Polaris Outlaw 90 Choke - Your Ultimate Guide To Cold Starts & Smooth

There’s nothing more frustrating than gearing up for a day on the trails, only to have your kid’s ATV refuse to cooperate. You hit the starter, and all you get is a weak sputter. If you’ve ever battled a stubborn Polaris Outlaw 90 on a chilly morning, you’ve likely met its most misunderstood component: the choke.

We’ve all been there. But what if you could nail that startup every single time, with zero fuss? What if understanding one simple lever could save you headaches, reduce engine wear, and make you the family’s resident off-road hero?

In this complete polaris outlaw 90 choke guide from FatBoysOffroad, we’re pulling back the curtain. We promise to show you exactly how this system works, the right way to use it, how to diagnose common issues, and the best practices to keep your youth ATV running like a champ. Get ready to turn those frustrating cold starts into a thing of the past.

What Exactly is the Polaris Outlaw 90 Choke and Why Does It Matter?

Think of an engine like a person waking up. On a cold morning, you need a warm blanket and maybe a strong cup of coffee to get going. A cold engine is no different—it needs a special “wake-up call” to start easily and run smoothly.

At its core, an engine runs on a precise mixture of air and fuel. When the engine is cold, the gasoline doesn’t vaporize as easily. To compensate, the engine needs a richer fuel mixture, which means more fuel and less air, for a successful ignition.

This is where the polaris outlaw 90 choke comes in. It’s not adding more fuel directly; instead, it’s a simple mechanism, usually a small plate or plunger inside the carburetor, that restricts the amount of air entering the engine. This forces the engine to pull in a higher concentration of fuel, creating the rich mixture it craves for a cold start.

Where to Find the Choke Lever

On most Polaris Outlaw 90 models, the choke lever is conveniently located for easy access. You’ll typically find it in one of two places:

On the left handlebar: A small, black plastic lever near the brake lever perch that you can operate with your thumb.
Directly on the carburetor: A small knob or lever on the side of the carburetor body itself.

Familiarize yourself and your young rider with its location so it becomes second nature before every cold ride.

A Step-by-Step Guide: How to Use the Polaris Outlaw 90 Choke Correctly

Using the choke is simple, but the sequence is crucial for success. Following this process will give you consistent, easy starts and protect your engine. This is the definitive how to polaris outlaw 90 choke method.

Step 1: Assess the Situation (Is it a Cold Start?)
The choke is for cold starts. If the engine has been sitting for several hours, especially in cool weather, you’ll need it. If you just shut it off 10 minutes ago to take a break, you likely won’t.
Step 2: Engage Full Choke
Move the choke lever to the fully “ON” or “CLOSED” position. This provides the richest possible mixture for the initial startup. The symbols often look like a solid bar or a line covering an opening.
Step 3: Start the Engine (Hands Off the Throttle!)
This is a critical tip. Do not give it any throttle. The choke is already creating the perfect rich mixture. Adding throttle will upset this balance and can actually make it harder to start. Simply press the start button or use the kick-starter.
Step 4: The Warm-Up Phase
Once the engine fires up, you’ll notice it’s idling higher than usual. This is completely normal! The engine is running fast to warm itself up. Let it run on full choke for about 30-60 seconds. Listen to the engine’s sound.
Step 5: Gradually Disengage the Choke
As the engine warms, it no longer needs such a rich mixture. If you listen closely, the smooth high idle might start to sound a little rough or “burbly.” This is your cue to act.
Move the choke lever to the halfway position. The idle should drop slightly but remain smooth. After another 30-60 seconds, move the lever to the fully “OFF” or “OPEN” position. The engine should now settle into its normal, stable idle speed. You’re ready to ride!

The Real Benefits of Using Your Choke Properly

It might seem like a small step, but mastering this process offers significant advantages. Properly using the choke is one of the most important polaris outlaw 90 choke best practices for long-term health.

Instant, Reliable Starts: This is the most immediate reward. No more endless cranking that drains the battery and floods the engine.
Reduced Engine Strain: A cold, struggling engine experiences more internal wear. A quick start with the right fuel mixture ensures components are lubricated and operating smoothly from the first second.
Longer Battery and Starter Life: Less cranking means less work for your battery and starter motor, saving you money on replacements down the road.
Improved Rider Confidence: For a young rider, an ATV that starts easily every time builds confidence and removes a major point of frustration, leading to more enjoyment on the trail.

Common Problems with the Polaris Outlaw 90 Choke (And How to Fix Them)

Even with perfect technique, you can run into issues. Here are the most common problems we see at the shop and how you, the DIY mechanic, can tackle them. This is your essential troubleshooting polaris outlaw 90 choke guide.

Problem: Engine Won’t Start, Even with Full Choke

You’ve engaged the choke, you’re not touching the throttle, but it just cranks and sputters. What gives?

Potential Cause: A fouled spark plug. This can happen if the choke has been used improperly in the past, leaving the plug wet and coated in carbon.
The Fix: Pull the spark plug using a spark plug socket. If it’s black and wet, it’s fouled. Clean it with a wire brush and some brake cleaner, or better yet, replace it with a fresh NGK plug. They’re inexpensive and make a huge difference.

Problem: Engine Starts but Dies as Soon as You Turn the Choke Off

This is the most common choke-related symptom we encounter. The ATV runs great on choke, but the moment you disengage it, the engine sputters and dies.

Potential Cause: A clogged pilot jet in the carburetor. The choke circuit is providing the fuel the engine needs, but the primary idle circuit (the pilot jet) is blocked with varnish from old fuel. When you turn the choke off, the engine starves for fuel at idle.
The Fix: This requires cleaning the carburetor. While it sounds intimidating, it’s a manageable job. You’ll need to remove the carb, open the float bowl, and use a very thin wire (like a single strand from a wire brush) and carb cleaner spray to clear the tiny passages in the brass pilot jet.

Problem: Black Smoke from the Exhaust and Bogging Down

You get the ATV started, but it’s running terribly, bogging down when you give it gas, and puffing out black smoke.

Potential Cause: You forgot to turn the choke off, or the choke cable/plunger is stuck in the “ON” position. The black smoke is unburnt fuel from an excessively rich mixture.
The Fix: First, double-check the lever! If it’s off, you need to inspect the choke mechanism. Follow the choke cable from the lever to the carburetor. Ensure it moves freely. You may need to disconnect it and pull out the plunger from the carb to see if it’s gummed up and sticking. A quick clean and some cable lubricant often solves the problem.

Your Polaris Outlaw 90 Choke Care Guide: Pro Maintenance Tips

A little preventative maintenance goes a long way. This simple polaris outlaw 90 choke care guide will keep the system working flawlessly.

Inspect and Lubricate the Cable

Once a season, check the choke cable for any kinks, frays, or stiffness. Disconnect it from the lever and use a cable-lubing tool to force specialized cable lube down the sheath. This ensures a smooth, snap-action return every time.

The Eco-Friendly Approach to Choke Use

Thinking about a sustainable polaris outlaw 90 choke practice is really about efficiency. Leaving the choke on for too long is the biggest mistake riders make. It wastes a significant amount of fuel and dramatically increases harmful emissions.

Teach your young rider to listen to the engine. As soon as that high idle starts to sound rough, it’s time to turn the choke off. Using it for the minimum time necessary is better for the engine, your wallet, and the environment.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Polaris Outlaw 90 Choke

How long should I leave the choke on?

There’s no single answer, as it depends on the ambient temperature. On a very cold day, it might need a total of 2-3 minutes of warm-up time (30-60 seconds on full, then another minute or two on half). On a mild day, you might only need 30 seconds on full before turning it off completely. The engine’s sound is your best guide.

Do I need the choke every time I start it?

No. Only use the choke when the engine is truly cold from sitting for several hours. For warm starts (e.g., after a 15-minute break on the trail), you should not need the choke at all. Using it on a warm engine will flood it and make it very difficult to start.

What’s the worst that can happen if I forget to turn the choke off?

Forgetting the choke can quickly ruin a ride. In the short term, the engine will run terribly, bog down, and lack power. It will foul the spark plug, potentially leaving you stranded. Over time, the extremely rich mixture can wash oil from the cylinder walls, accelerating engine wear, and dilute the engine oil with gasoline, reducing its lubricating properties.

Mastering the polaris outlaw 90 choke is a fundamental skill that transforms the ownership experience. It’s the difference between a frustrating morning in the garage and a fantastic day on the dirt.

By understanding what it does, how to use it correctly, and how to perform basic maintenance, you’re not just ensuring an easy start—you’re extending the life of your engine and empowering your young rider with valuable mechanical knowledge.

Now get out there, listen to your machine, and enjoy the ride. Stay safe and keep the rubber side down!

– The FatBoysOffroad Team

Author
Recent Posts

Thomas Corle

Founder & Automobile expert at FatBoysOffroad

Automobile expert and off-road enthusiast, sharing in-depth knowledge of vehicles, gear, and adventures. Helping readers make smart decisions and enjoy the thrill of off-roading safely and confidently.