I just purchased a 2002 SP700 that I will be picking up on Saturday. I've seen things throughout the Forum that people are doing to repair, replace, and increase the performance of these machines, but is there a definitive "TODO" list of things to get done on these from the start?

I know I'll have to keep an eye on the water pump issue, and I think I remember reading something about fuel or coolant lines needing to be tied back from a sharp ridge on the frame. What else do I need to consider to keep things in proper working order?

Thanks in advance!
Mark

 

MarkV-

I took this list I wrote and pasted in from another string. I hope this helps. Enjoy your new machine.

to prolong the life of your machine (some of these are obvious):

-Grease everything and change oil / filter often.
-Check oil / fluid levels before every ride.
-Break it in well: Vary RPM range, avoid WOT for long periods. Change oil & filter @ 50-75 miles, rather than Polaris recc. 200 miles. Change again @ 200. This will ensure that you "flush" out all of the assembly lube in the motor.
-Check all hoses & fittings for potential wear points. Previous posts have clued me into the radiator hose on the left side (if sitting on machine) that rubs on a vertical frame gusset. The factory puts some flex loom over the hose, but it wears through that too. Cut an old piece of rad. hose and zip tie to the frame - this will reduce the friction.
-Check all wire harnesses (especially for the fan "tik tok" switch - located on the lower right corner of the radiator) try to secure the harness to something as a strain relief) Mine ripped off right at the sensor - $80 at the Polaris dealer (ripoff)
-Check suspension hardware / chassis bolts to make sure nothing has rattled loose.

Kevlar1

-02' SP700 Grey / Blk -- 750 miles (stock)

 

Thanks, Kevlar. I saw your previous post after I had already asked the question. I appreciate the information!

-Mark

 

Well, I did pick up my SP700 yesterday, and after a 10 minute ride, guess what? The water pump is leaking! Now, the question I have is this: Should I take it to a dealer to have the cover R&R'ed under warranty, or should I go ahead and fix it myself. I think I've read that most people who have replaced the O-ring with silicone are having good luck with the repair. What will happen to the warranty if I attempt the repair on my own? Does Polaris have a metal replacement cover that I could get free of charge?

Thanks!
-Mark

 

You can fix it yourself with silicone, but this is not a permanent solution. Since Polaris does not seem to have admitted to the problem I believe that they will not install the steel water pump cover under warranty. If it were mine I would order the steel cover and longer bolts and do the work myself. It sure beats having to go back to the dealer when it starts to leak again. I don't think that they could charge very much for the cover, maybe 20-30 bucks? By the way. What is the build date on your machine?

 

Polaris does have a fix for this problem, call your dealer and tell them. They should fix it with no problem.

 

MarkV
w/o a doubt DON'T fix it yourself! bring it to the dealer. it's no charge and they will fix it right the first time. (of course that's assumimg your dealer has a trained tech working for them!)
they will replace the water pump bracket with a stronger flat, fat one and inspect the internal ceramic something-or-other. i can't remember what it's called.
once this stuff is fixed, it's done!
you're left with one TERRIFIC ATV!

ENJOY![img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif[/img]

-MT

 

Snowride, my SP700 was built in Feburary, 2002. As for the repair, I've heard two different stories. One is that there's a metal bracket that is put in place to hold the plastic pump cover down. The other is that there is, in fact, an all metal pump cover made by Polaris. Either solution is fine, I suppose - whatever works - but I want to make sure the dealer DOES NOT just replace the cover with an identical plastic cover.

Why is the silicone not a permanent solution? Does the OEM cover warp so badly that even RTV won't seal it? Geez!

 

I say that RTV is not a permanent solution because if it was, why would Polaris go the the expense and trouble of designing and manufacturing a new cover as opposed to issuing a service bullitin with instructions to apply RTV? Do you really want to find out 50 miles in the middle of nowhere? The only covers I have seen are on the 600's and it is in fact a cover over the existing plastic one. Do they make an all steel cover? I doubt they would have 2 designs but hey, anything is possible. Call your dealer and ask them what they will do to fix it. Hopefully your dealer will install the reinforcing plate and your trouble will be solved. Good luck. After you have contacted your dealer, please post their reply. Thanks.

 

MARKv- "Snowride, my SP700 was built in Feburary, 2002. As for the repair, I've heard two different stories. One is that there's a metal bracket that is put in place to hold the plastic pump cover down. The other is that there is, in fact, an all metal pump cover made by Polaris. Either solution is fine, I suppose - whatever works - but I want to make sure the dealer DOES NOT just replace the cover with an identical plastic cover. "

i had the kit done on two of my 700's. yes, they did replace the metal bracket with a stronger one that applies even pressure all around the pump area. i've never heard of a metal pump cover.

i don't understand why you want to silicone and cob-*** it all up. polaris has the correct fix, it works, why not just do it?

also, while the dealer has it apart, they will check that internal ceramic seal which is also a no-charge fix!

-MT[img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-confused.gif[/img]