Snowmobile Repair: 89 Yamaha wont run, carburetor repair kit, needle valve

Question
I just bought a used 1989 Yamaha Ovation 340.  It has 1600 miles on it.  I can get it to start with the choke on but thats about it.  It quickly dies or may idle for a short time and then die.  It is not possible to get it to run at all without the choke.  It has new plugs and fresh fuel.  What should I try next?  Thanks!!

Answer
Hello Scott,

  Congrats on buying a sled. There are a few things that can cause this problem. One would be that the fuel filter is clogged. Now, the filters on theses sleds are not spliced into the fuel lines like most sleds. The filter is inside of the gas tank. You will need to remove the fuel pick-up pipe that projects out of the tank, and connects to the fuel line, to remove the filter. The filters are cheap, and can be purchased through Ronnie's; http://216.37.204.202/yamaha_oem/YamahaSnow.asp?Type=12&A=8 . Also, removing the carburetor and thoroughly cleaning it internally is important. Pay special attention to the inlet needle valve in the carb, it sounds like it is
very likely your sleds problem, as they tend to stick shut. Installing a carburetor repair kit would be ideal. Hope this helps you get the sled running. Let me know how it goes, or if you need any help! Good luck with the Yamaha! --Arcticatman