I need help, advice, or a place to start.

'97 Sportsman 500, was riding creek bottom all day. In and out of water, not deep say less that 6". After 4 hours of riding (not allways in the water) was heading for the truck to load up, went through a spot of water at about 20-25 mph and she quit. Just flat died. I could turn it over but it wouldn't start. After towing it back to the truck and playing around with it, I had it in reverse and it started. Shifted out of reverse and it died. Back in reverse and it started, it was in gear so gave some throttle and sure enough it was moving backward. Hit the reverse/override button and it died. Started it back up and shifted into high....it died. Shifted into low....it died. Neutral....died. Anything but reverse. Freaky. Backed it on the trailer and headed for the house. The next morning, all was fine!

Something obviously got too wet, but WHAT!!! And why at that point of riding after being in and out of the water most of the day? I am totally lost. Anyone got an idea? Where do I start in an attempt to diagnose?

 

Check for water in airbox, clean or replace water soaked air filter.

 

I would start by checking out your reverse override button and wiring at both ends. Make sure it is not shorting out.

 

CANAMAN : I am 99.999% sure that it's not mechanical. Something electrical got wet. It would start, but only when in reverse and the motor ran good until I shifted out of reverse, then it died.

400twostroke: That is a possibility that I will check. Maybe with the splash into the water the circut board got wet or something?


Don't have time to work on it during this week, but will dive in on Saturday if I don't go riding.