atv won't idle

ntispdfreak · #1 (**permalink**) 12-24-2010, 01:16 PM

I have a 06 Outlaw 500 and it will not idle. I have cleaned the carb it is really hard to start without the throttle all the way open. I have a service manual, but I am not sure where to start. Did a compression test and only came up with 50 psi under its own battery power and 60psi with the battery charger hooked up. I know it has a decompressor system, but do not know how to test. I do not have a leakdown tester per the manual. Help please, problem is very troubling!

terrasmak · #2 (**permalink**) 12-24-2010, 03:18 PM

Check the valve clearance

ntispdfreak · #3 (**permalink**) 12-24-2010, 04:20 PM

I checked the lash and the Intake side is tighter than .0015 which is supposed to be .006 and the exhaust side is the .010 on one valve and .011 on the other. Obviously I can see that the intake valve is the problem where I am losing my compression. Now my question is why would the space decrease so much? Does the valve stretch to make the lash smaller? I thought it would be the opposite. How extensive is fixing the lash and does a polaris dealer usually carry the shims? Do you have to remove the timing chain in order to change the shims? The manual shows but is not clear if this can be done due to book going through a total breakdown of the engine and by the time I get to the shimming section, the head has already been removed.

**Bruce!** · #4 (**permalink**) 12-24-2010, 05:18 PM

Welcome to the board!

terrasmak · #5 (**permalink**) 12-25-2010, 03:01 PM

Yes its important, yes it need to be fixed, the valves stretch and the seat wears down. The dealer should have your shims, if not go to another dealer, just measure and figure out the width of the shim, many bikes take the same shims.