so yesterday we measured the cam lobes on my 1997 polaris sportsman 500. the intakes were perfect, but as suspected the exhaust lobes was worn quite abit. The manual says it should be about 1.28mm and the lobe was worn down about a millimeter. i ordered a new cam today, is this the answer to all my powerloss problems? also when i drove it last week it did 45mph, then after 5min., only 20mph, does this sound cam related as well?

 

Can happen! Cam lobes 1.2884"(32.726 mm) new, 1.2766" (32.426 mm)recommended replace limit. You're probably lower than that. Like I said earlier cams just don't wear out all at once it's a gradual thing. Usually when I got em though they were completely ground down and would only just idle. Hopefully a new cam (DON'T forget the exhaust rocker arm also if has any scoring on it!) works out for you. This may be all that's needed,but take it one step at a time. Plus the oil and filter and the oil tank screen needs to be cleaned thoroughly to remove any metal particles before you change the cam. OPT

 

i ordered the rockers and everything else, it should be here is a fww days.

 

Do you need to grease the cam? the dealer told me just put oil on it.

 

Here is a good post from a guy who went through it (With Pics) Polaris Camshaft - The Garage Journal Board

 

ok, looks like the same problem as mine, but mine isn't worn that bad i don't think. i ordered a 97 sportsman cam, should i be worried about it wearing out again anytime soon? or should it last for a long time?

 

You will get the updated replacement cam. NO need to worry! OPT

 

they updated the original cams for the older sportsmans after all the problems?

 

Yes! Look here under your model under "intake and exhaust" item #14 (cam shaft) has a "substituted" part #3086212. http://parts.polarisind.com/Browse/Browse.asp OPT

 

It will also be the higher duration H.O Cam ,so you should feel some more get up and go also.