1995 Polarix Xplorer 400 wont start

[xplorer95plow 10]

I am a noob. Recently bought a 95 Xplorer off craigslist to have some fun with and plow my drive. When I purchased it the seller said all it needed was a new battery. It consistently started on the second pull at first. Now it fires up right away or I nearly throw my back out. It doesnt seem to fire at all when it wont start.

The electric starter doesnt work. The relay just clicks when trying to use the electric start. I shorted the positive battery terminal to the starter but got nothing. I was going to take the starter out to see about replacing it but thought I should get it running consistently from the pull first.

Any suggestions? Possible simple checks? Spark plugs or the carb were my first thoughts but I am new to working on a 2-stroke.

[oxidized_black 60]

are you getting spark consistently? you might want to check all the connections from the battery to the starter and the ground, even if they look good, they probably could use a scuff from sandpaper to get a better connection.

a new plug for sure to try. cheap and could be an easy fix ...

[xplorer95plow 10]

I finally got a chance to replace the spark plug but I still get nothing from the pull start. The connections to the starter shouldnt effect the pull start... should it? How would I go about testing if there is spark?

Thanks.

[oxidized_black 60]

stater/pull start won't effect the spark. take the plug out and leave it connected to the coil wire, let the plug rest against the head/spark plug hole and pull start it. you should have brilliant blue and consistant. if nothing or weak color, maybe coil or stator ...