2007 Sportsman 500 Deluxe. At idle (1150 rpm) the quad wants to creep and hard to shift. Getting a squeeling noise but can't pin down where it's originating. The quad has 1100 hours on it orignal belt and clutches. Seems when everything gets warm it gets a little better.

Another question is the oil tank vent line. The orignal vent line had a slit in it about 2 inches from the oil tank. Thinking it was faulty I replaced it with a solid hose. How important is the slit during winter operation?

Thanks to all in advance

 

After 1100 hours and 7 years time to replace the belt and check out the clutches especially the drive clutch fiber and brass washers and the one way bearing.Some like yours would do better as they warmed up,but the problem is still there.Belt squealing can also be cause by clutches out of alignment,broken motor mounts.I can imagine how much belt dust has accumulated in the clutches also. Blow all this out in an open area.This is a common problem on creeping,hard shifting when clutch repair,alignment and belts need replacement. Here's several posts on the same topic.2002 500 Sportsman belt alignment - ATVConnection.com ATV Enthusiast Community The slit is supposed to be in the vent hose to allow any trapped moisture a way to seep/pushed out during cold weather and keep the vent line open and from freezing up.With the dips and bends in the vent line trapped moisture could end up freezing,blocking the line. If this line is blocked,pressure build up in the tank can cause problems on oil delivery and return along with some reported tanks bursting.First models out didn't have this slit and dealers were sent bulletins to make the slits themselves. Bulletins were mainly for the extreme cold of northern states but really a good idea no matter where you live as all models have this slit now.

 

Thanks for your expertease. Will tear into that thing and see what the problem is.