Things that might help with a project like this: Starter: amzn.to/2HEcWKj Multimeter (cheap): amzn.to/2WlUhGb This video contains affiliate links, which means that if you click on one of the product links and buy, I'll receive a small commission.
I just finished this on a 2001 400 Sportsman and it's the same procedure. Took me probably an hour and a half to complete start to finish. That bottom bolt is a bearcat to get out enough to get the starter spun enough to clear it out of the hole behind the primary but it is doable. Good video on this topic, thanks!
I got a 2000 sportsman myself. Left over winter and starter not happening. I pull started fine so happy all ok on that side. Sounds like your noise was coming from inside the pull start housing/bendix drive. Like many of us we didnt know about the drain plug on bottom of the housing/water holes. Rusty inside. My father-in-laws was really bad. Another job but cleaning is what it seems is all. Nice video though. Thanx
I had to replace the starter in my 02 Scrambler which has the same engine. Those starter motors sure get stuck in there! Getting mine out was a real challenge, the service manual actually suggests taking off the clutch and the cover behind it, you can actually do it without, as shown in this video. Thanks for a great video!
Loved your video. We have the Razor XP 1000 and Wildcat X ATV's and we appreciate them, they are strong and hold up very well on our Vegas desert trails.
Hey I like way you took the video. We are just trying to meet new friends who like to go atving and share videos.We like to learned what the other good folks are doing in the ATV world! Have nice day!! :-) Keep up great work
Got it on ebay. It cost about $40. That is pretty cheap so really don't know how long it will last. The noise I thought was odd is normal. The Polaris 500's sound like that when starting for some reason. Even the new ones.
Glad the video helped. I don't have a video on the pull starter. Ours is working fine. I don't think they are all the hard to figure out. I would guess you got dirt and water in your pull starter. Probably just needs cleaning.
That noise you hear that sounds like something's hanging up when you first start it is the Bendix inside the the housing where the starter goes into the Bendix is sticking a lot of times the pull start handle if it's not at its home position covering up the hole in the case when the Rope is retracted all the way in water and mud and stuff will get in there and gum up that Bendix that shoots out when you hit the starter and then engauges the flywheel you have to take the other side apart pull the recoil start off the side of the motor to access the Bendix and either install a new one or clean it up and get it operating properly
Mine was not stuck very hard. Just a little pry and it popped out. If you do have trouble getting it out be careful prying on aluminum because it can break.
great video ive got the exact same model and i am getting ready to put a new starter on this video was a big help now i know what i am in for but it dont look to bad
My bike was actually an 07 it was doing the same thing clicking when you try to start it and it actually turned out to be dirty ground cable on the battery but then when I started it I heard that same noise you heard like something was hanging up on the flywheel like I said in that previous comment it's the Bendix that shoots out when you hit the starter and engages the flywheel that's hanging up probably all gummed up and dirty in there you have to keep the pull start handle in it's retracted position sealed up onto that nipple to keep mud and dirt out of the case
Just put a brand new battery in. When I start it it cranks pretty slow and when it finally starts and warms up its okay. But the lights get brighter when I throttle it up. Ideas?
Dbolin79 New battery it should crank over pretty fast. Starter might be getting weak. As for the lights your stator might not be putting out as much as it should. I think on this atv the lights do get brighter when you rev it up. I haven't run it at night for a long time.
1st, never use WD on o rings, use transparent silicon grease 2st, bendix and motor brushes has almost a same life time, replace them together. Or take out it out and measure the axial and tooth wear with micrometer. Sometimes a super cleaning and lubricate with heavy sticky grease helps for the bendix, but better to replace before killing the crankshaft wheel tooth.
@@mossman381 then You are lucky 😂 we have a Polaris 400, and this starter just go wrong every 2 Years or so. guess different climate region. We have lot of dust here not so much rain.. eating every bearings, rubber things, seal rings, filter, connectors,
say man can you sned a pic or video where the voltage regulator/rectifier is.i bought mine used and it did not have one when i got it.im not sure if i should bolt it or strap it in thanks
Yeah, you almost don't need to touch the brakes most times. I think you can put the ebs clutch on most Polaris models. Even the Polaris Rangers. Personally I don't really like it. Unless you are running down steep hills all the time you don't need it.
Great help.. Do have video on replace repair pull starter? Bought my 2001 6x6 used which pull starter has never worked. Have to replace starter at this point and figure good time to fix pull start. Thanks
i have a 2012 polaris xp 850 touring. i hear clicking towards front of machine and it dosent start up at all only clicks. im pretty sure its the starter. Is there a special way you cleaned your starter or you just bought a new one.
I am not familiar with the 850's. Might want to stop at a Polaris forum maybe and see what they think. I bought a new starter and so far it is still working great.
I'd also be interested in the mount. I'd hate to have to take the bumper off to mount a winch and not be able to use the bumper. Thanks in advance for any info.
Is there any way you could send me some pics and info on your winch mount? I just got a winch for a 99 Sportsman 500 and have the double tube bumper up front but everywhere I was reading said you couldn't use both at the same time which doesn't make sense since there is the roller fairlead mounting plate on the bumper. I'm just wondering what winch mounting plate you're using and how its attached along with the double tube bumper. If you could somehow post pictures and more info or send them to me somehow that be awesome.
+Craig H This atv is in storage right now but I will see what I can do. As far as I know it's just a standard winch mount and then you use the bumpers fairlead mount. All parts were bought from the Polaris dealer when it was new.
joe18370 I would say $2500-$3000. If it needs tires there must be a lot of miles on it. I can't look at it myself so I can't really tell you what to pay for it. I personally wouldn't pay over $2500 for an 01 no matter how good it looks or drives. It's a fairly old atv. Our local Polaris dealer said they would give us $1500 for ours but he is going to sell it for $2500-$3000.
Can your starter turn over but not fast enough to start the motor? My polaris sportsman will not start for crap when its cold with the key. But as soon as a pull it, it starts right up then idles like crap any idea. Oh and when its warm everything runs great.
The starter should turn over pretty quick. I believe I start this Polaris in the video. If yours doesn't turn over as fast as this one the starter could be going. Pretty hard for me so say why yours idles poorly not being able to see and play with it myself.
Ok thanks, I did some researxh and tinkering and I found out that there is some bad fuel in my tank and may be clogging the fuel pump, any idea should sea foam do the trick on that?
can you do a video on what the starter is connected to and how the wiring is done cuz when i bought mine i can only pull start it.mine can start up with the red button like the kill engine switch but it has a run switch in the middle so when u push the button up it starts but im thinking one wire or a part is missing to the starter
mossman381 no it dosent start with the button it can only be pull started for now but im shure like yours you have a ingition switch such as the red start switch, when i press up on it mine gets no spark or nothing
i have a polaris sportsman 90cc and it starts up and everything however when you pull the throttle it sounds like its drowning and then it shuts off.. no power whatsoever
how much is a starter for a 97 polaris sportsman 400 4x4? mine pull starts everytime and the starter works every other time so im sure i just need a new starter. great video
there about 30 bucks. i just bought a 97 polaris sportsman 400 4x4 just like yours so where do i find the oil dip stick and the tranny dip stick? what oils would you recommend for the hubs, tranny, oil change? i know you can use regular car antifreeze but some people say you can use car tranny oil and use car tranny in your hubs? thanks in advance bro!
hey everybody .... I need parts. Where is the best place and prices for like Stator Cover with complete pull start assembly all in one and front and rear suspension bearings and throttle controls and cables for high range. I bought a trashed 2001 Polaris sportsman 500 and trying to make it live again.
That's what all those starters sound like. They sound terrible. It had just been so long since we had a starter on this machine I forgot how bad they sound.
Things that might help with a project like this:
Starter: amzn.to/2HEcWKj
Multimeter (cheap): amzn.to/2WlUhGb
This video contains affiliate links, which means that if you click on one of the product links and buy, I'll receive a small commission.
Glad this video is posted cause I gotta get this done this weekend or next weekend when I go to camp
I just finished this on a 2001 400 Sportsman and it's the same procedure. Took me probably an hour and a half to complete start to finish. That bottom bolt is a bearcat to get out enough to get the starter spun enough to clear it out of the hole behind the primary but it is doable. Good video on this topic, thanks!
I got a 2000 sportsman myself. Left over winter and starter not happening. I pull started fine so happy all ok on that side. Sounds like your noise was coming from inside the pull start housing/bendix drive. Like many of us we didnt know about the drain plug on bottom of the housing/water holes. Rusty inside. My father-in-laws was really bad. Another job but cleaning is what it seems is all. Nice video though. Thanx
I had to replace the starter in my 02 Scrambler which has the same engine. Those starter motors sure get stuck in there! Getting mine out was a real challenge, the service manual actually suggests taking off the clutch and the cover behind it, you can actually do it without, as shown in this video. Thanks for a great video!
Thanks for the video, I think I have to replace my starter and now I know how to do it. Thanks again for the video.
Loved your video. We have the Razor XP 1000 and Wildcat X ATV's and we appreciate them, they are strong and hold up very well on our Vegas desert trails.
Thanks, I love Polaris. I now have a 2016 Polaris Ranger 900.
necesito ver una pieza aareglar
Hey I like way you took the video. We are just trying to meet new friends who like to go atving and share videos.We like to learned what the other good folks are doing in the ATV world!
Have nice day!! :-) Keep up great work
Great video, thanks for making it. It was very useful for knowing how to test and change my starter on 1999 Polaris Sportsman 500. Thank you.
The one thing I came to see in this video was omitted. Thanks!
Got it on ebay. It cost about $40. That is pretty cheap so really don't know how long it will last. The noise I thought was odd is normal. The Polaris 500's sound like that when starting for some reason. Even the new ones.
mossman381 very true. I have (3) Sportsman 400, 500 and 700 they are all load when starting.👍
Glad the video helped. I don't have a video on the pull starter. Ours is working fine. I don't think they are all the hard to figure out. I would guess you got dirt and water in your pull starter. Probably just needs cleaning.
i have an 02 just bought and its doin the same thing thanks for the walk thru very useful
That noise you hear that sounds like something's hanging up when you first start it is the Bendix inside the the housing where the starter goes into the Bendix is sticking a lot of times the pull start handle if it's not at its home position covering up the hole in the case when the Rope is retracted all the way in water and mud and stuff will get in there and gum up that Bendix that shoots out when you hit the starter and then engauges the flywheel you have to take the other side apart pull the recoil start off the side of the motor to access the Bendix and either install a new one or clean it up and get it operating properly
Padre said great video really helped him fix our magnum thanks a lot
Glad to help.
Mine was not stuck very hard. Just a little pry and it popped out. If you do have trouble getting it out be careful prying on aluminum because it can break.
Nice Job
Great video, informative. Thanks for taking the time to do it.
Kevin Warren You are welcome. Starter is still working great.
great video ive got the exact same model and i am getting ready to put a new starter on this video was a big help now i know what i am in for but it dont look to bad
Not too bad. Just take your time and be patient.
My bike was actually an 07 it was doing the same thing clicking when you try to start it and it actually turned out to be dirty ground cable on the battery but then when I started it I heard that same noise you heard like something was hanging up on the flywheel like I said in that previous comment it's the Bendix that shoots out when you hit the starter and engages the flywheel that's hanging up probably all gummed up and dirty in there you have to keep the pull start handle in it's retracted position sealed up onto that nipple to keep mud and dirt out of the case
Just put a brand new battery in. When I start it it cranks pretty slow and when it finally starts and warms up its okay. But the lights get brighter when I throttle it up. Ideas?
Dbolin79 New battery it should crank over pretty fast. Starter might be getting weak. As for the lights your stator might not be putting out as much as it should. I think on this atv the lights do get brighter when you rev it up. I haven't run it at night for a long time.
1st, never use WD on o rings, use transparent silicon grease
2st, bendix and motor brushes has almost a same life time, replace them together. Or take out it out and measure the axial and tooth wear with micrometer. Sometimes a super cleaning and lubricate with heavy sticky grease helps for the bendix, but better to replace before killing the crankshaft wheel tooth.
I can say after 10 years this starter is still working fine. The rest of the ATV is getting pretty bad but no issues with the starter or bendix.
@@mossman381 then You are lucky 😂 we have a Polaris 400, and this starter just go wrong every 2 Years or so. guess different climate region. We have lot of dust here not so much rain.. eating every bearings, rubber things, seal rings, filter, connectors,
this helped alot for my polaris magnum 500 witch is the same. did you rebuild the starter or buy a new one? we just had it rebuilt its cheaper.
say man can you sned a pic or video where the voltage regulator/rectifier is.i bought mine used and it did not have one when i got it.im not sure if i should bolt it or strap it in thanks
Is there any difference in replacing a 1997 polaris sportsman 400 than there is in the video of the 500?
Yeah, you almost don't need to touch the brakes most times. I think you can put the ebs clutch on most Polaris models. Even the Polaris Rangers. Personally I don't really like it. Unless you are running down steep hills all the time you don't need it.
It has a pull start. That is how I have been starting it.
Lifesaver
Curious, after 4 years, how is your generic EBay starter holding up?
Still working.
mossman381 Thanks
Thank you, huge help! I appreciate it!
Is there any difference in replacing a 1997 Polaris sportsman 400 ATV's starter than there is in the video of the Polaris Sportsman 500?
Joyce Nelson Don't know. I have never seen a 97 sportsman 400.
Great help.. Do have video on replace repair pull starter? Bought my 2001 6x6 used which pull starter has never worked. Have to replace starter at this point and figure good time to fix pull start. Thanks
i have a 2012 polaris xp 850 touring. i hear clicking towards front of machine and it dosent start up at all only clicks. im pretty sure its the starter. Is there a special way you cleaned your starter or you just bought a new one.
I am not familiar with the 850's. Might want to stop at a Polaris forum maybe and see what they think. I bought a new starter and so far it is still working great.
I'd also be interested in the mount. I'd hate to have to take the bumper off to mount a winch and not be able to use the bumper. Thanks in advance for any info.
+David C A Polaris dealer should be able to tell you what you need. The winch and bumper was installed at the Polaris dealer before dad bought it.
Size of the bolts that hold the starter on?
All u need to do is go to the button next to your battery and click it it my be in a little compartment with a flip up door on it.
Can you show me where the voltage regulator is located
Is there any way you could send me some pics and info on your winch mount? I just got a winch for a 99 Sportsman 500 and have the double tube bumper up front but everywhere I was reading said you couldn't use both at the same time which doesn't make sense since there is the roller fairlead mounting plate on the bumper. I'm just wondering what winch mounting plate you're using and how its attached along with the double tube bumper. If you could somehow post pictures and more info or send them to me somehow that be awesome.
+Craig H This atv is in storage right now but I will see what I can do. As far as I know it's just a standard winch mount and then you use the bumpers fairlead mount. All parts were bought from the Polaris dealer when it was new.
Probably just some surface rust or something just a little stiff from not moving. After a few miles it should stop.
If you look around you can get one for a good price. I would stick with Polaris.
what is an 01 atv like yours worth ,im looking at an o1 runs and drives but needs tires and tlc thanks for any help
joe18370 I would say $2500-$3000. If it needs tires there must be a lot of miles on it. I can't look at it myself so I can't really tell you what to pay for it. I personally wouldn't pay over $2500 for an 01 no matter how good it looks or drives. It's a fairly old atv. Our local Polaris dealer said they would give us $1500 for ours but he is going to sell it for $2500-$3000.
mossman381 thanks a lot very much
mossman381 Very helpful video, much appreciated! My replacement starter is very very noisy. Did your noise eventually subside?
No, they sound terrible starting. Still does. No issues with the starter since this video.
Can your starter turn over but not fast enough to start the motor? My polaris sportsman will not start for crap when its cold with the key. But as soon as a pull it, it starts right up then idles like crap any idea. Oh and when its warm everything runs great.
The starter should turn over pretty quick. I believe I start this Polaris in the video. If yours doesn't turn over as fast as this one the starter could be going. Pretty hard for me so say why yours idles poorly not being able to see and play with it myself.
Ok thanks, I did some researxh and tinkering and I found out that there is some bad fuel in my tank and may be clogging the fuel pump, any idea should sea foam do the trick on that?
Derek Pope
If you think you have bad fuel you need to drain the tank and put fresh fuel in. Some sea foam won't hurt but will not clean bad fuel.
how much was starter so i know what range ill be gettin into thanks again
can you do a video on what the starter is connected to and how the wiring is done cuz when i bought mine i can only pull start it.mine can start up with the red button like the kill engine switch but it has a run switch in the middle so when u push the button up it starts but im thinking one wire or a part is missing to the starter
If it starts with the button why do you think something is wrong. Really don't know what you are asking?
mossman381 no it dosent start with the button it can only be pull started for now but im shure like yours you have a ingition switch such as the red start switch, when i press up on it mine gets no spark or nothing
mossman381 i can try to emailing you a video explaining what i mean
Good informative video. Thank you
I just bought a new one.
I have a 500 sportsman that I ran without the battery in it and the light got real bright and went out now I have now power to speedo either any ideas
still runs if you pull start it
If you look inside your headlight bucket you might find a fuse.
i have a polaris sportsman 90cc and it starts up and everything however when you pull the throttle it sounds like its drowning and then it shuts off.. no power whatsoever
Try cleaning the carb.
Jay it should be a throttle safety switch
I really do wish I had a 4 wheeler
Thanks, nice video...big help.
what kind of starter is that and where did you get it from
jeffrey dunn Got it off ebay. Been so long not sure the seller. Still working great.
how much is a starter for a 97 polaris sportsman 400 4x4? mine pull starts everytime and the starter works every other time so im sure i just need a new starter. great video
+brandon shackelford Don't remember how much the starter was.
there about 30 bucks. i just bought a 97 polaris sportsman 400 4x4 just like yours so where do i find the oil dip stick and the tranny dip stick? what oils would you recommend for the hubs, tranny, oil change? i know you can use regular car antifreeze but some people say you can use car tranny oil and use car tranny in your hubs? thanks in advance bro!
my starter just went out so thanks for this awesome easy to follow video
What kind of bumper and winch do u have
David Torosian Factory double tube bumpers front and rear. The winch is a Warn 2500lbs I believe.
I have that same four-wheeler at home
The Sportsman 500 is a good machine.
what kind of oil 2002 Polaris Sportsman
+Brandon Murray I believe they recommend 0w-40 full synthetic.
Thx
hey everybody .... I need parts. Where is the best place and prices for like Stator Cover with complete pull start assembly all in one and front and rear suspension bearings and throttle controls and cables for high range. I bought a trashed 2001 Polaris sportsman 500 and trying to make it live again.
+Cuku Kenivel Cheapcycleparts.com should be able to find parts on Ebay and Amazon too.
thanks bud !!!! appreciate it !!!
How much was the starter
Been so long I don't remember. It wasn't that bad. Still working great.
Good vid sounded like the starter bindex needs lube
That's what all those starters sound like. They sound terrible. It had just been so long since we had a starter on this machine I forgot how bad they sound.
sounds good to me\
Junk