just bought a 1998 Sportsman and I need help. I ran it through a creek and I guess sucked in some water. I changed the oil in the resevoir but the crankcase drain plug was stripped. I tried vise grips but had no luck. Now, I have a mess. Any suggestions other than pull the motor and try to drill and use an extractor? The main problem I was having is that after I went through the creek my ATV wouldn't run more than 20-25mph. I cleaned the carb, checked the air filter, and also checked the compression which was 145lbs. If changing the oil doesn't help does anyone have any other suggestions? I can pull the exhaust off but what do I do when it's off? I would appreciate any advise or suggestions. Thanks.

 

Did you get water in the oil? Is it milky?If not you are ok. If it is milky there is only about 8 oz that is going to drain out the bottom plug which is very little and in my personal opinion rather than hassle with the plug I would change the oil and filter several times using a cheaper filter say PH6017A Fram and buy a gal of 0w 40 Mobile one.It only holds 2 quarts with oil/filter change.Water in the oil is not going to cause it to run less than 30 mph.As far as the exhaust it will dry out if it will run.Polaris engines are well known for good sealing and none in our club has ever taken in water in the engine even with water over the seat and the ATV cuts off, trying to start it under water is a different story than can be BAD.There is also a water drain on the bottom of the recoil housing you could also check.What are the symptoms other than not running over 25mph, black /blue smoke,popping.Have you checked your plug wire for damage and at the coil for corrosion as well as your CDI connections for corrosion,You can pull the front rack and hood to check those,the coil wire is a bit tricky to get to on some.I use electric grease on all my connections.Keep in mind only run 0W-40 Synthetic oil in your 500,the capacity is 2 qts with a filter change.It can be cam related but we will get to that after you check everything

 

Did you check to see if there is water in the drive bely housing?

 

if the oil was milky, you'll have to change it a few times most likey to get it water free. make sure youe vent lines didnt suck water in as well and get mixed in the gas/carb. don't keep running if there is water in the oil as you will do damage. imo