I've got about 250 miles on my '03 Sportsman 500, and it's starting to knock. It's only really noticeable at idle. Rev it up, and it sounds okay. Is this just a Polaris idiosyncrasy, or should I be thankful I bought the extended warranty, and avoid long trips into the outback?

 

are you sure its not your valves making noise???? I dont think it would have a rod knock, thats if you change your oil and make sure its toped off...

 

This is definitely a knock. It does it even when it's warm.

Engine oil is always checked, and was changed at the recommended interval.

 

All of the polaris quads have some kind of knock. Mostly from the clutch and some lose piston clearancees. It is not bad just annoying. I have never noticed one that did not have a knock of some sort. I would be worried if it knocked all the time. Even while you rev it. Then it is a problem.

 

Have your valves been adjusted? That may help some. Mine has that knock at idle too. Doesnt seem to hurt anything. It could be the clutches, solid lifters, piston, or whatever. Nothing to worry about unless you start seeing other problems

 

Check the buttons in the primary clutch . They will knock like crazy at idle if they are worn badly .

Rick

 

Thank guys for your input. Sounds like it's pretty normal. I was starting to wonder if all those naysayers about Polaris were right. I did a search for "knock" and found lots of people with the same concerns.

Rick, what are the "buttons" in the primary clutch?

 

If it's still under warranty, you might want your dealer to verify. Cannot hurt to have them look at it and maybe if something awful happens outside of warranty, they will be more likelty to work with you.

 

I've heard the engine braking in the front clutch is the culprit for much of the noise. It is a ratchet type cog and clicks when not actually braking the engine.

 

My scram makes a ton of noise only at a idle, but i have yet to hear a quiet polaris quad you should be fine just keep a eye on everything, when you change your oil put it in a glass jar check for any metal in it, thats the first sign of a internal engine problem also cut your oil filter and check for metal...