just bought a 1996 polaris sportsman 500. i knew it needed work. when i apply full throttle, it wont run full throttle. it doesnt die, or cut out or anything. it just wont run wide open. the previous owner said he took the carb to a mechanic who put it in a parts washer. he said they dont rebuild them, they just throw them in the parts washer. this sounds crazy to me. he also said it didnt run any better when he put the carb back on. any suggestions.

 

Two most commom problems is wore clutch buttons or a worn exhaust cam, but if it was the cam you should have backfiring going on.

 

You are correct, thats crazy.
Not saying that is your only problem, but a good place to start.

 

This is how you clean a carb , its a Mikuni Round slide Carburetor, not a CV but it gives you a good idea. Disassembly and Cleaning of a Mikuni Round slide Carburetor The soaking a carb trick is just a lazy persons way.

 

talked to the previous owner again. he said it ran fine before the weather turned colder.

 

does it run better if the choke is on? if so then it's running too lean (lack of gas) from either not jetted correctly or a dirtly jet or passage in the carb.

 

using the choke makes no difference one way or the other.

 

First take the carb apart and clean properly(check for a kit on Ebay) secondly replace the clutch ramp buttons in the rear clutch

 

where would be a good place to get these parts besides ebay. i searched ebay for a carb rebuild kit with no luck.

 

will it rev up when it is in neutral?