I do not use my sportsman as a submarine, I do like to hit the odd mud hole. After doing so I have found about an inch of water in my air box. The drain plug was in. The seal on the air box was good. The water was not deep enough to come in the air intake (unless it splashed up??) My friend has a 500 sportsman who went through the same holes as me at the same speed and he had no water.

Is there anything I can do prevent water from enter the airbox? I do not want to put on a snorkel, and avoiding the mud is not an option.

Appreciate your input.
G.A.S.

 

same thing happens to me.its from going in sudden,splash-up,i know does not take much,look at the other bike see whats diff,let me know,

 

are you sure the air box gasket is good and not distorted? i know on my 800 it was letting mud in and put a new gasket on and it was good to go up to the seat. if you splash hard you could get some in but 1" water seems like alot from just splashing. also make sure the carb boot is tight. imo.

 

I would look at the airbox gasket and the carb boot at Stendori suggests. One inch seems like a lot from splashing. I've taken mine through some pretty deep water - and never had more than a few drops of water in the airbox.

By the way - I know some states - such as Maine - have outlawed snorkels on ATVs

 

I looked closer at the air box. There is only 4 clips holding it down. Looks like there should be 6???? Anyone with an 800 have only 4?

 

I bet it should have 6. I remember looking at several machines before I got my 500. I'm pretty certain they all had six clips.

I would stop at your dealer and ask him. Still, I'm not sure even that would allow that much water in the box, but I sure would eliminate the possibility.

 

My 700 has 6...

John