I have a 2002 polaris sportsman 500 HO that will idle ok for a while but when I push the throttle it runs really rough then dies. It does backfire out pf the exhaust. Also every few pulls with the pull start it will tip the cord out of my hand before a full extension. Anyone have any ideas of what this could be? I was thinking compression maybe. I thought timing as well but I've read a few articles that say the timing is pretty much self adjusted and could only be messed up if it was messed with.

 

Sorry. Im new to this. Any help would be MUCH appreciated. Thanks.

 

Welcome to the forum! Could be that the carb needs to be cleaned up (needle and seat replaced,jets cleaned,etc) new plug if you haven't already replaced it, plus you might check the valve adjustment if you haven't done so in a while, .006 intake and exhaust. OPT

 

Thanks for the welcome. Yeah I cleaned the carb but I didn't replace the needle or seat. I have put a new plug in it though. What would cause the pull start to snap out of my hand like that? It never happened until it started acting up on me.

 

The 500 has always been bad on ripping the rope out of your hands if you're not careful! I've had brand new ones do this.That's why I always used two hands. Just check the valve clearance and if it still runs rough you may have to go back into the carb to replace the needle and seat,plus if the float arm is wobbly and worn best to replace it and the float arm pin. Most people don't replace this critical part. OPT

 

Awesome. Ill give her a whirl and see what happens. Thanks a bunch.