Hey
a couple months ago my fathers 2011 sportsman 500 HO blew the side out of the oil reservoir. Apparently a fairly common problem due to excess pressure build up? Anyway he says the bike was shut off as soon as it happened so the engine should not have been too starved for oil.

So the oil tank was replaced and the atv ran fine. Then the bike started developing the ticking noise and became difficult to start. Some days it would start and other days it would just make a clicking noise when you try to fire it up . Thought it may have been the stated going bad but replaced that and it didn't help.

Another strange thing is if you removed spark plug and reinstall it the bike seems to start right away. But then go back a day later and you just get the clicking noise?

Anyone have any suggestions? Is this problem related to the oil reservoir exploding or just an odd coincidence?

Thanks

 

One of two things off hand that can do this. Pressure buildup if the slit in the oil tank vent hose froze over and stopped up could cause the tank to blow. The other is the one way valve sticking that could cause problems. Look at page 10 on this engine manual for its location(behind the oil filter) and page 32 on checking and cleaning. https://intl.polarisdealers.com/Virt...CHAPTER_03.pdf The ticking may also be related to the check valve if it's not getting enough oil.

 

Thanks for the reply.
I understand either of these issues would cause the excess tank pressure. But recently it has been difficult start ing along with the tick when it is running .Could this be related .

 

I'd still check the vent hose along with checking/cleaning the one way valve. Plus doing the basics may help on starting. Changing the plug,checking/replacing the air filter,checking valve clearances,etc. Here's a cheap manual for service and repairs if you don't have one.2011 Polaris Sportsman 500 HO Service Manual PDF Download