I just purchased a 2002 Sp 700. I rode it about 20 min and it ran good. I cut it off and tried to start it 5min later and it would do nothing. I finally got it to start but it kept loading up and blowing black smoke. I pulled the airbox and noticed a puddle of gas in the intake tube on rear of carb. I thought maybe the float stuck so I tapped on the base of the carb. repeatedly to no avail. This is my first polaris, so I am in unfamiliar territory. Any help would be appreciated. Also, whats the best way to pull the fuel tank so I can access the carb.?

 

I think you were on the right track with the stuck float. They are also jetted a bit rich, so if you don't plan on putting on a K&N, then lean the low speed jet by going down one on the pilot. You may want to take the carb apart and do a better inspection of float and needle/seat. Also, put new sparkplugs in there (preferablly NGKs). You would be surprised how much that will help. The best access to the carb is the following:

1) remove seat
2) pull left and right side panel. they are only held in by plastic tabs. push in towards the atv at the rear fender and that will force out the back part of the side panel. then work your way forwad... pull down and backwards on the side panel and this will uncover the rest of the tabs. from their you can see how to pull on it to get it removed. with these panels gone you should have room to get to the carb.

 

I removed the carb and upon disassembly I found alot of "crud" inside. I did not have to remove the gas tank. I cleaned it up, reassembled it and it runs like a "big champ" now.
Thanks for the advice.

 

This is a common problem on the SP700. Check to make sure there is a filter on the carb vent tube under the seat. Polaris uses a regular fuel filter on the end of the clear plastic tube to prevent dirt from entering the carb. Some of the 02's and 03's didn't come with this filter in place. Hope you enjoy your 700, they are awesome machines!