It is unfortunate that Polaris has not addressed this problem yet as it is causing the Polaris reputation too go down the tubes as far as the general public is concerned. I hope these type of problems don't migrate over to their sleds which have been excellent for years with few glitches. [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif[/img]

 

 

Well,
Sh*t
I picked up an 03 today. I must admit I am having a little buyers remorse.
After reading some of these topics, I am not sure I made the right choice.
I hope you get your bikes fixed.

 

Whats the build date? I think at some point they corrected the major problem, I can't remember the date right now. MT pockets knows. see what kind of water pump cover you have, there is a new bracket style out now. I think yours should be after the build date change, unless it sat for a long time which is unlikely.

 

the new style water pump brackets are on ATV's built 9/02 and on.
in fact, yesterday (Tuesday) i visited my Polaris dealer to check on my leaker '02. i went over to the blue brand new '03 SP700 sitting on the showroom floor and for kicks ran my hand along the bottom of the water pump. GUESS WHAT??........yep! it's a leaker too! 0 miles! production date 6 or 7 of 2002! i very quickly pointed out my findings to the store owner. she gave me a rag to wipe the coolant off my hand and promised me they would not sell the 700 until it was repaired.
out for now,
-MT

 

HeatMiser,
Congrats!
you made a TERRIFIC choice getting the new 700!
don't let my writings drag you down! after all, it's only a stupid little redesigned bracket that makes the Sportsman 700 a PERFECT ATV!!![img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif[/img]
once the dealers have that new part in stock and make the replacement on people's machines, it will be a mood point.
read the topics on MODIFYING your 700! now that sounds great to me. white spring, pipe, ect brings out the true ANIMAL in the 700!
again, GREAT choice!
welcome to the "700 Club".
-MT[img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-wink.gif[/img]

 

I don't want to seem completely stupid (my wife insists I am)
BUT, where do you find the build date? Or the water pump for that matter?
I am kinda mechanically challenged.

I do want to do some hop ups. I have seen a picture of the 700 with tube bumpers. They run straight and not an oval. Looks like two tubes on fron and rear.
Can anyone steer me in the right direction?

Thanks for all your help

 

water pump cover is on the right side (if you were sitting on it) of the motor. Look through the side above the footrest just behind the front fender, you will see a black pan-like cover with an odd shape to it held on by about 10 small bolts, and with a hose running to it. cant miss it. you want to watch for leaks near the bottom of it. On the opposite side follow the upper radiator hose back til it goes behind the vertical frame support. The new ones have a small wire bracket that holds the hose away from the rail. the old ones rub against the sharp back side until they wear through. If no little bracket, I would suggest you ziptie a piece of heater hose on there. just cut off about 3 or 4 inches then slice it lengthwise and tie it on. or you could demand they give you a bracket . I dont really know what the new water pump cover looks like, so I dont know how to explain to you if you have the new one or not, I just told you what my old style one looks like. keep the radiator clean on both sides because if mud stops your fan you will overheat. I also had a problem where the tee fitting on the left side where the radiator fill meets the other hose. The original tee was cheap plastic and ruptured violently. $3.70 for an improved one and 2 minutes to change it. I suppose all the new ones have the better tee now. My old tee was kind of greenish colored, the new one is white.
The only mod I have done so far was a high lifter kit, so far I love it but it was fairly involved putting it in. The tube bumpers are available at polarisindustries.com or from the dealer, usually people buy them with their incentive money. I understand its $250 in accessories right now.
I need to think for a minute regarding the build date...

 

Build Date can be found either on your CO. which the dealer should have given you, or located on the plastic below the headlight.
-MT

 

Northstar2,
Thank you for the water pump info. I wll check it out. I checked the build date and it is 8/02.
I think someone said 9/02 was the changeover month. *&^(*%(&$*$($(^!!!. ALMOST !

I called my dealer and explained what I have read regarding the water pump, and mine is not on the list of recall's? I will locate the pump and see if I can make heads or tails with it.
I have ordered a MBRP pipe, can anyone tell me if there is rejetting involved?

I appraiciate all of your help. I have learned much from this board. Thanks to everyone!


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Hoping my 700 is NOT a lemon