Polaris Ask an Expert! In fond memory of Old Polaris Tech. An area where experts in their field will answer non-general questions about your Polaris ATV.
"old polaris tech" and other experts will answer your questions as they have time.
ASK ALL GENERAL QUESTIONS OR BASIC QUESTIONS IN THE POLARIS FORUM.
Basic or General questions posted in a expert section will be moved!

97 Polaris Sport 400L 2x4

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
  #1  
Old 11-25-2011, 05:42 PM
Medwayis's Avatar
Weekend Warrior
Thread Starter
Join Date: Nov 2011
Posts: 12
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default 97 Polaris Sport 400L 2x4

I was out ride with friends and while riding, I heard what sounded like a hose bursting, (more like opening a can of beer sound), right after that, I hear this secondary engine noise that is louder than the exhaust pipe.

Turned it off, looked around, and noticed what appears to gear oil leaking from the bottom left of the engine. Near the motor mount. See the RED ARROW

http://s1198.photobucket.com/albums/aa459/medwayis/

Any idea's fellas....
 
  #2  
Old 11-25-2011, 07:44 PM
old polaris tech's Avatar
Polaris ATV Expert
Retired and loving it!
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: North Texas
Posts: 24,352
Likes: 0
Received 33 Likes on 33 Posts
Default

Welcome to the forum! First off have you attempted to crank it back up? I've had piston skirts break and crack cases and would still run. If this is the cause its possible the engine case could be cracked at the bottom in the channel area where the counter balancer rides which would explain the oil leak. Only way to really tell is to remove the bash plate and maybe the front motor mount to where you can see a little closer. Keep us updated. OPT
 
  #3  
Old 11-27-2011, 05:05 PM
Medwayis's Avatar
Weekend Warrior
Thread Starter
Join Date: Nov 2011
Posts: 12
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

Does that mean I have to remove the engine, or can I do this without the removal of the engine?
 
  #4  
Old 11-28-2011, 03:39 AM
old polaris tech's Avatar
Polaris ATV Expert
Retired and loving it!
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: North Texas
Posts: 24,352
Likes: 0
Received 33 Likes on 33 Posts
Default

You don't have to remove the engine, removing bash plate just allows better access to where you may see where it's leaking from.May not need to remove the front motor mount. If you have help,just stand on it's tail end and easy to remove the bash plate and check out the bottom of the engine! OPT
 
  #5  
Old 12-10-2011, 07:35 PM
Medwayis's Avatar
Weekend Warrior
Thread Starter
Join Date: Nov 2011
Posts: 12
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

update. Got the plate off.. Lord and behold this is what I found.

cracked002.jpg picture by medwayis - Photobucket

When looking at the pics, click (next) to see what has broken off..

Something tells me I'm in for a total rebuild.. (Low end).. --
 
  #6  
Old 12-10-2011, 08:00 PM
Oldsman67330's Avatar
Range Rover
Join Date: Nov 2007
Posts: 178
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

yup, looks like you are due for a set of cases and possibly some counterbalance parts.
 
  #7  
Old 12-10-2011, 08:42 PM
Medwayis's Avatar
Weekend Warrior
Thread Starter
Join Date: Nov 2011
Posts: 12
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default 2nd Update

What would cause this damage. I do not see anything at this point, but I do see a a bunch of metal shavings on the bottom of the case. However, I do see 2 mangled teeth (see pic) "cracked2 001"

Image hosting, free photo sharing & video sharing at Photobucket
 
  #8  
Old 12-10-2011, 11:52 PM
Medwayis's Avatar
Weekend Warrior
Thread Starter
Join Date: Nov 2011
Posts: 12
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default Update 3 -- Correction

cracked2004.jpg picture by medwayis - Photobucket

See above..
 
  #9  
Old 12-11-2011, 12:37 AM
old polaris tech's Avatar
Polaris ATV Expert
Retired and loving it!
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: North Texas
Posts: 24,352
Likes: 0
Received 33 Likes on 33 Posts
Default

Pretty nasty looking! Once you tear it down you should be able to see what caused it. Could have been part of the water pump bearing could have separated and gotten into the counter balancer and crank gear?
I think I would check on a set of used cases if you can find some,as a new set is over $400,plus a counter balancer is close to $500 now! You have to be careful if you go after a used counter balancer! Or you can try to find a used engine that might be a little easier on the pocket bock that you can rebuild? OPT
 
  #10  
Old 12-11-2011, 07:51 PM
Medwayis's Avatar
Weekend Warrior
Thread Starter
Join Date: Nov 2011
Posts: 12
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default What's it called

Crap !!

Ok. I can't seem to locate the part.. Is it the 2nd, or 3rd left crank. or does anyone know what it called..

See Pic. - What is this part(s) called ?

cracked002.jpg picture by medwayis - Photobucket
 


Quick Reply: 97 Polaris Sport 400L 2x4



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 01:44 AM.