Ok... looking for guidance... First off I'm ****ed because I had this in the shop and explained what was going on, and they changed the thermostat I think..said they couldn't find anything else wrong..

Backstory- Last year I went for a ride, having a great time. Well the radiator got clogged with mud, that I did not notice (Great design BTW polaris) Well we stopped for a break and the unit died. Hmmm.. I look at the cluster paned and it's flashing HOT, HOT.. etc.. and then my buddy says, dude, your leaking coolant..

So when it get her home, I fill the coolant, hose off all the mud off, and it still overheats on me...

I take it in to the shop, they changed the thermo or the fan switch, can't remember which and send me on my way $300 some dollars later..

What I told them it was doing:

Overheating
Burning through coolant like crazy (Not leaking, never see any puddles in garage)
Backfiring when around 5000 RPM, then power cuts way back
Slow throttle response, feels like it's cutting out

It is doing everything it was before, sans the overheating. THrottle response is terrible, still burning coolant, and backfiring. One of the other forums I visit says this is a classic textbook blown head gasket.

My question: What am I looking at for repairs, and is this something that I can tackle at home, or am I going to need serious engine work?

 

Same exact problem but i have an 07 sportsman 500

 

it should be easy to tackle at home. As far as parts go good chance you need new head gasket and take a good look at your cylinder and piston. You may need to replace the piston and get it boresd. Also you need to clean your valves and have the head checked for warpage. should be able to bring it to a machine shop for that. Gasket set is gonna be around $50.00. I paid $85 for the valve work on my 500 and $35 to have the head milled. if you need to replace piston your lookin at $180 for the piston and $60 for the bore job?
This unit is super easy to do top end once you get the plastics off and the tank out of the way.