2000 Polaris Xplorer 250 - Wont Start

[skypel]

I have a 2000 polaris xplorer 250cc 2 stroke 4x4 it wont start. The plug fires and it sounds like its going to run but wont ever start. also the battery is dead so i have to use the pull start. Someone told me to clean the carb and replace it maybe but i dont wanna waste the money on it and it not work..... is it worth messing with the carb?? What other things could i try? . The atv has sat since summer. my granddad just gave it to me yesterday and i really wanna get it fixed. Thanks.

[Captnfangdango]

i'd get a good strong battery first.....and the carb probably does need cleaning......if ya got good fire then that should fix ya up

[wylde1]

How fresh is the gas? Try putting in some fresh gas and give it a shot of starting fluid to see if it will start on that. My electric start is shot so I use pullstart all the time. If it sits for any more than a week I have to pull a couple times to get it going. Also, can you feel the compression when you are pulling? You should be able to feel good resistance. If the compression is low it won't start. Just a couple quick things to try.

[skypel]

My cousin has had this 4wheeler since i posted this and he has been on vacation and he just got back today and i ran over to his house before my meeting at the fire Dept. and i was just looking at it and there was a leaf in the tank and the air filter is missing. Im gonna buy a new filter and clean the tank tomorrow. I dont think im gonna clean the carb because i cant get to it. im hoping it will run after i try those few things!