Doesn't look good....HELP!!!

[backabit]

I was pulling a large branch with my winch and I heard a knock in the engine and then antifreeze and possibly oil as well started pouring out the bottom of the ATV and it died........ It is a 1997 Magnum 425 4X4. Any ideas on what happened? I hope it is repairable and not have to go to the Polaris graveyard.

[blueline15]

ohh man! have you been able to confirm what fluid(s) came out and exactly where. maybe get some pictures up to help diagnois it. it sounds bad, but i hope it is something more minor

[backabit]

The leak is coming from the center of the motor. I will try to be more specific. Remember it is the bottom of the motor, Image sitting on the ATV with your feet placed on the foot guards. Now look where your toes would be. The leak is on the bottom, center between your toes. Hope that made sense. It is hard to see due to a brush guard underneath. At first I stuck my finger in the stream of fluid leaking out and rubbed my fingers together and it was oilly. Then I noticed another stream right next to it so I went around and that was definitely antifreeze. I just went out to see if it would even turn over and it did. But sounds weird. I shut it right off and noticed more fluid came out underneath. I don't want to put alot into fixing it as it is a 1997. I called the dealer and if it needs a new engine block he said that would run around $1500-$2000 but they need to look at it first to be sure. I just put a new winch, new tires and rims. It has a snow plow...... What a bummer. WHAT WOULD ANY OF YOU DO ?? FIX or SELL as is for parts?? I am a 42 year old female who don't know squat about these things.... So I need some guidence. Thanks for any advice..

[backabit]

Hey it might not be too bad. Not sure yet. My dad came back and looked and noticed a front chain was in a wad and broke. May be the knock I heard was the slip of the chain coming off or the gear holding the front chain broke. Not sure why it leaked anitfreeze unless it hit a line or something.

[Bruce!]

Welcome aboard!

[slyder01]

Hopefully that's all it is... Keep us informed

[nmpolaris]

Welcome. I hope it's not a big fix.

[backabit]

Okay........... Bad news for me. The chain broke and tore a 3" gash in the crankcase. So I need to buy crankcase or put in another motor. Help me on what to do. Should I look for a used motor or buy the crankcase? Does anyone know a reasonable place to buy parts besides the local dealer?

[slyder01]

I know of people who just had a piece welded over top of a hole and had no problems, as long as nothing is messed up inside.

[backabit]

I found a motor bottom for $190.00 on Ebay. This should do the trick. I can't believe when a front chain breaks it can cause this much damage. I had it in the shop last fall when I had a winch, tires and rims installed, and serviced, I asked them to look it over good and let me know if it needs anything else. Don't know what else I could have done to prevent this from happening. It just broke. Hope it never happens again. By the time I'm finished with the repair it should cost me around $700.00 with parts and labor.