2002 Summit 700 extremely low idle

[02 Summit]

Had my sled out this weekend and started having a problem with it idling super low, it is sitting between 0 and 500 while idling. If you press the throttle a touch it will idle up at 1500 where it is supposed to. Because of the low idle I'm having a hard time getting it to go into reverse. When riding the sled it runs great, seems to have lots of power and no problems. Sled has 3400 miles, top end was done at 2800 miles ( before I bought it ) Pretty much stock 700 except for Boysen Reeds and a Can. The sled has always run a little rich but it has lots of power so I haven't messed with it and I like the insurance rather than running lean

Been doing some research online but just looking for some ideas of what the problem might be or might not be.

My list so far:
- Low compression ( I hope not, will test compression tommorow)
- broken or wore out reeds
- gummed up rave valves
- plugged pilot jet on one of the carbs
- fouled plugs ( I don't think this is the problem because it runs fine off idle and they look fine, nice tan color on the tip, oily towards and on the threads )

I don't want to just adjust the idle higher because it seems weird that it just started happening all of a sudden. I would rather fix the problem than just mask it and risk wrecking the engine.

Thanks,
02Summit

 

[cdnemsguy]

Seems like you have hit most of the potential problems. When I was reading this I was thinking pilot jets, but also stretched throttle cable. If for some reason the cable stretched and the slides were not sitting on the idle screws in the past, maybe...a long shot but...
No cracked boots or havent changed the intake, or have a hole in the airbox now?

 

[02 Summit]

No recent changes to the sled and the carb boots and airbox look fine. I thought an air leak would cause a lean condition and make it idle higher?

 

[Dwishl]

If you flick the choke does it idle right back up?

 

[02 Summit]

The problem was a loose throttle cable. Tightened it back up and it runs normal now.

 

[02 Summit]

Went for a ride today. I adjusted the throttle cable and it seems to idle normal now. I did a run for about 1/2 a mile at 3/4 throttle and checked the plugs. They both looked kinda grey/black. Sled seems to be running fine. In response to Dwishl's question if I flipped the choke lever while it was idling (while warm) it wanted to die. I also have a tempature guage installed on this sled ( Just an overheat light always made me nervous ) and it was showing normal temps.

Pic attached of one of the plugs. They both looked the same. Am I just being paranoid?

Thanks.

 

[imdoo'n]

if the throttle cable solved the problem great, i would have thought the pilotjets for sure. the main jets have very little effect on idle. the plugs look like they are burning ok, but ya need to do aplug chop at wot for main jet determination.