I am having issues with what seems to be the starter. plenty of juice from the battery but when i try to electric start it, it will catch for a seconds then stop but if i hold down the start button, it will continue to try for a split second, then stop, then try again, but never for long enough that the engine can crank. the pull start starts it right up though. sound like the starter??
how difficult is it to replace or should i buy a rebuild kit or what? thanks- PB500

 

Try a jumper around the start solenoid (two big wires). If it starts, change the solenoid, a lot cheaper and easier.

 

When you hold the starter button down i assume it engages briefly and then disengages and the starter continues to spin. Correct? If so, you probably need a new bendix.

 

no, the starter doesn't continue to spin. it trys to engage, almost a "hickup" if you will, then stops, then "hickup" again, then stop. it will continue to try and engage for a fraction of a second if you continue to hold the electric start down. it seems as if the starter is not making a good connection and can't make a full rotation. thanks- PB500

 

Put a volt meter across the starter. If the meter reads around 12 volts DC when you try to start it, the starter is most likely the problem. If the meter reads around 10 volts or less, you most likely have other problems. If you do not have a meter you can buy a decent one for about $15. A meter will pay for itself over and over again.

 

how do i replace the starter on a 99 sportsman 500? thanks- PB500