2002 Sportman 500 HO
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If you have an exhaust leak fix it first. That may solve the problem. You 2002 Ho cam was past the ones that had faulty heat treatment and wore down,but not a bad idea to check valve clearance(.006 clearance on intake and exhaust valves) and look at the exhaust lobe for any scoring or wear. Again if the gasket at the head pipe or the donut gasket where the head pipe joins the main pipe is leaking,fix this first.If you don't have a manual,this cheap one can help on setting valves or any other problem or repair that's needed.2002 Polaris Sportsman 500 Service Manual PDF Download Easy to get to tdc to check the valve clearance. When cam sprocket alignment pin is center of the head you should be able to see the tdc mark on the flywheel through the recoil timing check hole.This is in the manual also.