[davenport696]

I bought my wife an 03 sportsman 500 ho and while she was riding it started to blow steam out of the cap on the coolant jug.now it won't crank and gives me a red light when I try to start it.

Can anyone point me in the right direction to go about fixing it?

 

[Amdforever]

Go to the link below for your Service Manual. By "won't crank" do you mean you pull on the recoil it nothing happens or you can't even pull the rope as if its locked up?

http://gh-ftp.com/ORV Manuals/Polaris/Sportsman/2003/2003 Sportsman 400 and 500 HO - SM.pdf

 

[davenport696]

The motor isn't locked up it just won't turn over every time i hit the start switch a red light comes on and It won't fire don't know if it's a sensor or what

 

[Drsignguy]

Overheating is basically caused by only a few things. The simple things first..... Make sure your Radiator is clear of mud or anything that can clog the fins. A good thorough cleaning is a good thing. By flushing out your system can greatly help removing the heat and check your fan to make sure it comes on when it gets hot. A bad water pump will cause no circulation and it will quickly heat up fast. A few minor maintenance checks could save you some major troubles.

If these check out in a good way, then internal issues, like head, might have to be look into. Until then, Check the basics. Hope all goes well for you.


BTW, Welcome!

 

[davenport696]

Thanks for yalls help I really appricate it

 

[Russ C]

Should still turn over unless it got real hot and is seized, can you pull the rope?

 

[davenport696]

I can pull the pull rope just fine it just won't fire

 

[davenport696]

Ok so I checked everything out put a new plug in and new oil. Oil wasn't milky and my head gasket wasn't blown but it still won't start. Any suggestions?

 

[Russ C]

Try a new spark plug, maybe do a compression test, test the basics first , needs compression, spark, fuel and air to run.

 

[MillpondGarage]

Wouldn't hurt to make sure the back wheels are turning. Just in case the clutch is bound up somehow. I have seen the primary sheaves stick closed which would bind the belt. Sounds silly but worth a quick check.