I have a buddy who has a 95 Polaris 400 that just won't run right anymore. I told him I would take a look at it but don'tknow where to start. I was told that NO maintenance was performed since it was new. So I am guessing a top-end rebuild , carb kit, checking all fuel lines and such. Any advice would be appreiciated guys.

 

you put in the title that it is a 2 stroke
if thats the case there is no oil to change.

 

I would start simply by looking at the sparkplug. My 400 2 stroke fouled one every once in awhile. Carb rebuilt would probably be my next step, unless you know what your compression should be and do that check first. My 400 was trouble free so I really couldnt give any other advice. Please let us know what you find. Good luck!

I assume when you mentioned oil changes, you were refering to the drive systems????

 

When I said I didn't have the foggiest idea I didn't mean I was stupid.
Maybe I should have been clearer.

Thanks for the responses guys.
Chris

 

That old of a 400 will most likely need top end rebuild. You can do a compression check to make sure. If compression is low it wont run. Piston, rings, head gasket and hone or bore will do the trick. Then clean the carb while its off. You can get some good trouble free years out of the motors but they all will need top end work at some point.

 

sorry i did not mean you were stupid
i thought maybe you mistyped something

 

start w/ a compression check is good however when it was parked was it running. chances are the carb is all gunked up and will need a good cleaning. if you have good comp. and good fire then its probably the carb.

 

counter balance check,compression probably need a piston with ring.

 

Thanks guys. This thing has 1300miles on it. That seems awefull low for 95 but is that within reason for a top-end?

 

Alot of your answer depends on whether the previous owner used the correct 2 stroke oil, oil mixer adjusted correctly, and even inactivity can be a 2 strokes worst enemy. I agree with Stendrori about the carb being gunked up. Let us know what you find.