Hello, snowmobile lovers. Imagine a situation in which you are ready to explore snowcapped mountains or go for a great adventure on snow, but when you reach near your snowmobile, you find that your snowmobile’s cord is broken. Suddenly, all your passion turns into panic. However, do not worry; we are here to assist you with every snowmobile-related issue. In this article, we will tell you how you can start your snowmobile without a pull cord. Let’s dive into this!
1-Starting a snowmobile without a pull cord by using an electric starter:
Nowadays, almost every snowmobile comes with an electric self-starter, which can save you when your snowmobile’s cord is broken.
Steps:
1-Ensure that your snowmobile’s battery is fully charged.
2-Turn the ignition key on
3-Press the electric start button.
4-Do not hurry; let the engine warm first.
Tip for pros:
If your snowmobile battery is weak, consider carrying a jump starter designed for powersports.
2-Use a Cordless Drill with a Socket Adapter
If your snowmobile doesn’t have an electric start, do not worry, we’ve got you. You can use a cordless drill that can spin the crankshaft of a snowmobile directly.
Steps:
- Remove the pull cord housing cover.
- Attach a socket adapter to your drill.
- Place the socket over the crank nut.
- Set your drill to high torque, low speed.
- Gently squeeze the trigger until the engine fires up.
Pro tip: Never overspeed the drill because it can damage the crankshaft.
The drill provides rotational force to crank the engine, just like pulling the cord.
3- Starting a snowmobile without a pull cord with the help of a rope
Steps:
- Access the flywheel by removing the pull cord housing.
- Wrap a sturdy rope around the flywheel groove.
- Pull the rope sharply as you would with a normal starter.
- Repeat if needed until the engine starts.
Pro Tip: Carry a small length of strong rope in your emergency kit for situations like this.
4-Push start( most easiest way in case you do not have any equipment)
Just like a motorcycle, you can push-start some snowmobiles.
Steps:
- Find a slight downhill slope.
- Turn the ignition ON and set the choke if cold.
- Get help to push the sled.
- Once moving, quickly engage the throttle.
- The momentum may turn over the engine and fire it up.
Caution
This doesn’t work on all snowmobiles, especially if they’re heavy or if the engine requires more torque.
5-Portable External Starter Tools
Some aftermarket companies sell portable snowmobile starters; if you have one, then you are ready to go on your ride.
Steps:
- Connect the starter tool to the flywheel or crankshaft nut.
- Use the tool’s built-in motor to spin the engine.
- Start the snowmobile as normal.
These tools are designed for mechanics, but can be a lifesaver when you are almost ready to go out for an adventure and find your pull cord broken.
6-Replacing the Pull Cord (Temporary Fix)
Sometimes, the fastest way is to replace the pull cord with any strong rope or cord you have on hand.
Steps:
- Remove the recoil starter housing.
- Thread a temporary cord through the recoil pulley.
- Tie a secure knot.
- Reassemble enough to pull safely.
- Use it to start your sled and ride back home.
Pro Tip: Paracord or utility rope works well in emergencies. You should buy one if you do not have one now.
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7-Use a Warm Garage and Boosted Battery
If you’re at home or have access to a garage, you can use warmth and a boosted battery to help. This can be a reliable method in many cases.
Steps:
- Move the snowmobile into a warm space.
- Hook up a car battery or jump starter.
- Engage the ignition if your vehicle has an electric start.
- If not, combine this with Method 2 (drill start).
Warm temperatures thin the oil and make the engine easier to crank.
8-Direct Flywheel Spin with a Wrench or Ratchet
If you don’t have any tools, you can start your snowmobile using this method.
Steps:
- Remove the recoil housing.
- Place a ratchet with the correct socket on the crankshaft nut.
- Rotate firmly in the correct direction.
- With ignition ON, it may fire after several turns.
This requires strength and patience, and may not work if the engine is cold.
9-Compression starting the snowmobile when the snowmobile cord is broken
If all methods fail to start your snowmobile without a pull, we have another solution for you that is compression starting. This method uses the mechanical power of the engine to start.
Steps:
1-Put the snowmobile on a flat, stable surface or a slight downhill slope.
2-Make sure the area is clear of obstacles and people.
3-Make sure the ignition is turned on
4-Open the choke if the engine is cold.
5-Engage the track by putting the snowmobile in neutral first, then into first gear if needed.
6-Many snowmobiles require the track brake to be engaged for safety.
7-Push the sled forward manually, or use a slight slope to let gravity move it, or apply a steady and gentle force to rotate the engine by hand or with the help of a wrench.
8-The goal is to get the track spinning enough to rotate the crankshaft.
9-Release the Clutch at the Right Moment
10-As the sled gains speed, carefully release the clutch to allow engine compression to spin the pistons. You may need to repeat the push or rock a few times until the engine fires.
11-Once the engine starts, immediately apply gentle throttle to keep it running.
Pro tips:
Allow the engine to warm up before riding.
Compression starting can be hard on the engine if overdone repeatedly.
10- Kick-starting
In many snowmobiles, usually the older ones, there is an option called a kick starter to start a snowmobile just like a bike.
Steps:
1-Find the kick lever on your snowmobile
2-Place your foot on it and apply force
3-Sometimes it may require more than one try to start a snowmobile with this method.
11-Prefessional support
If all the above methods fail, then it’s better to seek help from a professional mechanic who can change your pull cord or provide you with better assistencae according to the model of your snowmobile. And we really feel sorry that we can not help you.
So in this article, we dive deeply into all the possible methods with the help of which you can start your snowmobile without a pull cord. The easiest method is to start a snowmobile. If this works, then you are so lucky.
If any reader has any other options to start a snowmobile without a pull cord, please let us know so that we can update that method in our article. Hope you will never face such a problem in your life. Have a happy and safe journey.
FAQs
Q1- Which is the best method to start a snowmobile without a pull cord?
Ans: According to us, the most reliable and safe method to start a snowmobile without a pull cord is a push starter.
Q2- Is using a drill a safe method to start a snowmobile without a pul cord?
Ans: Yes, it is a safe method if you follow the steps properly. Do not ever speed up the drill.
Q3-Can I permanently run a snowmobile without a pull cord?
Ans: Yes, install an electric start kit in your snowmobile or buy a new snowmobile that comes with an electric start method.
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