Xplorer 300 Won't Start

[rooster1776]

hey there...
i have a '98 polaris xplorer 300 that won't start. this is a 2-cycle ...
seems to be getting gas, ...when i pull the spark plug and hit the starter button i can see spark. plug was kind of black and caked when i first pulled it, i cleaned and re-gapped it and replaced. pulled again, and plus is a little wet after trying to start.
in the past, this 'wheeler was always a little hard to start after running for a short time - if i would run it for 5 minutes or so, stop it, and try to start again 10 - 15 min later, i would have to try again and again and futz with the choke. additionally, i have always had to keep it on a trickle charger to make sure it will start and run my snow-plow motor, even though the battery is relatively new. any suggestions? hope all this info helps - i am very new to atv's and don't know which way to go. thanks
nathan - rooster1776 - somewhere in WI

[rpyfz450]

The first things I usually look for in an engine that won't start is:

1. spark (make sure not dull and blue)
2. fuel
3. compression

It sounds like you have the first two items identified.

[motorhead]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (rpyfz450 @ May 1 2007, 11:30 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div>

The first things I usually look for in an engine that won't start is:

1. spark (make sure not dull and blue)
2. fuel
3. compression

It sounds like you have the first two items identified.[/b]

What he said,those are all the ingredients to make the world go round.

Make sure your fuel is good and mixed properly. also just because you see a spark from the plug when it is hanging off your plug wire doesnt mean its sparking in the cylinder with compression against it. A new plug would be a good idea.

and like rp said ,you should look into a compression gauge too before you get too deep.