atv starter just spins

pontiac69 · #1 (**permalink**) 12-21-2011, 07:05 PM

Has anyone had to replace your starter in you 500 scrambler. Well i mean the bendix. I try to start my scrambler and the starter just spins. I have been using the pull start lately. I think the bendix is bad or just dirty. Wher is the starter and how do i remove it. I watched a few utube videos but one was on a 2 stroke and the starter removes from the bottom of the quad and the bendix is attatched. The other was a 500 sportsman and all you do is remove the pull start and near the top you will see the bendix. It just pulls out. I am curious which i have.

Polaris 500 Sportsman Starter Bendix Replacement.m4v - YouTube

Polaris Scrambler Upgrade 1 - YouTube

DrWooWooWoo · #2 (**permalink**) 12-23-2011, 07:29 PM

The manual says to remove the recoil starter housing and then remove the starter drive gear. It is on top of the motor on 4 strokes under the air box

scrambler21 · #3 (**permalink**) 12-27-2011, 07:38 PM

I have a 04 500 and I recently had to rEplace the starter myself. My buddy is a certified Polaris mechanic and he told me exactly what to do. It is kind of a lot of work but it saves u trouble. I bought a completely new starter from amazon.com for $50 and it seems tO work fine. First take the clutch cover off carefully and take of both clutches. Your gonna need a special tool to take off the primary clutch. After both clutches are off take off the back of the clutch cover and the starter is right there. From there it's really easy to take off. Just make sure not too break the seel on the clutch cover. And if u do buy the new starter, make sure u get the one for the 500, because the one for the 400 is different

Rooster0310 · #4 (**permalink**) 01-08-2012, 09:17 AM

sounds more like your bendex not your starter. Just remove the recoil cover and it sits upper left side. You dont need to take the starter off to change the bendex. This is pretty easy. If this doesnt fix then go after the starter. You are not wasting money since the bendex should be changed if you put a new starter on anyway.

pontiac69 · #5 (**permalink**) 01-09-2012, 05:07 AM

Thanks everyone. I pulled the pull start off and pulled out the bendix. Installed a new on ( ebay 25 bucks ) and every thing works great.

EJ Mac · #6 (**permalink**) 01-24-2012, 09:11 AM

Awesome deal good job. They do seem a bit contrary and in fact the starter is the only complaint I have on the Polaris stuff.

aussiedog · #7 (**permalink**) 05-10-2012, 05:55 AM

Hey I know this sounds stupid, but HOW DO YOU START A 500 SCRAMBLER?! I bought this thing in peices, I have it back together for the most part, and now I can't figure out to start it. I don't have the book or anything. Am i missing a button or something? Its a 1999 model. What the hell

Polaris_Rider · #8 (**permalink**) 05-12-2012, 06:00 AM

If it is like my 01 Trailblazer and 00 Trail Boss. Look on the left side of the handlebars there is a three position switch by your thumb. If you positioned the switch in the middle and push up it will engage the starter. The key just has two positions on and off. I went through the same thing after letting my quads sit for a long time…

aussiedog · #9 (**permalink**) 05-13-2012, 06:06 PM

Hey man thanks for the 411. I've replaced the soleniod, and the switch your talking about, but the hateful thing still isn't running. I'll try what you say when I get home. Thanks.