99 Sportsman 500*
Went riding yesterday, went through alot of water too.
During the course of the day, i shut off my wheeler and tried to start it back and it would only click. It was the starter solenoid clicking and that was it.
I noticed if i would pull my pull start just half way out, slowly, i could then get the starter to engage.
The starter has also for a long time had a "chatter" for 2*3 seconds after start up. sounding like it would not disengage for 2*3 seconds. But now it is hit or miss if i have to pull start or not.
Sound like the starter? or solenoid? or both? Thanks* PB500

Also*About 2 months ago i did take it apart and clean it up trying to eliminate the chatter, so the brushes have been sanded nicely, and everything else looked good inside it.

 

Sounds like the starter drive/bendix to me. Could also check for a poor ground.

 

not disagreeing with you Mongrol, so please correct me if i am wrong, BUT i thought if all i was getting is a "clicking" noise then it pointed more to the solenoid or started itself.
if the starter was actually spinning, just not engaging out, then it would be the bendix.
if it is the starter, what do you think about a rebuild kit from ebay opposed to a new aftermarket one??
thanks for any updates on this, gotta get it fixed. thanks!!

 

repeated Clicking solenoid sounds like low voltage unless it is just a one solid click.

 

yes, it is one solid click per push of the electric start button. it clicks each time i push the button, only once though.

 

If its been "chattering" after starting for a long while after starting,possible bendix worn enough to bind up against flywheel when trying to start, will mimic solenoid or starter problem. Do as Mongrol suggested and remove recoil cover check/remove bendix and see if starter turns over without bendix in place Usually the bendix spring breaks or bendix sticks from being dry. OPT

 

ok, i will pull the bendix and check it. if it is dry, do i need to put grease or a spray or what on it?? thanks

 

If its been giving you problems probably time to replace it! They stick a lot at top of bendix cup and spring gets weak,plus teeth get worn on gear. Cleaning and greasing may help a while.

 

well i found out it is hit or miss with the click. today it fired up, but still had to hit the start button about 4 times, but NO CLICK. i have had to hit the start button a few times for the past year. it almost acts like a dead or weak battery, but its not. the starter drags really bad, but if i kinda hit the start button 2-3 times really fast, it will get it to fully engage.
this all sound like the bendix binding up?

 

My starter would just click and worked only sometimes,especially if I tapped the starter with a hammer, turned out the starter brushes were dirty and sticking,I cleaned and lubed the starter brushes 2 years ago and it has been good so far.

I bought a aftermarket Bendix drive also for $70 for peace of mind, the Polaris dealer wanted $250! LOL