Hi All,
Below is a scan from my Polaris manual of the recoil housing for my 1987 Trail Boss. I have annotated it to match the pics from online vendors to add the part reference numbers 22, 26, 27, and 28. You need bolts 22 (qty 4) and 26 (qty 2) to attach the recoil.

22 - Bolt Washer Assy p/n 3082228. You need 4 of these bolts
26 - Bolt Washer Assy p/n unknown. You need 2 of these bolts
27 - Rubber Grommet p/n 3083731. You need 1 of these grommets
28 - Collar Nut p/n 3083732. You need 1 of these collar nuts

It looks like the previous owner used a rubber washer and a larger than bolt diameter lock nut as the collar nut. The rubber washer is completely shot.

Where parts 27 and 28 are used, bolt 22 (p/n 3082228) is too short. Without parts 27 and 28, bolt 26 (p/n unknown) is too long.

My questions:
Is there a design reason besides not requiring a 3rd length of bolt to attach the recoil that parts 27 and 28 are required?

Could I just skip parts 27 and 28 and pick up a bolt that is longer than the 22 bolt and shorter than the 26 bolt? i.e. one that matches the length required for this application without the collar and rubber grommet?

Thanks

 

Id go and put in a bolt & lockwasher without the grommet you can always put It back if you find you need the grommet for ?I would rather have the recoil solidly attached!
MY thoughts Not familiar with that model

 

I would try to use the right parts if I could find them. A collar nut looks like this BTW. It's very similar to a flange nut but also very different.

 

Here's a pic of the collar nut called out in the manual. There are no threads and it seems like it is just a spacer for the longer bolt.


Here's a pic of the rubber grommet



There are 5 other bolts that just have lock washers on them and then this oddball bolt that is too long for this application but uses this collar and grommet as spacers. Seems like the collar fits inside the grommet. I don't understand why this arrangement would be better than the correct length bolt and a lock washer like the other bolts.

 

I believe they are for a heat shield mount [ L-SHAPED]? been a while! that may or may not be on your bike still.I believe there are 2 other similar above on engine cylinder head area If heat shield not there just get a shorter bolt had something similar on my 87 cyclone my fist atv bought used in the early 90,s'' 27+YEARS NOW HOLY COW!!!!!! how far atv,s have come'' Edit found it ! part# 23 engine muffler mounting PARTZILLA [1987 trailboss] 2 other bolt bushing grommets are on cyl. head. I guess Memory still not 1/2 bad !!

 

Hey 850 Trailrider, Your memory is amazing! You're exactly right. I'm going to order the parts now.

The support you get on this sight is amazing.

Thanks so much!

 

Awesome. But I don't get how a piece of hardware can be a nut if it doesn't have any threads.

 

Try to help when I can
Maybe you can use a small inside diameter 1/4 id x 3/8 od x 1/4 or 3/8 long OILLITE Flange bushings off EBAY if you cant find the COLLAR NUT looks like it would work in pinch