Just purchased a 2011 Polaris Sportsman 500HO.It is idling low,almost cutting off.
When I turn the idle screw nothing happens.What's wrong?Is it something I can fix without taking carb out?
Please help!Am not that much of an ATV mechanic & on a budget.(disabled)
Thanks

 

First thing is to check that you have no more than 1/8" free play at the thumb throttle. If it's too loose won't matter what you do with the idle adjuster screw as the etc contacts points in the throttle housing can touch and kill the machine. Hopefully this is the problem. Once the proper slack is adjusted you can adjust the idle with the carb adjuster.

 

It idles low & almost cuts off when you start it.After you hold the throttle a while it will idle normal.This is warm or cold motor.

 

Just make sure on throttle slack plus you can pop the housing cap and check that the etc contacts are working right.If this area is ok then start with simple things like a new plug.A partially fouled plug,dirty air filters are sometimes over looked and can cause problems.Also make sure the throttle cable isn't binding also.Plus drain the carb bowl in case you may have a little trapped water.If the simple checks/repairs don't help,then you may have to check into the carb.

 

Does the newer 500H.O have that cable that connects a **** to the idles adjustment screw that often breaks? If so adjust the screw itself.

The ETC switch is either on or off like a light bulb, can't see how it would lower rpm.

 

Yes these hanger clips were bad on a lot of the newer BST40 carbs on breaking and laying on the starter.

 

Yes that the part that broke on me #23 , I kept turning the **** without any rpm change until I notice it was broken. Its a tight fit but you can adjust the idle screw directly.

 

Mine did the same thing,but can reach the carb. with a small plyers & adjust.
But when I adjust to idle when you start,it idles to high when it runs alittle.
Pulling choke just floods.

 

These cables are expensive! Plus they have a habit of breaking the sheathing over time and just turn.About the cheapest I've found is 64 bucks here. Dirt Cheap Yamaha, Polaris, Suzuki & Kawasaki OEM Parts & Accessories – Cycle Parts Warehouse OR you might try an older BST34 idle adjuster.. Just not sure the threads are the same.Polaris Carb Adjustment Screw Magnum Trail Boss Sportsman 500 6x6 3130546 | eBay