I just bought a 2002 700. Quad started right up ... plowed my driveway for about 20 minutes then it bogged down and died. It wouldn't start back up.. it cranked then it would bind up. I took the right side plug out to test for spark and the machine fired up on one cylinder. Plenty of spark. Tried the same thing with the other cylinder and nothing. Didn't get to do a compression test... wondering if it could be valves or ignition. Any thoughts?

Thanks

 

Google Sportsman 700 ignition problems and you'll find a lot of posts about the updated ignition systems that have been out for years now.It affected 2002-early 2004 carb models. Some would last for years with the Ducati ignitions,some didn't. Replacement kit from Kokusan had the flywheel, stator, cdi, coil, regulator, jumper wires and instructions. You can tell if it's been replaced or not by pulling the front rack,popping off the front panel. If you have the old Ducati system you'll have a combo cdi/coil pack. The newer system has a separate cdi and ignition coil. The part # for the kit is 2202602. Check around for prices as they will vary. There is another kit out there that uses the existing lighting coil for ignition. RM Stator. Problem is that I've had these coils go out also then you're stuck. It's cheaper,a little over 200 bucks versus around 500 for the complete Kokusan that does away with it. Plus don't try to buy used electrical parts on ebay,etc to fix this ignition. They won't last. Several videos that can help on install also.

 

I' m getting spark from both cylinders the left side will fire up and run when I take the plug out of the right and arc it. If I take the left plug out and arc it I still get spark but it won't fire up. As soon as I put the right plug in the starter cranks and then hangs up, almost like there's too much compression....

 

It still may be because of the Ducati system or you may also have a mechanical problem,stuck lifter,etc. Compression test can help. Manual shows between 160-200 psi on each cylinder. If there is a major difference between the two cylinders on compression,you might have to tear it down to find out.The cheap manual can help on this along with other trouble shooting. 2002/2003 700s were the same. Just different colors and body graphics.2003 Polaris Sportsman 700 Service Manual PDF Download

 

 

Did a compression test.. 170 right side.. 140 left side. Weird thing is it fires up on the weak side when I take the right side plug out... Did a resistance test on the coil and everything is at specs.
Time to take the motor apart..ugh..
Any thoughts?

 

Hope the cylinders are ok(plated cylinders) and that you can go back with new pistons and rings if needed.Keep us updated.

 

 

If the push rod popped out of the rocker arm,yes it could be a problem with a stuck lifter or possibly a bent valve that caused it.You'll just have to dig further to find which one.

 

Collapsed lifter... ordered new ones , brought the head and cylinder to the machine shop to check..
waiting to see if I need to order new pistons and cylinder or just rings..

getting there!