I have a 98 sportsman 500 that wont start. It's getting gas, but no spark at the plug. It does get a tiny spark when I release the starter button. Would this be the coil, or something else? Thanks

 

Any help would really be appreciated. Thanks

 

The ignition system works like a lawn mower. It is grounded to turn it off; no power from the battery is needed to get a spark. I would first try unhooking the kill wire on the CDI box. On a 02 Sportsman the kill wire is Black and the CDI box is under the hood.

 

I'll try that, thank you.

 

he said he was getting a little spark when he let off the starter so i dont think there is a kill switch issue. my guess is the coil or worse the statetor. did you try a diff. plug first to rule that out. process of elimination is the best way.

 

I did try a different plug, first thing, and it did the same thing. Is the coil under the hood?

 

The coil is under the hood. If you have a DVM you can check the coil. The primary coil should read about .3 ohms and the secondary should be between 5,000 - 7,000 ohms.

 

I have seen this happen on a friends 500. It turned out to be the stator.
I know this is not what you want to hear but I believe that is your problem.