So I just purchased my first bike and it rode fine, starts and idles but this engine just doesnt sound right. What do you guys think? here is a clip of the noise. let me know what you think it could be.

 

They're all going to clatter a little bit just the nature of these engines,but check the valve clearance and make sure the cam chain is tight is the first things I'd check. If you're not sure on engine oil used or when it was changed,I'd do a service on the machine along with getting a service manual on this atv that could save you a lot of time and frustration.Best 5 buck investment you can make.2006 Polaris Sportsman 500 Service Manual PDF Download

 

scale from 1 to 10 how hard is it to check valve clearance? I have never torn into an engine before. The chain tensioner is in all the way, is that normal or should I look at getting a new one? Thank you so much for the advice.

 

anyone else have advice?

 

Fairly easy to check valve clearance and adjust if necessary. Most don't ever need adjusting for years,but no harm checking. Pull the right cam cover on the head along with the valve cover. Pull the recoil over until the cam sprocket alignment pin is straight up center of the head. Cam is at Tdc and ready to check valve clearance.Intake and exhaust set at .006. All this is in that manual link I posted. Plus you can be able to check if the cam chain is tight also when you pull the cover.

 

^^^ Like OPT said fairly easy. All you need is a feeler gauge and either a 10 or 9 mm wrench,mine was a 9mm. Plus mine had the square tipped bolt on the valves, so i found a square head screw and bent it enough to adjust and hold when tightening valve nut. Found that my intakes were at .003 but my exausts were fine. I could tell the difference when done. Oh and you could use a torque wrench in inch pounds for covers and do a criss cross pattern when tightening bolts.

 

Thanks guys I will try it when I get home tonight