Why Does My ATV Backfire? Problem And Solutions

An ATV starts backfiring when the engine gets too much or too little fuel than the requirement. It is the ignition of fuel outside the exhaust chamber.

Backfire is the sudden explosion in the wrong place. Usually, the ignition should happen inside the combustion chamber of the cylinder. But when it starts happening outside the container, it makes a hurt-wrecking sound. One or two backfires in six months are okay. But if it is happening frequently, there must be something wrong with the machine.

A sudden backfire from your ATV might give you a heart attack, but we are here to protect you. Let us try to find out why your ATV is backfiring and how you can solve the problem-

What does backfire mean on ATV?

ATV backfire is the heart-wrecking sound you hear while driving the machine.

The most common reason for ATV backfire is fuel ignition in the wrong chamber. 

The engine compartment of an ATV is bound to cause the ignition to deliver the power to the vehicle. But when the engine is too lean or too rich, it causes ignition out of the combustion chamber. As a result, the ATV backfire, generating an agonizing sound.

ATV backfire is one of the most prevalent problems that every ATV rider faces almost once in a lifetime. If the problem is not frequent, there nothing to panic about. But if it is giving you a nightmarish experience, it should be the right time to take some further steps. Before we solve the problem, let us first learn about the reasons why the ATV might be backfiring-

Why does an ATV backfire?

An ATV might backfire for several reasons. If you can detect the reason for the backfire, solving the problem becomes much easier. In general, a backfire would not do any harm to the vehicle. But in a severe situation, a backfire can cause the engine to shut down, forcing you to re-start the engine again and again. Here are some of the most common reasons why an ATV might backfire-

Using the bad fuel

A very common reason for the explosion in the wrong place is using the wrong oil or air mixture for lubrication. The engine's exhaust system fails to burn all the fuel if you use too rich fuel or air mixture. The remaining unburnt oil or air mixture causes ignition when the cylinder reopens its valve to complete another cycle.

But this time, the explosion happens outside the chamber, causing a loud sound.

Clogged air filter

A clogged air filter can block the air from going into the engine compartment. As a result, the engine becomes too rich in unburnt fuel or air mixture.

That is why one should always clean or replace the air filter after a certain period. Cleaning the air filter will help to transmit enough air to the engine. As a result, the engine will be able to perform at full capacity.

Don't ask whether you should replace the air filter with an after-market product or not. Only ensure that the filter is clean enough to pass air to the engine compartment.

Misbalance in the engine strokes

Most powerful ATVs come with a four-stroke engine. That means the engine needs to complete four strokes (intake, compression, combustion, exhaust) to complete a cycle. If the timing between two strokes is not synchronous, it can make the lubrication process unstable. As a result, the engine’s exhaustion system will fail to exhaust the burned fuel dexterously. That is when the ATV starts backfiring to minimize the risk.

Leakage

Almost 50% of backfire problems happen due to leakage in the engine's air compartment. The exhausted gases of the cylinder tend to pass through the muffler. If the organ generates a leakage, ATV backfire becomes a part and parcel of your life.

Changing the exhaust system will help you to reduce the risk of leakage. If you have been driving too harsh for a long time, the ATV may develop leakages on certain points of the exhaust system.

Jam carburetor

A jam carburetor becomes a common issue when you don’t use the ATV for a long time. Keeping the ATV in hibernation with a loaded fuel tank can enhance the chance of a clogged carburetor. The condition of the fuel degrades when it does not get any signal from the engine.

How to stop an ATV from backfiring?

Now that we are familiar with some of the most common reasons for ATV backfiring, it's time to solve the problem. Let us clear all the doubts now-

• The most important way to prevent backfiring is ensuring a clean fuel tank. Install a fuel injector to ensure optimum cleaning of the fuel tank. A cleaner fuel tank will prevent the oil from degradation.
• Now that we have a clean fuel tank, it's time to fill the tank with perfect fuel. Pouring the fuel tank with perfect ATV oil can solve ninety percent of the backfiring problem. Only choose a lubricator from the dedicated manufacturer.
• Clean or replace the air filter every three to six months. A clean air filter will alleviate the risk of backfiring to a great extent.
• Keeping the carburetor clean is another step that you may follow to get rid of the ATV backfiring problem.
• An imbalance of throttle supply can also generate popping. Try correcting your throttle setting to prevent frequent popping.
• You may also think about changing the exhaustion system in case there is any leakage on the exhaustion pipe.

Note:

If nothing is preventing the ATV from frequent popping or backfiring, you should take the vehicle to a professional mechanic. Enforcing too much pressure without proper knowledge will only deteriorate the condition to a further level.

Is ATV backfire damages the vehicle?

Backfiring does not damage any ATVs until the condition is critical. Backfire can happen any time for a mild imbalance on the engine or exhaustion system. But if you are facing the problem at regular intervals, you should always take precautionary steps to reduce the risk. 

You would not find a single ATV rider who has not faced a single backfiring throughout the driving career. It is a common problem with all ATVs, and popping should not damage the vehicle until the condition is severe.

Final words

Indeed, ATV backfire gives distracting experiences. But it should never throw you in a pensive mood. It's just a signal that something is wrong with your quad. Double-check all the primary components related to the engine or exhaustion system. Using synthetic oil and keeping the carburetor and air filter clean should prevent backfiring if no leakage is there. If there is a leakage in the exhaust system, consider taking the vehicle to a specialist to resolve the problem.