I have a 2001 Polaris Scrambler 500 4x4. I used it a couple of weeks ago for about 6 hours of riding with no problems. It had great throttle response, plenty or power, and even had it in AWD mode for a while. When I got home, cleaned it off, then put it in the garage. The other day I trailered it 4 hours up north to do some riding and right away had problems with it. It started right up, then I let it warm up for a few minutes, but immediately noticed that I had very little power from it, and when I gave is some gas, it boged out, and got loud. Needless to say the day was a loss. I have tried to run it in AWD and not in AWD with no difference, I even tried to run with the Reverse Override switch on.. I changed the plug, changed the filter, and removed the bowl on the carb, which was clean as a whistle. I am at a loss as to what it could be. And why would it just start doing this? Any Ideas?

 

was it bogging out or is it a clutch issue? how did it rev up in neutral? does it seem like your trying to start out in like high gear(like it was a standard) and just doesn't have any pulling power or is the enigne actually bogging out?

 

Clutch buttons in the secondary or maybe just a plugged gas vent line off the tank.Try running it with the gas cap off

 

I know it has been a while, but found the issue. It seems that my exhaust cam lobe has been worn down to nothing. I have heard that it can be cuased by dirty oil, but I have changed the oil at around 100 miles. Now I have a new problem. Can I just replace the Cam and Follower or should I expect additional engine damage from the particles of the worn down lobe? Should I plan on cracking the case and rebuilding from the bottom up or should i be all set to just replace the cam and follower.
I also have read that polaris stands behind this problem, and will replace the part for me.. Is that true? This is a 2001 500cc 4x4.. Thanks Again

 

Replace the cam and that rocker arm, change oil and all should be fine, Polaris does not warranty this as far as I know,do you have a service manual for it, it spells out the procedure for changing the cam pretty clearly.

 

Yes, I have the service manual, though it looks like the cam itself is about 200 bucks, not including the rocker. But oh well. It is a fine machine to ride and I miss riding it, so I guess I am off to order some new stuff.. Any suggestions on how to prevent this in the future, or any idea why this failed? The rest of the intake rockers and lobes are good, and the shaft that the rockers ride on is fine.. Just the exhaust cam lobes and rocker were destroyed.