I have 2 Polaris Sportsman 500. I am having some unrecognizable trouble with one of them. it is a 1999 that has been sitting for awhile. new battery but constantly have to jump it off or charge it up, only had a year warrant yon it so we are out of luck there. Now it is charged and only sounds like it is attempting to crank but never actually fires up. I took off the seat to get to the air filter and full off gas and was leaking gas. I am puzzled on where to even start with this.

 

I don't know much about it but I would start by rebuilding the carb.

 

Yeah I think that may be a good idea. sat for a long time, probably clogged it right up . I run non-ethanol in my mowers will try it on this,
thanks

 

Check for gas in the oil tank. If it smells like gas on the dipstick, change the oil and filter.I'd change it anyway. Check the battery and solenoid connections.Load test the battery. It may show 12+ volts but may fail a load test like shown here.https://www.batterystuff.com/blog/ho...ry-is-bad.html Best carb kits are made by Shindy.Shindy Carb Repair Kit For Polaris Sportsman 500 99-00 03-416 | eBay

 

thank you so much!!!! very helpful. They are apart of my childhood, I finally have them and trying to get them running great again! Will try these and let you know.

 

Agree with the above posts.
Probably junk in the carb, and in need of new seat.
Also, drain that old fuel out.