So I can't seem to get the right brake handle to stiffen up and give me front brakes I have bled them and still nothing. Do I need a new master cylinder or what do I do?

 

What year model? 4x6,6x6?

 

03 sportsman 400 4x4

 

Kinda got me confused a little when you said right hand brake?.. No master cylinder rebuild kit shows available for this one,but have you replaced the pads or just trying to bleed the system? Have you checked the to see if old pads are worn down? Any leaking noticed at the calipers? Plus you can try an old trick if you're careful. Clamp off the brake line close to the master cylinder and see if the master cylinder builds up pressure,then release the vice grips. Try to bleed again and see if this works. If it doesn't could be leaking seals at the caliper,stuck caliper pistons or air leak at the master cylinder. Vacuum brake bleeder in a lot of cases helps also if you have access to one.Dirt Cheap Yamaha, Honda, Arctic Cat & Polaris OEM Parts & Accessories – Cycle Parts Warehouse
Plus here's the caliper break down.http://www.cyclepartswarehouse.com/f...2003&fveh=5617

 

I have gone all over all of what you mentioned and found that the line to the back caliper was leaking. fixed the leak and now have brakes but the handle goes to the handle bars. continue bleeding???

 

Probably has a lot of air in the lines from this leak. On bleeding brakes it's best to bleed the one that's farthest from the master cylinder first,which is the rear.Then the front right,then left. Will speed up bleeding time if you have a Mity Vac brake bleeder.Plus the pneumatic type bleeders can save your hands on pumping the Mity Vac and just as cheap. If after all the air is out and the master cylinder can't build up pressure,might be time to get the updated one listed on the link I showed .Brake Fluid Bleeder

 

What type of brake fluid can I use. The Clymer manual says DOT 4, but all I have on the shop shelf is DOT 3 for vehicles. Is this acceptable?

 

Dot 3 and 4 are interchangeable.I updated my old dot 3 Honda fluid to dot 4. Dot 5 is not since it's silicone based. If the dot 3 fluid you have has ever been opened and sitting for a while,best as the bottle says to use fresh fluid.Brand new dot 3 or 4 as the choice is yours.