I just bought a 1999 Polaris Scrambler 500 HO 4x4. When my bike is idling, there is a slapping noise. The noise goes away near 200 rpm.

The noise is a slap/tick/tapping whatever...it is fairly loud that is why I am concerned.

These are some of the things that I thought might be wrong with it:

* Recoil Starter
* Clutch
*Rocker Assembly
* Piston Slap
*Connecting Rod
* Decompression Ball

I have already adjusted the valve clearance to 0.006 so I know that is not the problem.

Should I be worried about this noise or is it common with polaris engines?
Does anyone own a scrambler 500 that makes the same noise?

I don't want to take it to a Polaris mechanic right away because they might try make me spend more than I have to.

Any help is appriciated.

 

It may be the clutch. An easy to tell would be to take the primary clutch off and if the noise goes away then it is the clutch. The only draw back is you have to have a puller to get it off. I've heard of people using a ball hitch with an 3/8 extension in there for it to butt up against the drive shaft to pop it off. I never had any luck doing this however but theres been lots of people who have. I just bought a clutch puller to do it.

 

Mine does the same thing. Reminds me of a diesel.

 

My 500HO scrambler is smooth and quiet at idle.

 

Mine isnt quiet but not noisy either I have a clicking from the recoil.But if you have a loud tapping do like Dune said and pull the clutch cover and see if the sound gets louder.Then take the belt off and start it again and see if it is still there.I would bet that your primary clutch buttons are worn and need to be taken to a dealer to get them replaced.

 

Could be the drivebelt has chunks missing out of it. Mine "clunking" sounds, and you could feel it in the left cover. If so, time for a new belt.

 

Ive got a 2005 sportsman 500 and about 500 or so miles ago i rebuilt the entire clutch, and I just put new rollers on because one was starting to get flat and it is still making a terrible clanking sound mostly at idle and it doesnt start until its been running for alittle while usually. Heres a link of a video with the clanking sound http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sG4cxJLI_N0

 

My '96 Magnum 425 made the same noise. It was the exhaust hitting the frame where it comes off the head and curves around the frame. It took me about an hour to pinpoint it. The rubber support at the muffler was worn down. I adjusted it up and the noise was gone.