how is everyone doing new to the site and in need of some help. I just bought a 99 sportsman 500 and it has been sitting for a couple of years I've been pull starting it it will fire for a couple seconds and then die but I have to use starting fluid to get it to fire I'm sure its the carb gummed up but was wondering if anyone has had the same symptoms and info would be well advised thanks

 

Couple years pretty well says it all. Fuel is probably rancid,needs to be flushed,carb gummed up and needs to be rebuilt. Reason starter fluid will fire up because it's lighter than gas and goes straight into the engine bypassing the carb jets. Carb kits are all over Ebay for your model at reasonable prices. Plus with today's ethanol fuel,I'd keep a fuel stabilizer in it if it's stored for any length of time. Most bike shops make their easiest money on spring and fall carb cleans like this.Some charge ridiculous prices for this.

 

thank you for the info i took the carb off today and cleaned it and now it will idle but when i give it throttle it will die so its just the carb thanks for the help going to buy a rebuid kit for it

 

You can get cheap carb kits on Ebay or Mfg Supply.Polaris Sportsman 500 Carburetor Rebuild Kit Carb 99 00 | eBay
Polaris Carburetor Kits | ATV Parts | MFG Supply