I have A 2004 500 Sportsman early model that has what I think is a loose cam chain.I have checked the tensioner and it seems ok.Mileage is only 2000 miles.What is the tic tic tic I hear at idle?

 

Have you adjusted your valves to the proper gap? Seems like there will always be some amount of tic tic. Do you have the Polaris oil in it (0w-40 or 2w-50)>?

 

my '00 500 is very loud at idle too. i run the 0/40 polaris oil. it sounds to me the valves need to be adjusted. the engine is very noisy at idle [ more-so than just the valves] but if i wern't so lazy, that's were i'd start with mine. i have no idea what's involved but i'm guessing it's not easy.

 

are you sure your not hearing the starter drive making noise

 

I use the proper polaris oil in my machine.I have talked to a few tech's about this noise and they all mentioned the tensioner.I did take it to my local dealer first and he ,the owner didn't really answer my question.This guy you would have to meet,some day's he is helpful and most days your lucky to get a grunt out of him.
As far as the starter reply, that is another issue.I have replaced the starter twice.They last about 3 or 4 starts then a thin spring that holds the dogs in place flies all to hell.Another mystery
Thanks for the replies guys.Iwill check the valve adjustment.

 

well, i don't know if i'd be in to much of a hurry to check the valves. i am in the process of putting mine back together after checking the gap. they were fine!

i believe i have that exact same tic tic tic at idle, it's not the starter and i don't believe it's a chain, it's a tell tale rocker/ follower tic.

i was really dissapointed when they were actually a snug .006. one was slightly more but i'd say it was right on six thou. as there was still drag on the feeler. bummer! i chose to remove the tank etc, which means tons of work! not hard work just extra work as everything on the quad seems like an afterthought and you can't just remove something without removing several other things

i'm going to hold off on putting everything back on till tomorrow. but i was bummed that everything seemed to be in spec. unfortunatly, i guess it's just going to keep sounding like a diesel, haha

megacon, please post your findings if you do check the clearance or find what is making the ticking. i'm

 

Any word on your findings yet?
I have a 05 500 H.O. and I have the same sound. I was just wondering if you ever fixed it!

 

Usually the valves get too tight instead of too loose, sounds weird I know but its true, and alot of the 500s rattle a little

 

The more I look into this I keep coming across the same anwser. Noisy oil pump and its normal. I tried the screwdriver to the ear trick and low and behold it was the oil pump and water pump, I guess they both run off the same shaft. Oh well I guess we'll have to live with the noise.
Thanks guys

 

Gear trains are noisy at idle, Polaris more than others it seems. Twin cylinder Polaris are the same. They both have different ways of reducing that noise but not eliminate.