Ok so i got this polaris xplorer that is a 1996 or 1997 that had not been started in over a year, and had not been really rode hard in about 2 years.

well i had to trailor it home today (out of gas) but as soon as i put gas in it, it fired up no problem, but before i take it out and ride it i would like some help in some maintenence.

Im thinking i need to check the fluids, spark plugs, air filter, chain, .....


is the chain adjustable, does it have a tensioner, is it replaceable?

basically what should i check on it before i take it out for the first ride in a few years


thanks in advance, and i look forward to being active in this forum

 

i would check the counter blance oil the air filter take the carb off and clean it real good
check the boots to the carb and see if there dry rotted the chain is adjustable but does not have a tensioner on it they are a good idea to add though is it 4x4? the best thing for the other stuff would be to search there are answers to every ? you can ask already
burried deep in these pages not that we mind answering them again[img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-wink.gif[/img] oh and welcome to the forums.

 

I personnaly am a stickler on fluids. check and maybe even change the engine oil for sure. You might also want to check the drive belt ( i assume it has a belt) for wear and rot to make sure you don't take off and get stranded. and as always check your tire pressures as well. it can make a big difference in the ride. I am not an expert by no means but these are things i would do.

 

thanks for the info, and yes it is a 4x4, so if i understood your post right, can i add a tensioner

 

http://www.polarisindustries.c...ompany/ContactUs/FAQ/


If you go to this link, bottom of the page, "where can I get a owners manual". You'll need to register. You can download the manual. I'd change every fluid, change the belt, tension the chain and grease the machine before I drove it much. Changing all the fluids/maintenance took me a couple hours the first time, I have a 98. A little time spent on maintenance can save you a ton of trouble on the trail. My machine was bought with 600 miles and looked in perfect cond, the fluids definitly needed changing. Good luck.

 

my only problem is that i do not know what year, or what size the engine is

 

The engine size should be indicated by the decals on the side of the machine, unless they were removed. Look in front of the speedometer head on the front panel near the oil cap (if it's a 2 cycle) and you should fine a decal indicating the VIN and date of manufacture. If the date is July or later in, say 1996, it probably is a '97. The VIN should also be stamped in the frame behind the left front wheel.

Chances are yours is a 2 stroker. The first 4 cycle Explorer 500 was a '97 model. All others that year and before were 2 cycle, according to my Polarais ATV brochures.

Down load that manual and you will get all the maintenance info you will need.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
'97 Explorer
'00 Sportsman 500 (I miss that machine)
'02 Sportsman 500
'07 Soprtsman 500 X2 (The best 500 yet!)

 

What is the tenth digit in the VIN? You can tell the year by that, look at list below.

I got a working 2000 SP500 back in 2005 and I replaced every drop of fliud over the first year of owning.

B 1981
C 1982
D 1983
E 1984
F 1985
G 1986
H 1987
J 1988
K 1989
L 1990
M 1991
N 1992
P 1993
R 1994
S 1995
T 1996
U or V 1997
W 1998
X 1999
Y 2000
1 2001
2 2002
3 2003
4 2004
5 2005
6 2006
7 2007
8 2008
9 2009
0 2010

 

well my vin only has 6 numbers so i dont think your list will work

 

It works for me. Counting letters and numbers, the tenth spot in my VIN is a 7.

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'07 Sportsman 500 Mossy X2