Solenoid in base of carb should click when key is turned on,usually have to feel for it with someone turning on key. A lot of the fuel shutoff solenoids have been disabled by cutting the end off so yours may not click. check for spark when it wont start with spare spark plug or a screwdriver inserted in the plug wire and then holding the metal part near the engine while cranking. it should produce a spark as much as 1/4" to the engine case. Be sure to hold on to the insulated handle when doing this. good luck at trouble shooting this one.

[Steve_howell78]

Fuel pump is running. I have fuel to the carb. I tried pouring fuel into the carb with no luck. I think it's a spark problem but I was in the middle of the woods when it quit with no tools. Smells flooded when I try to start it. It runs good till it gets warmed up then shuts off.

[msafi65]

Pretty rare but I've had a couple pickup coils fail on that Kawasaki. Usually won't restart. Check connections at ignition module and coils. I hate these that only quit when you drive them. I had one of the plugged up ones run for three hours and died within 100 feet when driven. I would get a spark tester that can be left in while driven. Be able to see if spark is gone easly.

[ARGOJIM]

Sounds like an igniter box to me but don't buy one just yet, check the spark with a tester when it shuts down. We've also had the terminals on the large plug corrode and leave us dead.

[Steve_howell78]

Could the ignition module be getting hot causing it to lose spark?? I've seen that happen on cars before but I'm not sure on this thing. I haven't had a chance to look at it again today. I'm gonna see if it does the same thing then I'll check the spark.

[Widespread Panic]

Try looking at installing an alternator kit. I literally just finished installing one on my 1996 Argo Conquest. Took me all afternoon but it will be worth it. I've had it only a short while and took it to deer camp. While there the kids wanted to ride it and I figured this would be a perfect time to find the bugs. I did, charging issues and found a thread on this site that discusses it from many different people who have had the same problem. My voltage wasn't even showing 10 and now it cranks with no problems and the amps are sustained. Try to find that thread about charging issues and read it and you may find similar symptoms. Good luck

[Supermag]

Best thing to do to that fuel shut off solenoid is to snip the end off. They seem to fail in the middle of a swamp or a long water crossing. Just let the engine idle a few seconds prior to shut down and you won't get a back fire. I installed a manual shut off valve near the carb to prevent the possibility of fuel transfer during transportation and to help start up if I accidentally flood the engine. One less thing to go wrong.

Dave