I just purchased a new Prairie 300 4x4 about a month ago. I've put less than 100 miles on it. Yesterday, I friend and I were riding and I managed to get the belt wet. We had been riding for hrs. through all sorts of water and mud with no problems until I finally got the machine stuck. The water line was up to the bottom of the seat at the time. Seeing how it was stuck, I had to leave it there momentarily until I was able to get the winch cable attached to a tree and pull it out. After I had it back on dry land, I made the discovery that the belt had gotten wet. Basically, the machine would just "rev-up" high before it would move. I also believe I got a slight "whiff" of burning rubber. It took about 20-30 mins. of riding time to dry the belt before it actually started to feel like it's old self again. My question is: has this ever happened to any other of you Prairie owners out there? Also, when water actually does get in the belt compartment, does this cause damage the machine or belt in any way? I assume water managed to get in mine through one of the vent hoses. Any input here would be greatly appreciated.



KIRBY

2000 HONDA RANCHER 4x4 ES Green- Warn A2000 winch, ITP Chrome Black Center Rims, 26x9.50x12 Sumper Swampers, Stick Stoppers


2001 KAWI. PRAIRIE 300 4x4 Green- Warn A2000 Winch

 

Bottom of the seat? Hello, thats where the transmission exhaust port is- in the back near the battery box on the left side facing foreward. if you get any belt drive atv's belt wet- your not going anywhere until it gets semi-dry. That burning rubber smell was the belt.
Welcome to the wonderful world of belt drive atv's.
You can drive your atv with the rear of the seat underwater, you just can't stop moving.

 

DaveC,

Yeah, I knew that was where the vent hose was, but I sure didn't intend to get in that deep. That was the only hole I didn't check for depth first. Oh well, I guess it pays to "look before you leap." I just hope that getting water in the belt compartment won't cause me any premature wear problems in the future. That was muddy water. Dirt and moving parts don't mix to well, you know what I mean?

KIRBY

 

i have a 99 300 4x4. i have had to replace my belt because of jumping into one too many water holes i didn't check for depth first. i too, smelled the burnt rubber smell. then finally any time i would go through any mud, or climb a hill(anything to put a strain on the belt) it would squell like a car spinning tires on pavement. remember you have a two different exhaust tubes under the seat. right and left side. as long as you go through a water hole and not stop you should be fine. or you can do like a friend of mine did, he capped one tube off then added a snorkel tube to the other one that extends the vent up higher. he seems to have no problems now.

 

VAMP300,

Well after hearing that, I sure don't plan on getting the belt wet again anytime soon. The newer Praire's are supposed to have a more durable belt. Hopefully that'll give me a little leyway. Your right though, that burning smell sure couldn't mean anything good. Anyway, I guess I'm alright for now considering I've only done it once.


KIRBY

 

Having owned a bayou 300 previously, my main concern was to not sink the thing again, so I always had to use good judgement when entering a water hole, but that was basically a ride height issue. Now that I to own a praire300 I would like to hear more about how to snorkle the rear ports for the transmission, that would keep the belt dry for sure, and we already know how well the 300 will go in the mud(it does great). I see the wet belt as the only drawback to this machine because it limits your ability to take on those real bad pits w/o hesitation. You'll always wonder......how deep is it in the middle, will this be the hole to get my belt wet........

The one and only KaptnNemo
2001 praire300/2000 warn winch/stock

 

I would suggest checking the hose connections at the tranny cover. These hose clamps can vibrate loose and allow water to enter if not secured properly at assembly, as mine did. Good luck.

 

I had that problem with a 4004x4 Prairie.I had just bought it the evening before.I went into a river crossing and the 400 stopped in the middle.The motor reved up but it didn't pull.A freind on a 300ex backed into the river , hooked a 4ft rope onto the 400 and pulled me on the 400 out of the river and up the bank.I loaded up and went straight back to the dealer.Told them I wasn't paying $5400.00 for that.I brought home a 3004x4 w 5speed. I will never have a wet belt on it........It doesn't have a belt.