The Polaris Outlaw 70 is a fantastic little machine, built to introduce the next generation of riders to the thrill of the trail. But as any parent or DIY mechanic knows, seeing the excitement on a kid’s face drain away when their ATV won’t start or runs poorly is a major frustration. You bought it for fun, not for it to become a permanent garage ornament.
I get it. You’re not looking for a complex engineering lecture; you’re looking for solutions. You’ve come to the right place. At FatBoysOffroad, we believe in empowering owners to handle their own maintenance and repairs.
This comprehensive guide promises to walk you through the most common polaris outlaw 70 problems, from simple starting issues to pesky performance hiccups. We’ll preview the exact steps to diagnose the issue, the tools you’ll need, and how to get that quad running smoothly again, saving you a trip to the dealer and putting the smile back on your young rider’s face.
Understanding the Common Polaris Outlaw 70 Problems
Before we grab the wrenches, it’s important to understand that most issues with the Outlaw 70 aren’t catastrophic. This is a simple, air-cooled, carbureted machine. That simplicity is a huge advantage for DIY repairs. The vast majority of problems fall into three main categories: fuel delivery, electrical spark, and basic maintenance.
The benefit of understanding these common issues is that you can often prevent them before they start. This polaris outlaw 70 problems guide isn’t just about fixing what’s broken; it’s about building good habits. Knowing what to look for will make you a more confident owner and mechanic.
We’ll break down each potential problem area, providing actionable polaris outlaw 70 problems tips to get you straight to the solution. Let’s start with the most frequent complaint: it won’t start.
No-Start & Hard Starting: The Usual Suspects
A machine that won’t start is the most common headache. The good news is that the cause is almost always simple. An engine needs three things to run: fuel, spark, and air. Your job is to figure out which one is missing.
Is It Getting Fuel?
A fuel-starved engine will crank but never fire up. This is the first and easiest thing to check.
- Check the Fuel Tank: It sounds obvious, but you’d be surprised. Always check the fuel level first.
- Inspect the Petcock: The Outlaw 70 has a fuel petcock (valve) on the side of the fuel tank. Make sure it’s turned to the “ON” position. If it’s been sitting, it might be clogged.
- The “Sniff Test”: After cranking the engine a few times, smell near the exhaust. If you don’t smell any gasoline, you almost certainly have a fuel delivery issue, likely pointing to the carburetor.
Checking for Spark
If you’ve confirmed it’s getting fuel, the next step is to see if you have a good spark. This is where most electrical gremlins hide.
You’ll need a spark plug socket and a wrench. Here’s how to check:
- Remove the Spark Plug: Pull the spark plug wire boot off the plug. Use your socket to carefully unscrew the spark plug.
- Test the Spark: Re-connect the plug to the wire boot. Hold the metal base of the spark plug against a metal part of the engine block (an unpainted bolt head works great). Safety first: keep your hands away from the electrode.
- Crank the Engine: Have someone press the start button while you watch the plug’s tip. You should see a consistent, bright blue spark jump across the gap. If you see a weak orange spark or no spark at all, you’ve found your problem. A new NGK CR7HSA spark plug is a cheap and easy first step.
The Importance of a Clean Air Filter
The final piece of the puzzle is air. A completely clogged air filter can prevent the engine from starting or cause it to run extremely rich, bogging down and fouling the spark plug. The filter is usually in a black plastic box on the side or rear of the ATV. Pop the clips, pull it out, and inspect it. If it’s caked with dirt, clean it with foam filter cleaner or replace it.
Fuel System Headaches: From Carburetor to Fuel Lines
If you’ve determined you have a fuel delivery issue, the carburetor is the most likely culprit. These small carbs are very sensitive to old fuel and debris. This is one of the most common problems with the Polaris Outlaw 70.
The Clogged Carburetor Culprit
Modern gasoline, especially fuel with ethanol, can go bad in as little as 30 days. When it does, it leaves behind a gummy varnish that clogs the tiny passages (jets) inside the carburetor. The primary symptom is an engine that will only run with the choke on, or one that bogs down and dies when you give it throttle.
The Fix: Cleaning the carb is a common DIY job. You’ll need a can of carburetor cleaner, some small brushes or wire (like from a wire brush), and basic hand tools. You’ll remove the carb, disassemble the float bowl on the bottom, and spray out all the jets and passages until they are perfectly clean. The pilot jet, which has the smallest opening, is the one that usually gets clogged first.
Ethanol Fuel: The Silent Killer
Try to use ethanol-free gasoline if you can find it. If not, always add a quality fuel stabilizer to the tank, especially if the ATV is going to sit for more than a couple of weeks. This is a cornerstone of any good polaris outlaw 70 problems care guide and the best preventative measure you can take.
Electrical Gremlins: Tethers, Switches, and Fuses
If you have a no-spark condition and a new spark plug didn’t fix it, it’s time to look at the safety switches. These are designed to kill the spark and are a frequent source of trouble.
The Troublesome Tether Switch
The Polaris Outlaw 70 comes with a tether kill switch for safety. This is a small cap that plugs into a switch, usually on the handlebars or rear grab bar. If this cap is missing, loose, or the switch itself is faulty, you will get no spark. Ensure the cap is firmly seated. You can test the switch by unplugging it from the wiring harness and using a small wire to jump the two pins in the connector, bypassing it temporarily for testing.
Kill Switch and Ignition
Similarly, the red kill switch on the handlebars can fail. Jiggle it back and forth to ensure it’s making a good connection. While less common, the ignition key switch can also be a point of failure. A simple check is to turn the key on and see if the neutral light illuminates. If it doesn’t, you may have a bad switch, a blown fuse, or a dead battery.
Battery and Fuse Check
Always make sure your battery is fully charged. A weak battery may have enough power to turn the engine over slowly but not enough to produce a strong spark. The Outlaw 70 also has a main fuse, usually located in a small plastic holder near the battery. Pull it out and visually inspect it to see if it’s blown.
Drivetrain Maintenance: Chain, Sprockets, and Brakes
Keeping the drivetrain in good shape is crucial for both performance and safety. These are wear items that require regular checks as part of your maintenance routine.
Proper Chain Tension and Lubrication
A chain that is too loose can fall off, and one that is too tight can cause premature wear on the sprockets and bearings. Check the owner’s manual for the correct amount of slack (usually about 1 inch of up-and-down movement). Use a quality chain lubricant specifically designed for off-road use after every couple of rides, especially after washing the ATV.
Inspecting Sprockets for Wear
While you’re checking the chain, look at the teeth on the front and rear sprockets. They should be symmetrical. If they start to look hooked or pointed like shark fins, it’s a sign they are worn and need to be replaced. Always replace the chain and sprockets as a set.
Polaris Outlaw 70 Problems Best Practices: A Proactive Care Guide
The best way to deal with polaris outlaw 70 problems is to prevent them. A little proactive maintenance goes a long way. Adopting these best practices will keep the machine reliable and extend its life significantly.
A sustainable approach means maintaining the machine so it doesn’t fail prematurely, reducing waste. It also involves responsible ownership.
- Use Fresh, Stabilized Fuel: As mentioned, this is the #1 thing you can do to prevent carb issues.
- Regular Oil Changes: Change the engine oil according to the schedule in your owner’s manual. Clean oil is the lifeblood of your engine.
- Keep it Clean: Washing the ATV after a muddy ride prevents rust and allows you to spot loose bolts or potential leaks.
- Check Tire Pressure: Proper tire pressure ensures safe handling and prevents uneven wear.
- Be Eco-Friendly: When changing oil or other fluids, dispose of them properly at an auto parts store or local recycling center. This is an essential part of being an eco-friendly and responsible rider.
Frequently Asked Questions About Polaris Outlaw 70 Problems
What kind of fuel should I use in a Polaris Outlaw 70?
Use fresh, 87 octane gasoline. If possible, use ethanol-free fuel. If you must use fuel with ethanol (E10), always add a quality fuel stabilizer, like SeaFoam or STA-BIL, to every tank to prevent the fuel system from gumming up.
How often should I clean the carburetor on the Outlaw 70?
You shouldn’t need to clean it on a set schedule if you use good fuel and run the ATV regularly. However, if the machine starts to become hard to start, won’t idle without the choke, or bogs down, a clogged pilot jet is the first thing to suspect, and a carb cleaning is in order.
Why does my Outlaw 70 bog down when I give it gas?
This is a classic symptom of fuel starvation. 9 times out of 10, it’s caused by a partially clogged main jet or pilot jet in the carburetor. A thorough cleaning will usually solve the problem. It can also be caused by a very dirty air filter or water in the fuel.
The tether kill switch keeps falling out. What can I do?
This is a common annoyance. Some riders will use a small zip tie to secure the tether cord to the plastic cap to prevent it from pulling the cap out accidentally during normal riding. Just ensure it can still pull out in an actual emergency.
Tackling issues with your kid’s ATV can seem daunting, but it’s entirely manageable. Most polaris outlaw 70 problems boil down to the basics of maintenance and a few known quirks. By checking for fuel, spark, and air, and keeping up with routine care, you can solve nearly any issue that pops up.
Don’t be afraid to get your hands dirty. Working on these machines with your young rider is a great bonding experience and teaches them valuable mechanical skills. You have the knowledge now, so grab your tools and get that Outlaw back on the trail where it belongs.
Ride safe, and have fun!
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