how to fix foward reverse belt on polaris atv

1fun37 · #1 (**permalink**) 07-19-2011, 01:16 PM

I am a newbee to your forum. My buddy dropped off his 2001 Scrambler with no forward or reverse for me to fix. The shift lever moves both directions but nothing happens, no noise or movement. Am I looking at opening up the transmission?
Don't know any more history of the machine except his kids ride it hard. Thanks for any suggestions.
Fred

4getful2 · #2 (**permalink**) 07-19-2011, 01:33 PM

If the belt is on both pulleys,and the clutches appear to be doing their thing ,then it's probably something inside the transmission

1fun37 · #3 (**permalink**) 07-19-2011, 02:36 PM

4getful2,
Your advice was right on, pulled the side cover and found a mangled belt.
Thanks

1fun37 · #4 (**permalink**) 07-22-2011, 08:55 AM

Now after cleaning out the clutch and with the new belt the secondary cluch still turns at idle making it impossible to get into forward or reverse without it killing the engine or taking off. Any suggestions? I checked with the dealer and it is the correct number for the belt.

tt425 · #5 (**permalink**) 07-22-2011, 09:51 AM

You might have a problem with one of the clutches. Did you install the belt so that you can read the part# from left to right while on the left side of the atv. The belts are directional. They have to be installed correctly.

4getful2 · #6 (**permalink**) 07-22-2011, 12:17 PM

Try cleaning the front clutch with an air hose or even a garden hose for that matter. All the years of dirt and grime ,most likely won't let the front one disengage

1fun37 · #7 (**permalink**) 07-22-2011, 02:38 PM

The belt was installed with the part# readible from the left side. Used 2 cans of brake clean and air pressure to clean primary clutch. I saw a Utube video on adjusting the width by shims to allow .030 clearance between the belt and clutch sheave. This one is tight and doesn't allow the belt to float on the shaft at idle. Possibly why the other belt failed.

4getful2 · #8 (**permalink**) 07-23-2011, 06:33 PM

The rear clutch will be hard to spread apart,normally with engine off or at idle, the top of the belt will be about level with the top of the rear clutch. At idle ,the front clutch will be spread apart and belt barely moving,if at all. Check the idle speed to make sur it's not idling to fast,600-800 rpms.
With the engine off, can you push down on the belt and make the front clutch pulley spread apart,without too much effort?

1fun37 · #9 (**permalink**) 07-24-2011, 03:37 PM

4getful2,
Idle is ok even, turned it down with no help, the rear clutch has the belt even with the top. I can't push down on the belt and spread the front clutch, solid with no movement. Is there something I can do to repair the clutch without help from a dealer? When you rev it does activate but doesn't return wide enought to let the belt spin free.