2002 polaris sportsman 500 ho starter

StevenWithaV · #1 (**permalink**) 02-08-2012, 08:33 AM

Took my 2002 500 H.O. to my local Polaris dealer because starter wasn't working. Ends up they say it needs a new starter drive ($109.95), bendix ($196.30), and labor of $212.50!!!

I know have seen people speak of the eBay seller "dbelectrical" out of Tennessee. He has the pair on eBay for $74.00:

NEW Starter Drive COMBO POLARIS ATV Sportsman 400 500 | eBay

Anyone had any problems out of these? Success stories? For the money, I think I'm going to have to go with this option.

I got another guy in town who will do the labor for cheaper. Thanks for the replies!

1of7627 · #2 (**permalink**) 02-08-2012, 09:14 AM

I bought those same parts for one of my machines and haven't had any problem.

The bendix and starter don't usually fail simultaneously. Starters wear out. Bendix's get ruined from water that gets into the recoil starter housings, causing them to rust. I've learned to keep tabs on them. If the recoil housing is ever off for any reason, it's easy to remove the bendix, clean and oil it (and put a dab of grease on the bronze bushing for the starter shaft). - MarkC

Kevcules · #3 (**permalink**) 02-08-2012, 03:19 PM

I've heard on here of guys getting that brand starter and it works great.
First thing I would do is remove the starter and open it up. Maybe you can just get a rebuild kit for a lot less money.

Kevin

Russ C · #4 (**permalink**) 02-08-2012, 04:38 PM

db electric is the way to go, have used them several times over the years

StevenWithaV · #5 (**permalink**) 02-08-2012, 04:41 PM

Thanks for the reviews! I have ordered mine today, feel good about it. Will post when its installed!

gtxgohan · #6 (**permalink**) 02-09-2012, 01:01 AM

im using it right now on mine and it works fine only thing im going to say is id had to replace mine housing was shit and about to break but if your housing is good get a rebuild kit its cheaper and u can go wrong for paying under 100 bucks
they wanted more than 300 to do the starter for my quad i flipped the hell out in my mind
and the 300 was minimum

Dougie · #7 (**permalink**) 02-09-2012, 05:17 AM

I've read alot about db and people say they are good. starter was acting up for some time and finally gave out couple weeks back. since then i've been using pull start until last night when the cord broke lol so ill be ordering my starter bendix combo today from db. They are easy to change so taking it to dealer is a waste of time and money i would google around and do it yourself.

fishercat · #8 (**permalink**) 03-17-2012, 12:10 PM

Just installed one from DB electric, works great. Fourty three dollars delivered to my house.

dog812 · #9 (**permalink**) 03-17-2012, 12:35 PM

I am also using the db starter.. I did a quick how to remove the old one on a 500 H.O as well..
http://www.polarisatvforums.com/foru...rter-pics.html
ran great for me so far.

For $43 how can you go wrong.. it could fail 3 times before you pay for the OEM one.

I also agree.. they most likely wont fail at the same time. If its not trying to start , its your starter. If the starter is just spinning, the bendix is not engaging.