Starter Problem

[RonT]

I think the starter is shot on my 05 Polaris 500 Sportsman. How big of a job is to replace or any ideas on how much to repair if I bring it in somewhere.

[anyfishwilldo]

Before you deem the srater bad, pull off the cover on the right hand side that has the recoil on it.. The starter drives another gear that has the mechanisim that turns the motor over. On my 500, the gear got water and mud in it so all I had to do was clean and lube it up.

[RonT]

Thanks for the info. I will take a look at that tonight.

[RonT]

I finally got around to tearing the thing apart and found water and other junk in there. Got it dried out and cleaned it all up and it runs like a top. Thanks again for the info.

[jltimm]

I've heard this is a problem with polaris starters, as they sit in water after you go through it on trail rides. Don't know if they changed this design?

[anyfishwilldo]

There is a plug at the bottom of the housing that should be pulled after water crossings and such. I found that out after I had the problem. The housing is sealed from the factory, but it is done quite poorly. Mine is now sealed up quite tight but I will still pull the plug if water could have gotten in there just to be safe. Ron T, I'm glad you got it figured out without spending big bucks.