New owner, long time user

[scoops4545]

I finally decided to buy my own ATV. I have ridden friends ATV's since I was a kid, always been in love with them since my mom would not let me ride a friends 3 wheeler back in the 80's. I purchased an inexpensive 2000 Polaris Sportsman 335. It only had 550 miles on it, and was in great condition considering it's age. Now that I have it home and have driven a few times, I am starting to notice all of the quirks of buying a 12 yo used ride. I am here to learn, and to browse for answers to some the questions I have.

How to check the exhaust system, very thick gas smell. I understand it is supposed to smell, but seems a little stronger than it should be.

There is a little more vibration in the front end and handle bars than I am used to. Not sure if this is a sign of something wrong that is easily fixed, or something that is going to be that way on an older ATV.

Thanks for reading, and Happy Riding

[SMP63]

Welcome to the forum Scoops!!!!!!!! Kinda the same story for me, rode & barrowed freinds wheelers. Theres nothing like riding your own tho. The strong gas smell could be gas leaking from the carb over flow tube. The carb float needle & o-ring seat could be worn out & need replacing. Check for gas leaking under the wheeler & in the air box by the air filter & smell the oil for a strong gas smell. If oil smells of gas change it ASAP!! As for the vibration in the handle bars I would start by checking the wheel bearings.

[scoops4545]

Originally Posted by SMP63

Welcome to the forum Scoops!!!!!!!! Kinda the same story for me, rode & barrowed freinds wheelers. Theres nothing like riding your own tho. The strong gas smell could be gas leaking from the carb over flow tube. The carb float needle & o-ring seat could be worn out & need replacing. Check for gas leaking under the wheeler & in the air box by the air filter & smell the oil for a strong gas smell. If oil smells of gas change it ASAP!! As for the vibration in the handle bars I would start by checking the wheel bearings.

Thanks for the info. I checked the air box, everything was normal. Oil seemed normal as well. Probably going to do an oil change just for piece of mind anyways.

[Bruce!]

Welcome to the board!

[Polar69]

Welcome to the site, if everything else checks out OK I would be sure to check the over flow tube as mentioned by SMP63.
I was noticing the same & I ended up finding broken tubing.
I hope this is all your issue is too.
Please let us know

[scoops4545]

Originally Posted by Polar69

Welcome to the site, if everything else checks out OK I would be sure to check the over flow tube as mentioned by SMP63.
I was noticing the same & I ended up finding broken tubing.
I hope this is all your issue is too.
Please let us know

I appreciate the input.

[scoops4545]

Originally Posted by Bruce!

Welcome to the board!

Thanks for the welcome.