I am a proud owner of a 2000 Scrambler 500 4x4, and I had my first two belt slips in the past week. I was wondering if someone would be so kind to explain how the whole PVT system works, and how the air intakes for it work, etc. Because as of now I am really baffled with the system. Last weekend, I decided to hit a small mudhole. The water was about 1.5ft deep. When I hit the water fast, I made it through (30ft) and then my belt began to slip. Then this weekend, we came across a flooded trail that when we entered it, almost submerged the machine. I mean the water was up to the seat. Since I was already commited to my actions, I just pick up my feet, and kept on the gas. I thought for sure that my belt was going to slip and that I was going to be winched out. But to my surprise, the machine didnt hesitate, made the 50ft journey of seat high water, and was in great shape. Immediatly after this, I returned to the mudhole mentioned above, hit it hard and my belt slipped again. To me, this makes no sense, I should have never made it through the deep water. I am thinking that it has something to do with going fast into the water. Can someone explain to me the reasoning behind this, and some tips on how to avid belt slipage. Was it a rare occurrence that I made it through the water, or can these machine handle it as long as you enter the water slow?? My scrambler really impressed me this weekend.

PS. Also, how bad did I burn my belt. I kept on the gas in order to get out of the mudhole when the belt was slipping. I dont think the machine appreciated that!! Thanks for all your input.

PSS> Anybody else have some interesting stories??

 

Here's my experience: The PVT intake is that white square apparatus under the front left fender. It goes up under the front nose-piece. The exaust is where the water usually gets in the PVT housing. It is the black "round then square" tube coming out the front/top of the PVT. It goes up a bit and turns back towards the engine head.

When splashing into a puddle the water can be thrown towards the PVT exaust and make it's way in. Many have cured this problem by re-routing the exaust up and under the front nose-piece. Thats what I did. This past weekend I was hitting 2 feet deep mud holes at 20 mph with no problems.

Polaris was supposed to have improved on the exaust...but it can still slip on occasion. I also noticed that on my Scrambler the water causing the problem was coming from the front left side. I made a small deflector but now have the snorkel set up.

If you saw some blackish rubber-smelling smoke that means you might have damaged the belt a bit. I fried a belt in 5 seconds once and another time it took many "burns" to end that belts life.

My favorite "non slippage" was when I got a bit too adventurous and went in the mud up to the seat. I was stuck and sat there giving her throttle for about 10 minutes waiting to be pulled out. Everything was submerged but the air-intake and she didn't slip.

Hope this helped a bit.

 

The reason your belt slipped in the shallower water is because you hit it at speed and that splashed the water up to the intake. When you went slow, the water didn't splash. You'll get used to what you can and can't do. When you get your belt wet, the best way I've found to get going quick without damaging the belt further is to put it in neutral and "reasonably" rev the engine. You'll see the water blowing back out the snorkle.
Damage already done? If your belt has a bad spot, you'll probably feel or hear a sort of slapping sound on the top side of your belt housing. This is caused by the worn spot hitting the clutch causing the belt to slack and slap the top of the housing.
The best way I've found to get through the wet mud is going into it rather slow, and then get on it. Keeping the rpm's up to keep the tires "self-cleaning". Experience is the best teacher. So have fun. Hope this helped.