My father-in-law brought over his Polaris 500 remington edition, and said that the engine was seized. Pull start won't budge at all. I mostly work on 2-strokes (Honda's and Yamaha's) and don't have much experience in the 4-stroke realm.... I checked the engine oil, and it was all but dry. Guessing I need to pull the motor out and do a top end rebuild? Any other suggestions or thoughts would be awesome. Thanks!

 

Be sure that there is no play in the rod or any stiffness or binding as you turn the rod around. Granted 4 strokes are tougher on bottom ends than 2 strokes,but if it ran dry of oil and seized,may need more than just a top end.

 

- Makes sense. So I could be looking at a crank / rod replacement too I assume? Guess I won't really know until I open it up..

 

They can be rebuilt,BUT hard to save the gear on the end of the crank shaft with out damaging the teeth.Cheaper to rebuild one than a new crank shaft assy,about $300 including the gear plus shop labor versus over $800 for an assy!,but I'd get the gear also if a machine shop doesn't have a good enough tool to remove this gear with out damage. The teeth are right against the crank shaft.Dirt Cheap Yamaha, Honda & Polaris OEM Parts & Accessories – Cycle Parts Warehouse
Or take a chance on a guaranteed used one if needed..http://www.ebay.com/itm/Polaris-sportsman-500-4x4-2006-06-crank-shaft-/360973167876?pt=Motorcycles_Parts_Accessories&hash=item540bad6d04&vxp=mtr