I need some direction please! My Sportsman 500 HO will start no problem and I can ride for about 2 - 4 minutes but then it will shut down and will not start unless I let it sit for awhile (exact amount of time still trying to determine).

At first I thought it was fuel related but after replacing pump, lines and bypassing reserve switch it still does it.

Just now it actually backfired 3 times before completely shutting off. Almost like I was taking the key and turning it off and back on real quick. This is making me think it's electrical now. I have no clue where to start. I have read a bunch of posts but have not seen anything exactly like this scenario yet. Any help guys? I would love to fix this myself.

Thanks

 

First you might want to check for any shorts in the wiring harness under the headlight pod that might be the problem.Bad area for shorts because of the twisting and turning and sress on the harness.Does sound like an electrical break down,but when it dies pull the plug cap,have another plug handy and see if you have spark when grounded against the engine. If you don't then could be stator,cdi or coil,coil wire,plug cap,etc breaking down.Best to have the trouble shooting guide on this as well as the resistance specs. Can save you time chasing around the problem.Here's a service manual if you don't have one.http://gh-ftp.com/ORV%20Manuals/Pola...0%20-%20SM.pdf
If this one doesn't load up,here's one for 5 bucks.2002 Polaris Sportsman 500 Service Manual PDF Download
Plus one last thing,I'd check compression and valve clearance just to eliminate a mechanical problem causing this when warmed up.Compression should only read around 55-90 psi because of the cam decompression device. Valves set at .006 intake and exhaust.

 

Thanks for the information as well as service manual. That'll come in handy for sure.

Thank you!!