Starting the Engine

Content Source: 2021 550 Indy 144 Owner’s Manual (9931273 R01) > Operation Chapter

IMPORTANT

The Owner's Manual for this vehicle contains warnings, instructions and other information you must read and fully understand before safely riding or performing maintenance on this vehicle.Always follow the warnings and instructions in Owner's Manual.

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Starting the Engine

FULL CHOKE
1/2 CHOKE
OFF

caution

Engaging the starter when the engine is running WILL result in serious engine damage, especially if the transmission is in reverse. Never engage the starter when the engine is running.

Turn the fuel valve on. See Fuel Valve.
Turn the key to the ON position
Pull the engine stop switch up to the RUN position.

If starting a cold engine, flip the choke toggle to FULL CHOKE. Do not use the choke if starting a warm engine. Do not depress the throttle until the engine starts.

caution

To avoid injury and/or engine damage, do not operate the electric starter or pull-rope starter while the engine is running.

NOTICE

Don’t pull the starter rope to the fully extended position and don’t allow it to snap back into the housing. Damage may result.

If equipped with electric start, turn the key to START to crank the engine. Release the key to the ON position when the engine starts.
If not equipped with electric start, grasp starter handle and pull slowly until the recoil engages, then pull abruptly to crank the engine.
Repeat the cranking procedure as needed until the engine starts.
After the engine starts, flip the choke toggle to the OFF position. If the engine slows or wants to stop, use intermittent choking to the HALF CHOKE position.
Before turning the engine off, operate the choke intermittently to draw moisture out of the choke plunger area and reduce the possibility of the choke becoming frozen.