Off-roading through dirt and mud, on the tracks, and across different terrain is always a blast. That especially true with the most fuel-efficient ATVs and UTVs that will save you money and guarantee plenty of joyriding. But when your powersports vehicle doesn’t seem to be getting enough fuel, the engine isn’t going to run like it should. ATV Trader is sharing four common reasons your ATV is not getting enough fuel, plus some solutions so you can resolve this issue and get back to riding.

Why Your ATV is Not Getting Enough Fuel

Fuel issues are among the most common reasons your ATV won’t start, and can be a big problem if the parts on your machine wear down over time or after heavy duty riding. When your engine isn’t getting enough fuel, you’ll start noticing issues with the engine slowing down or not running at all. This most commonly can be contributed to a faulty carburetor and issues with specific components, or you’ll encounter this problem with a vehicle with a fuel-injected engine. While it may sound bad, there are solutions you can take up to manage this common issue.

1. Carburetor Flaws

First, inspect the carburetor to see if you can identify the problem. With the engine off, spray down the carburetor with a carburetor cleaner while following product instructions on how much to spray, then test if the engine will start and keep running. If it starts and then suddenly dies, then it means there’s an issue with fuel getting to the carburetor. If the engine fails to start, then that means the issue likely lies somewhere else. If the carburetor isn’t getting enough fuel after starting, disconnect the fuel line entering the carburetor, and have it empty out in a bucket to collect fuel. Remove or unplug any spark plugs, start the engine, and see if there’s fuel coming out. If not, then you may need to replace the fuel pump, or make a change to the fuel line or shut off valve.

If there’s fuel pumping out, then it could mean there is needle valve degradation disrupting the flow. Clean the carburetor and individual parts the best you can with carburetor cleaner, or make a replacement if you notice any corrosion. It’s possible that smaller parts like float valve needle, bowl gasket, or valve seal could be defective. At this point, you could try pinpointing the issue yourself, or hire a trustworthy ATV/UTV mechanic for a faster solution.

2. Fuel Injection Failures

As an owner, you should know these fluids to maintain in your ATV or UTV, and keep in mind that fuel injectors that suffer from corrosion or clogs could stop the flow. Remove the fuel lines and give them a cleaning with either a carburetor cleaner or deep soak in a fuel injector cleaning product. After putting them back in place, see if the engine starts, and take your vehicle for a nearby test run. If you notice any issues, consider a fuel injector replacement. To prevent this dilemma in the future, clean the fuel injectors at regular intervals when your vehicle undergoes maintenance.

3. Flawed Fuel Pump

The great thing about shopping for the top off-roaders on the market, like Honda four-wheelers for sale or other brands, is that they can be easy to maintain. You shouldn’t expect fuel problems, but a flawed fuel pump is another common part that can spoil over time, and it may be easier to simply make a replacement rather than pinpoint what exactly is wrong with it. However, if you do decide to troubleshoot what exactly is wrong with the fuel pump, you can see if there’s uninterrupted airflow, which could be the cause of the ATV’s fuel problem.

If your quad has a vacuumed fuel pump, check its individual lines and start the engine to see if there’s smooth air intake within the carburetor. If not, you may need to make a pump replacement or see if the hoses are cracked and need to be cleaned or changed.

4. Compression Issues

Whether you’ve found a top performing off-roader on the market, such as these Can-Am Maverick four-wheelers for sale, or another side-by-side that can take the brunt of off-road riding conditions, fuel compression issues can leave your vehicle dead in the tracks. Essentially, a compression problem won’t get the right balance of fuel to your engine, which will cause it to fault or stop completely. Use a compression testing kit designed for your vehicle and follow instructions to remove the spark plug and connect the kit to see if this might be the reason your four-wheeler isn’t getting adequate fuel.

As an owner of an off-roader, you want to keep control of your vehicle while you ride and through good maintenance practices. Inspect, clean, and replace these various parts to ensure your vehicle is getting the juice it needs to keep running. If you’re looking for another new or used vehicle, be sure to check out all the listings on the nation’s leading marketplace at expreswheels.com