During a trail ride I smelt something burning on my 1996 Sportsman 400 4x4. Once I stopped I notice smoke coming from underneath the black plastic exhaust shield on the right leg side. I also noticed a loss of power at high rpms. The fan never kicked on, nor the high temp light. Once I got home, I pulled the plastic panel and found the insulation had scorched under the aluminum tape.

Has the insulation just given up the ghost after 7 years? Do I have a heat problem? And how do I fix it?

If it makes a difference, the atv is completely stock. I’m the original purchaser and no mods nor any recent adjustments to anything.

Also where can I get some more of that metal lined insulation?

 

I had this happen to my 425.You can get the tape insulation at a good auto parts.

 

What caused your insulation tape to melt/burn?

 

Mine just feel out from use and abuse