I have a 2001 sportsman 500 ho, For some reason I can't get it to start.
turns over and over sometime will back fire will not start.
What could be wrong?

This would not affect it would it?

http://forums.atvconnection.com/pola...ing-broke.html

 

get some history: did anything catastrophic happen to the machine prior to this problem? is it getting fuel? does it have spark(well, i guess it could have spark with a timing issue if backfiring,eh?)? have you checked fuses under the seat/etc.....? does it actually backfire or does it try to start? i don't believe the ripcord would affect it.

 

I pulled the casing off, starter gear that goes on the big wheel is loose when I try to start it now just clicks.

I am thinking my starter is bad. What is the easiest way to pull it off