Hi Guys, Our 400 sportsman (early '04) won't crank!

Here is the history, for a while it wouldn't start cold with the electric starter, but would start with 1 or 2 yanks on the cord - then when hot would start with the electric starter. However when it was cold it was necessary to idle it up via the throttle adjustment until it was warm, when the throttle could be returned to the proper adjustment.

A Polaris tech at a dealership suggested I replace the electric starter, which I did - what a pain. However as most can guess this did nothing to solve my problems. Now I can't start it even with the pull cord. When I try to start it I get occasional backfire's via the intake and exhaust. :-(

What next? Suggestions?

THanks

 

is it a 2 stroker or 4 stroke?

if its a 2 stroke i would suggest replacing the crank seals

 

425cc version of the 499 in the 500 HO - 4 stroke

 

ok when was the last time the valve train was adjusted properly? there are a few known problems with cam lobes wearing off in some motors. maybe yours got it too.
is the exhuast plugged up somehow?