I just bought a new 03 Sportsman 500 HO. It was bought in Kansas, so I am sure it has the stock low altitude jet in it. I live at 6000 feet and will be elk hunting from 9,000 to 12,000 feet. Any recommendations on what size jet I should use at that altitude? Is there a jet size I could use that would work for riding here at 6,000 feet and also from 9,000 to 12,000 feet? It runs like a bat out of hell here with the stock jet, but I don't want to get on the mountain elk hunting and have the thing struggle when I need to haul (several hopefully) elk off the mountain.

Thanks,

 

Hi,Keep in mind that the main jet does not affect mixtures until approximately 3/4 throttle. Below that throttle setting, specifically between 1/4 and 3/4 throttle, air/fuel mixtures are controlled by the jet needle and needle jet.The POLARIS service manual calls for a #150 jet above 6000 feet with the outside temp. below 40 deg,and if the outside temp is above 40 deg.it calls for a #145 jet
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Thanks Samclow,

I found a 145 jet in the envelope the dealer gave me. Do you think it would be ok to put this one in for around here at 6,000 feet and then use it at 9,000 to 12,000 feet?

 

WHESS, the temperature outside will play a part in which jet to use I think the jet in the carb from the factory is a 152.5 If it was my choice I would go with the 150 jet first then go down if needed.Remember the higher you go the harder it will be for your machine to breath just ask the visiting pro football teams that play at MILE HIGH watch those players take oxygen between offensive and defensive possessions.Running your machine a little to rich will not harm it,but running it to lean will do much more harm.

 

Hello,
I live and ride in Colorado at altitudes between 8,000 and 13,000 feet. Just about every bike and ATV I've owned has ended up being jetted correctly when I went down two sizes in the main jet from the sea level jetting, and adjusted the low speed jet. I just came back from an 8 day riding trip at 10,000 to 13,000 feet where a friend from Texas brought a Poloris 335 Trailboss jetted for sea level (Texas). It ran so poorly that he drove 70 miles round trip to the nearest dealer to buy a main jet two sizes smaller. It ran perfect for the rest of the trip. I would suggest doing that for a starting point.

Good luck,
Lorrin