I have a 97 sportsman 500 and I believe the compression release is shot it is really hard to turn over I have to tap the starter quite a few times to get it to go if I pull the rope it will about break my wrist. I know it is on the cam I just didn't know quite how it works or if there is a way to examine it and adjust it? Any help would be great so I can understand what it will take to fix it.

 

Sounds like your starter is going out if you have to tap on it. You can replace brushes as some do or just replace starter. Also is battery up to snuff? I've replaced dozen of cams and haven't seen one worn out compression release arm or spring broken,BUT thats just me! Its accessable on the left side of the engine,you have to pull the thermostat housing and clamp off the line to keep most of the coolant from making a mess,then remove the cam cover to inspect,but its kinda recessed and little fingers help.Pull starting a 500 is never easy,I have to use two hands on the rope to keep it from snapping back on me! I would check the valve clearance,starter and battery condition first! Good luck OPT

 

how do you check the valve clearance and what should it be?

 

There are two inspection covers, one on each end of the head, valves should be set at .006, with a feeler gage.

 

thanks I'll try and check that if it's off what is the procedure for adjusting them?

 

make sure that your motor is on top dead center compression, easiest way i've found when you have the inspection cover off the side of the motor to check the cam is the cam sprocket has kind of a dowell pin, that makes it so the sprocket can only go on one way, then check your valve clearances, make sure theres slack in both the exhaust and intake sides, check your clearance and then loosen the nut on the rocker arms and turn the center screw clockwise until your clearance is at .006 then tighten down nut and recheck

 

replaced the exhaust valve rocker and adjusted the valves starts great now thanks