My buddy bought a 99 sp500 and we've been riding a little. after about a 20 mile ride, he noticed that the belt housing had a small hole in it right on the top. I'd ridden his and thought it was kinda sluggish even for a 3 yr old quad. I think his belt is coming apart and is hitting the inside of the belt housing eventually causing this hole. The hole is obviously coming out, not knocked inwards. I had my belt break last winter, but it broke all at once. Do belts sometimes shed a piece that hangs on and spins around and around? I wonder if this would account for the sluggish behaviour too?

any thoughts?

 

Belts do break sometimes in the manner you explained.I have never had that happen to me like that but I have heard of it.Replace the belt,its easy to do.Make sure to install a new cover seal as well so the black housing dont leak in water.Allways use low range for anything except flat riding and use some rubber silicoln to cover up the small hole on the top of the belt housing.And yes,the belt can definatly be attributed to sluggish performance,
Bill

 

For sure the hole in the casing should be looked at and sealed, water will for sure ruin performance if it gets in there.It maybe that someone had the case off and installed it back on incorrectly and the clutch has now worn through.I would for sure change yer belt and seal up that hole use a urethane sealant.Remember to check the seal on the inner case were it meets the motor I've seen a few inner seal's inside chewed up due to flying belt debris.
Hope this helps.
Matt.
2000 500 Scrambler
Reluctantley for sale.

 

4wheelindakota,

Whats up??? I broke down & purchased a Yellow Sportsman 500 HO 10 day ago.

I can't believe the power of this beast. I am still breaking it in!

Mikee

 

Almost definately yes. I would also have him check out the new covers too. I think the total is 65-80 bucks depending on the dealer. The new mods on the cover help a lot to prevent leakage from all I have heard and read. Heat from the belt smacking the cover might have warped it a bit too. If he keeps the old cover, seal the h@#l out of it.