Hi folks,
Newbie here, and I just picked up a 2004 AC 500 Automatic 4x4. I've been noticing in the last few runs that once water gets on the belt...your staying put, like it or not. I replaced the drain plug with a drain valve and that empties the water from the case but the remaining water on the belt leaves you sitting wishing you had a second six pack.
Any ideas on how to prevent this from happening and how to dry things up a little faster when it does happen?

 

Desjark,

There is the obvious, "stay out of deep water", but sensing that you are looking for more. I would suggest snorkeling the vent tubes for the auto tranny. I would also suggest checking to make sure the seal around the belt housing is working properly. I have heard of them leaking before and guys having their belt slip after going through a 1 inch deep puddle after it rains. There is also a rubber boot with clamps on it where the vent tube connects to the housing. I have had a stick pop it loose before so check that its tight a sealed as well.

I have had my 500trv up to bottom of the seat in flowing water multiple times. Never had the belt slip once. I am careful how I enter the water so I don't scoop up water into the vent tubes. unfortunately the intake is higher than the vent tubes so the engine can still be running but your belt could be wet and slip.

I believe the procedure to dry a belt out after being wet is to open the drain and drain the water out of the belt housing. leaving the drain off start the engine and rev it up in neutral a few times. Then replace the plug and go. But 5 years and over 9000 miles I have yet to need to do this.

Welcome to the forum.

Swampy

 

There is a duckbill on the intake for the CVT, sometimes this lets in water. I have sealed mine to prevent this. I can still drain the intake with the CVT drain bolt because the intake drain is highter.

 

I took the vent tubes off the case and let mine run for a while. It warmed up nice and dried out.

Good luck.

 

Rev the ATV in neutral and it drys out inside of the belt hosing much quicker.