I recently purchased an atv and would like to know more about how the polaris 500 ho handles the water. The manual says only to the footboards but the need may arise to go in deeper. If lets say i have to go in water and it gets up to the seat, can anyone tell me if there are any concerns about water getting into the engine and if there is any modifications aside from any snorkel kit to help the situation. Also can you tell me where the breather is for the crank.

 

On all polaris sportsmans imo as long as you keep the water below the front head lights and go slow without splashing alot you will be fine. the engine intake and belt vents are routed up to almost the hight of the fuel tank. But if you get stuck in water that deep all the splashing and spinning might get water into your belt vent first before you get water in the motor. I have a 600 and 2 good friends of mine have 06 500 and 09 500 and they go into water that deep everytime we ride. Oh and i think the breather for the motor is routed to your air intake box

 

take your seat off and there is your air box...and you clutch is behind one of the side panels....99% of the time your belt will get wet before any water gets in your airbox.... and if your in water that deep your not going that fast so splashing wont be that bad....and if it gets deep fast crack it and water wheelie....

 

I've floated mine and been up to the seat a lot with no issues. Just make sure if you feel the belt starting to slip get out of the deep stuff and take out the drain plug on your left side case to get the moisture out.

 

thanks for the replies....switzo i am not sure of the drain plug you are taking about... also what happens if you stall and the exhaust is under water, will it take on water? I found the breather for the crank, thanks...

 

there is no drain plug on the older polaris. my 00 dint have one. my 08 dose tho.

 

he has an 09'and their is a drain plug on the bottom on the black clutch cover. the vents for the engine and clutch are up high but if just idling the water could come up thur the exhaust if not enough pressure to keep it out. i would start in low water up to the fender maybe to make sure everything is sealed before going to deep just to make sure. imo

 

Depending on the year of the 500, the drain plug will be on the back of the CVT case and is red.

 

i think like in 07' and up maybe on the drain plug?? someone correct that. either way it you go to the seat in water and have a wave you will have water in the airbox and engine so go slow for sure.

 

yeah i knew about the airbox but didn't know if there were any lower spots that may be of concern, you know just in case. sometimes water can get deeper than you thought

so airbox and exhaust are the only two spots for water to get in unless it gets into the belt, right???