That feeling when you pick a carbureted snow machine over fuel injected

Back in 2019 I had to choose between a used Skidoo with the old carb setup and a newer model with electronic fuel injection. Price difference was about $1,200 and I went with the carbureted one because parts are everywhere and I can fix it myself with a screwdriver. First winter was fine, started okay down to about 10 below. But last January when it hit 40 below in Fairbanks I spent 20 minutes trying to get that thing to fire while my buddy with the EFI just flipped a switch and left. I still think I made the right call for my wallet and my mechanical confidence though. Has anyone else here gone back to carbs after dealing with fuel injection issues in extreme cold?

2 comments

2 Comments

umaf447d ago

Oh man, I gotta push back a little on that 40 below bit. Most carbureted sleds can actually handle that temp if you've got the primer and choke dialed in right, but yeah, it takes patience and a can of starting fluid sometimes. Your buddy's EFI is definitely nicer for instant starts but that things gonna be a nightmare to diag when the computer starts acting up or a sensor fails out in the sticks. You made the right call for real, carbs are just a different kind of troubleshooting game lol.

allen.cole7d ago

Gotta disagree with you there, man... carburetors are simpler sure, but that's kinda the problem when it's actually 40 below. I've been in that situation where you're out on the trail and the sled just won't fire, and you're standing there in the dark with a can of starting fluid and a prayer. EFI isn't perfect, I'll give you that, but at least when a sensor fails you can kind of limp it home or bypass it with a wire. With carbs you're stuck trying to figure out if it's the needle seat or the float or ice in the line, and that's not fun when your fingers are numb. I've seen way more guys stranded with carb issues than with fuel injection problems, at least in the last ten years or so.