Hello Polaris ATV owners, Though I've owned/maintained some 30 motorcycles since age 12, I recently purchased my first ATV...a 2011 Polaris 850 Sportsman/Pursuit Camo. I am a Honda man at heart and when it comes to motors or electronics I generally purchase only Japanese products. Why you ask? They've been reliable and resilient as opposed to my Ford, Chevrolet and Harley. With that said, I am beginning my struggle to have what I consider a manufacturing defect repaired by Polaris. I've begun a service schedule and have included the particulars below. I hope to use this thread, if editing is allowed, to keep you informed regarding my experience with Polaris. Happy trails to all and keep the rubber side down. RickeyD


Polaris Repair File

2011 Polaris, SPM XP 850, PPC
Purchase date: 6-26-12
VIN: 1769
Mileage: 346.0
Hours: 18

Previous Owner:
xxxxxx xxxxxxxx
xxxx xxxxxxxxxxx
xxxxxx, xxxxxxxxxxx
Phone:
Purchased unit from:
Freedom Powersports
Purchase date: 8-11-11
Rogers, AR
Phone: 479-621-6006

Repair/Service Record

6-27-12
349 Miles/18 Hours

The ATV was picked up from Mr. xxxxxx residence on 6-27-12 since his wife was concerned that the bank transfer used to purchase the unit had not cleared by end of business 6-26-12. The unit was transported directly to Wheeler Powersports for its first service and purchase inspection. My only operation of the ATV was a test ride on 6-26-12 and riding the unit up onto and off the trailer on 6-27-12.

Break-in/First service performed by Wheeler Powersports/Fort Smith, AR. 479-783-5822
In addition to first service check-up, I asked Mike and JD, service representatives for Wheeler Powersports, to inspect the ATV for any problems and advise me so that I could make an informed decision relevant to purchase of unit.

Problem identified: At the first inspection, 18 hours on the unit, oil was discovered in the air-box. Such a large volume of oil was blown into the air-box that the problem necessitated replacement of the air filter. I was asked to pay for the air filter element and did so, but I considered it rather unusual that the customer was asked to pay for an item that was destroyed by an obvious manufacturer defect. Mike or JD showed me the damaged air filter that had been inundated with engine oil on one side of the filter. The dry side of the filter was perfectly clean and in good condition. Had the filter not been subject to oil blow-by, the filter would have been completely serviceable.

I performed an Internet search on problems with the 2011 Polaris 850 and discovered numerous entries relevant to oil in the air-box. Mike or JD explained that the problem resulted from over-revving the engine. I initially accepted that explanation, paid for the first service and the new oil filter. I transported the ATV to my place of residence and used the unit on my property at slow speeds, primarily in “low” drive and low to medium RPM.

At 20 hours, only 2 hours after the initial inspection, I inspected the air-box and air filter. The bottom of the air-box was filled with fresh engine oil. I cleaned the air-box floor and inspected the new Polaris air filter. The filter element had not yet been compromised but the large pool of oil on the floor of the air-box unit is unacceptable.

I called Wheeler Powersports on Tuesday, July 10, 2012, 0910 Hours, and spoke with JD in service. I explained the problem I was having with oil in the air-box and JD advised me that he would attempt to have the unit repaired by Polaris. JD was skeptical regarding Polaris’ response to repairing the unit as either a warranty item or manufactures’ defect. JD advised that he was understaffed at that time and would not be able to contact Polaris until Thursday, 7-12-12. JD asked that I call him back on Thursday to confirm that he had made the service request. I asked if I should bring the unit to Wheeler Powersports. JD advised that I could but that it would set in a secure lot until the parts from Polaris arrived. JD also advised that he would not make the next parts order until Saturday, 7-14-12.

I asked JD if the unit could be used in its present condition. JD advised that yes, I could use the unit, but I should clean the oil from the air-box and operate at low engine RPM.

7-10-12
Received phone call from JD at Wheeler Powersports in Fort Smith Arkansas (approximately 1130 hours). Advised that I needed to send photos of my ATV in order to process request for repair. I advised JD, via email, that both of my cameras which allowed me to upload photos were presently out of town and to please ask Polaris to proceeded without the photos.

7-12-12
0750 Hours: Emailed photos of ATV to JD at service@wheelerpowersports.com as requested in order to proceed with Polaris claim.

1000 Hours: Spoke with JD at Wheeler Powersports and reminded him, as requested by JD, regarding my oil in air box problem. JD advised that he had not received the photos of the ATV and the photos were necessary/required to proceed. Lost cell phone reception with JD but resent the photos two times. Received call-back from JD stating that he had received the photos but probably would not be able to begin the service claim until tomorrow (why?). JD stated that Polaris usually gets back with him within a couple of hours after filing a service claim. JD also advised that the last time he repaired an "oil in the air-box problem" Polaris did pay for the parts but would NOT PAY FOR THE LABOR, especially seeing that my unit was out of warranty.

I advised JD that this was totally unacceptable. The oil in the air box issue is an ongoing problem with the 2011 850's and is well documented on the Internet via posts from a multitude of 850 owners. Furthermore, the oil in the air box problem is obviously a mechanical/engineering defect in the 2011 850's and Polaris is responsible for repairing the machines at NO COST to the owner. In fact, I should be reimbursed for the expensive Polaris air filter replaced at the first service seeing that said air filter was perfectly clean except the areas that were saturated with engine oil. I advised JD that I would take-up the issue with Polaris and, if necessary, pursue the case civilly.

JD stated that he felt Polaris was stepping-up to the plate by buying the parts. I, once again, reiterated the fact that the oil in the air box was a manufacturing defect and all associated costs relevant to replacement/repair must be paid by Polaris. JD was very polite and advised that he would work with me in any way possible and would proceed with the claim. I advised JD that I would take-up the issue with Polaris personally. JD provided me with the phone number to Polaris' customer service line: 888-704-5290.

1012 Hours: I spoke with Carry at Polaris Customer Service, 888-704-5290, and provided her with the needed information. Carry was very polite and asked if there was anything else she could help me with.

My thoughts: Yes, I agree that the 2011 Polaris is out of warranty. When I purchased the unit it had 18 hours on the clock/346 miles. The first service had not yet been performed; therefore, the oil in the air box problem had not been discovered. It is a very safe assumption that while the unit WAS IN WARRANTY the oil in the air box problem did exist, as evidenced by the oil saturated lower half of the OEM Polaris air filter when inspected at the first service. If Polaris will reimburse my purchase price for this unit, I will proceed to Honda and purchase a Rincon.

1500 Hours: JD, Service Representative for Wheeler Powersports in Fort Smith, called and advised he was submitting my claim to Polaris and needed my approximately mileage now that I've had the ATV for a week or so.

1620 Hours: Received phone call from JD advising that Polaris has agreed to pay for the parts to repair the manufacturers defect but WILL NOT PAY FOR LABOR since my ATV is no longer in warranty. I advised JD that I am shocked that Polaris refuses to stand behind their product and remedy THEIR defective equipment that has been sold to the public. I will attempt to locate an attorney in Fort Smith or Van Buren Arkansas that will represent me in this matter.

 

Welcome to the forum! Sorry for the problems,BUT was the breather replacement kit #2204755 ever installed by the dealer? This was supposed to solve this problem and believe me you are not the only one that experienced this! OPT

 

Thanks "old guy," , I also retired less than a year ago...and yes, the biggest question of the day is, will I drink my coffee in the rocking chair, couch, or on the balcony?

In response to your question, no, no modifications have been performed on the 11/Polaris 850...it is perfectly stock and had 18 hours on the clock when the air box and lower portion of the air filter were found to be saturated with engine oil on the first inspection by Wheeler Powersports in Ft. Smith.

I then checked the air box at 20 hours, 2 hours after the initial inspection, and found the floor of the air box full of fresh engine oil once again.

Polaris has agreed to pay for the parts kit to repair the defect but Polaris will not pay for the labor. My contention is two fold...one, I should be reimbursed for the cost of the new air filter paid for at the initial inspection. Other than the portion subjected to oil saturation, the filter was in very good shape. It was Polaris' defective breather kit that resulted in oil inundation of the air box in the first place.

Two, the Internet is sufficient evidence to prove that the 2011 850's have a track record of oil in the air box problems and the the situation should be rectified by Polaris via a recall. Polaris has produced and marketed a defective product which has been sold to the public. The owners of these defective products should NOT have to pay for the labor to fix the defect.

My only option at this point is to pay for the labor charges and sue Polaris in small claims court...on principle if nothing else. The court charges will cost almost as much as the labor, but Polaris has no right to treat their customers like this. Live and learn...even works for an old retired guy...won't stray from my Honda or Yamaha again. This will most likely be my first and last Polaris product.

Thanks, RickeyD

 

sorry to here about your 850! i have an 800 that been great! Ford, Chevrolet and Harley? what about Dodge?

 

My suggestion would be to let Polaris pay for the parts and you do the install. It is a simple 1/2 hour job to remove and replace the old valve cover assembly with the new one. I understand why you are upset about it, but is it really worth giving away your time and money to take Polaris to court over? Unlikely you would win that battle.

 

way too much "needless" info in your post-

but- it's pretty simple;

you bought the atv used from a private party with no warranty.
Unless there was a recall for the issue you're describing, polaris is not responsible for the defect whether it was caused by you, the owner or a defect in craftsmanship- end of story. with out any warranty- you're S.O.L.

How many miles you rode it, how many hours are on it or the fact that you brought it to Wheeler Powersports for inspection after buying it is all irrelevant- because you had NO WARRANTY on it.

lots of atv's have bearing, motor or electrical issues with low milage on it- it does NOT mean the dealer or manufacturer is responsible for it.

This is simply a case of "buyer beware" and you should've gone over the atv more thoroughly before handing over the money to buy it.

you're lucky you got anything from polaris or the dealer-

- and don't waste your time with an attorney- you're not gonna get anywhere.

 

buying a used atv is just like buying a used car or truck. buyer beware as beergut has stated, study up, take a chance or walk away. i've bought one new quad and over time, at least a dozen used quads. some paid off and were good, others i had to suck it up and repair them. if it's a recall item, Polaris should cover the part but not labor due to the fact you're not the original owner unless you had a transferrable warranty, but buying a used quad it should've been checked out better especially if you saw the oil in the airbox prior to purchase. should've been willing to accept all costs for buying a used quad or just walk away from the deal and buy a new one. personal choice. maybe the previous owner duped you? didn't tell you the whole truth about the quad's history? hmmm....

i wish you well with your impending repairs. it should go good and you'll enjoy the quad very soon. good luck. now i know this post sounded harsh, but that's been my experience with multiple quads, multiple purchases, and buying used and taking chances and taking responsibility for my decisions.

 

[QUOTE=beergut;3126289]way too much "needless" info in your post-

but- it's pretty simple;

you bought the atv used from a private party with no warranty.
Unless there was a recall for the issue you're describing, polaris is not responsible for the defect whether it was caused by you, the owner or a defect in craftsmanship- end of story. with out any warranty- you're S.O.L.
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Hello Beergut, I could NOT disagree with you more. Your argument may be relevant if my unit was only one or one of a few units out there that has experienced this problem. Check the Internet and look at the documented, ongoing problem with the 2011 850 Polaris.

The unit, when purchased, only had 18 hours on the clock. It was at that time that the oil in the air box problem was discovered on the first inspection.

I did check the unit over...I rode the ATV...all looked well. I guess, by your statements, that I should have unscrewed the air box cover and inspected the air element.

Too much information for ya Beergut? Don't think I've demanded that you read the post nor have I asked for your confrontational response. Also, the post is for information purposes and will be used in small claims court as the presentation document for my claim. I am simply documenting the facts. If the judge finds that I have no case then so be it. To roll over and play dead might be your working protocol but it's certainly not mine.

Polaris has admitted, by offering a fix-it kit...part #PN2204755, KIT-850 Breather, that the 2011 850 does, in fact, have a defect. Okay, so you voted for Obama, we're not yet totally under socialism and yes, Polaris does have a responsibility to correct its manufacturing defect at NO COST TO THE OWNER.

Beergut, does it not stand to reason that since the oil in the air box was discovered on the first inspection, at 18 hours, the defect allowing the oil by-pass was defective during the warranty? The lower half of the filter was saturated with engine oil. Two hours after that inspection the air box was inundated with engine oil once again. Personally, I think Polaris is comparable to the Harley product...the absolute worst motorcycle I've ever owned...out of 30 bikes since age 12.

Buyer-be-ware my butt.

Have a nice day,

RickeyD

 

Trying to see who (besides the dealer) carries the kit. Seems like it's about 75 bucks. I understand the principal you're trying to defend, but it's going to be wasted money. I've read where they have covered this very thing when they were under new or extended warranties. Since you had neither, a court case could wind up costing you even more money.

If I can find a link with a lower price, I'll post it. Best thing to do at this point is get the one problem fixed and get back out on the trails.

 

Ok, found it cheaper than I thought. OPT, is this the right part?

Part #6 on the diagram.