So i bought a Sportsman from some guy that knows NOTHING about maintenance.... might as well been a woman!

But pulled the drain plug, thick as sump, black tar oilish crap came out and at the bottom was small clumps of oil.
(How the hell did this even run?!?!)
On the oil bolt the tip was wiped off with a consistency of yogurt.

I ran 1qt of 0w40 and 1/2 bottle of seafoam for 30 minutes, and drained, and looked a little better.
But im sure there is a WHOLE SLEW of sludge everywhere!


1. Idles rough and sometimes dies.
- i cleaned the air filter (washable)

2. New Oil - & Filter

whats else should i do?
Very tempted to pull the carb and soak it/clean it and see if i get better idles.




*But after the oil change, i did see a dramatic improvement in pick up speed.

 

Check the valve clearance also! If the oil is thicker than STP it's got to have wear on the rocker arms,cam and rocker arm clearance. The clearance is .006 intake and exhaust. Plus I know you've changed the oil,but I'd check the filter screen in the oil tank also,plus if you didn't drain the sump it needs to be done(hold about 8 ounces) Plus if it's an older model Sportsman (2000 or older) make sure you inspect the exhaust cam lobe closely. Plus wouldn't hurt to pour a little Seafoam (about an ounce) Or spray some PB Blaster down the plug hole and let it sit for awhile to break up any accumulated carbon deposits around the rings. I've seen this several times myself and it's usually an ugly mess. Plus I wouldn't overlook the gear case fluid either,could be just as nasty. OPT

 

I never check my oil line oil tank screen when changing the oil but in your case you may want to. Once the oil screen is removed you suppose to vent the oil line.

 

I found out where it wass. CheapCycleparts.com has great schematics.