Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): Artic Cat 300 motor went under water, steering wheel puller, artic cat

Question
QUESTION: My ATV went under water today and the engine quit while it was under water. Now it will not start. Turns over but no start. Pulled the plug out it is firing. What should I check or do

ANSWER: Hello Mike:

Change the Oil. Clean the Water Out of the Fuel System and Carburetor. Check the Flywheel Key. If the Key was Damaged Due to the Water Entering the Cylinder and Stopping the Piston During Compression Stroke; the Engine Will Fire the Plug Out of Time with the Compression and the Engine Can Not Start. If you Hit a Snag or this Does Not Correct the Problem,  I am Here if You Require More Assistance. Hope this Helps. Let me Know What Happens, Please. May the All Mighty Bless You and Yours. Thanks.

Good Luck

Respectfully

John

PS: I am Allowed to Answer 10 Questions a Day. If you See I am Maxxed Out, then Try Submitting your Question at or Just After 8pm EST (US). My New Day Starts then. Thanks.

Respectfully

John

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thanks for the info and quick response, how do I check the flywheel key

Answer
Hello Again Mike:

Go to this Site Addy, http://www.jackssmallengines.net/parts.asp and Select Shop Online Parts Look Up. Then Select the Model Tab and Enter the OEM (Artic Cat)and the Model Numbers. Now Double Click on your Model in the Results Area. The Flywheel must be Removed to Check the Key the Aligns the Flywheel with the Crankshaft (this also times the Plug Firing). The Flywheel is Located Under the Blower Housing. ***Remove the Blower Housing (metal engine cover). Remove the Flywheel Nut or Starter Cup (Depends on the Model). Now Attach a Steering Wheel Puller to the Flywheel Using the Threaded Holes in the Flywheel. Tighten the Puller. Now Hit the Puller with a Hammer. Repeat this Procedure Until the Flywheel Pops Up or can be Lifted Off the Crankshaft. On Some Models you Can Not Use a Puller and Must Use a Pry Bar and a Pipe Cap that is Slightly Larger than the Crankshaft. Place the Pipe Cap Over the Crankshaft to Protect it. Place the Pry Bar Under the Thick Section of the Flywheel and Pull Up Against the Flywheel. **BE CAREFUL  DO NOT PUT A HOLE IN THE BLOCK UNDER THE FLYWHEEL** Now Hit the Pipe Cap that is on the Crankshaft (covered with the Pipe Cap). Repeat the Procedure Until the Flywheel can be Lifted Off the Crankshaft. *** If you Hit a Snag or this Does Not Correct the Problem,  I am Here if You Require More Assistance. Hope this Helps. Let me Know What Happens, Please. May the All Mighty Bless You and Yours. Thanks.

Good Luck

Respectfully

John

PS: I am Allowed to Answer 10 Questions a Day. If you See I am Maxxed Out, then Try Submitting your Question at or Just After 8pm EST (US). My New Day Starts then. Thanks.

Respectfully

John