Hey there-

I'm new at troubleshooting/repairing... but I want to give this a go and see if it's something I can do myself. Winter's coming and I need my plow!

When I hit the starter button a while back, it would sound like a mixture of engaging and mush. But the ATV would start. Eventually, I would just get the solenoid click and now have to use the rope.

Just for the sake of interest, I recently started the machine with the pull-rope and then hit the starter button. The starter responded, but with that, "it don't sound like a good thing to do" sound.

Stop the machine and try the starter again. A little bit of engagement but mushy sounding. Then just clicking. To rule out a battery issue I had a good car battery connected/jumped to existing battery. Anyway, I think it might be the gears shot on the starter but not sure since I'm a new at this.

What does this sound like to you and how would you recommend I proceed? Any help would be much appreciated. Really don't have money to send this thing out for repair.

Thanks!

 

i think you are correct in thnking a bad starter gear if it is gringing(not meshing gears) or at least you can take off the starter to make sure it's the starter and check the engine side gear as well. might just be bad brushes in the starter but no way off telling until you get the starter out. imo

 

If it's the gears is it better to replace the whole starter? If so, any recommendations on where to get one without breaking the bank?

Thanks

 

I've heard mentions of DB electrical being cheap. DB Electrical - 400

 

Is it best to replace the starter AND the drive bendix both while I'm at it, even if the drive seems ok? (Haven't gotten into it yet to know)

 

hello i have a 2000 polaris psortman 500 ho i just change the batery and my quad still not starting just a click sound can some one help me pls

 

Strictly up to you on replacing both the starter and bendix both! If you feel good about the existing bendix after you grease it up a little and seems to work ok,teeth aren't worn,kicks out and in good,etc,then go with it! If not replace it with the starter! Its fairly cheap as an assembly at DB electric.The drawback to NOT replacing it,is if it goes out you not only have to pull the recoil housing,but the flywheel also to replace with a new one! OPT

 

Jump the two wires at the starter solenoid located by the battery. If the starter works,then the solenoid needs to be replaced! You might also check that connections are tight and tap on the starter body if it doesn't try to crank over to see if it helps. If its the starter you can clean it up if you have the time,desire to work on it, replace brush kit if needed,etc OR just check the DB electric link for about the cheapest prices on starters! Plus checking with a test light on the starter will tell if its getting power from the solenoid or not, if you have one! OPT

 

So, if I replace it all at once, it's not as big a job as it would be if I were to replace just the bendix later because the flywheel would be damaged?

Also, I read elsewhere on this forum about a less intensive technique to get at the starter: Would this technique work if replacing the starter and bendix at the same time?

Thanks for all the help!

 

What TLC is explaining is how he changed the starter on a 500 Sportsman 4-stroke,NOT a 400 2-stroke!! What I was trying to say is that the bendix will come out with the starter from BEHIND the flywheel area!!
If you replace the starter and reuse the old bendix,and if it goes out later,THEN you will have to remove the recoil housing and flywheel to replace it as it WON'T go forward past the flywheel!!You sure DON'T want to have to pull the starter again!! Hope you understand now! Just read your manual! OPT