Hello, I have been having a problem with my 2000 sportsman 500. Has 2400 miles on it (all stock). Was riding it around a little after it sat for a few weeks, pulled it back in my garage and put it in neutral when a small grinding/whirring sound came from the bottom of the engine. Took off the belt cover and everything is fine in there. Don't think it is anything major (crank, cam, etc) since it still starts right up and runs fine, can even ride it around with no loss in power at all, but don't want to rule anything out. Checked all the fluids and they are all good. Here is a link to a video with the noise-

Skip to 2:25 to hear the noise (first problem in the video has already been fixed)
Thanks in advance

 

DON'T disconnect a battery from a running engine,especially on these later models as you can do damage to the cdi,that new regulator,etc. The grinding noise is more than likely the drive clutch hitting the clutch cover.You can move the small "L" bracket behind the inner cover a little forward and see if it helps. If not the clutch cover has been updated in the parts breakdown. Item#27 is the bracket. Dirt Cheap Yamaha, Polaris, Suzuki & Kawasaki OEM Parts & Accessories – Cycle Parts Warehouse

 

ok thanks, I will try to adjust that and see if it helps, thanks for your input.

 

It doesn't have anything to do with the grinding sound but you should replace the winch solenoid if it's bad instead of just bypassing it.