Great video, I've got the same exact problem. I was gonna take my 2002 Polaris Sportsman 500 to the shop, but like you said probably would cost $300. I'm not very knowledgeable when it comes to repairs, but your video made it look simple. I gave it a try, very easy. I could hear my starter bendix spinning, but wouldn't engage, and the starter rope wouldn't recoil. I couldn't belive how much crap had gotten in there. Ordered a new parts, works like new!
perfect - replaced the bendix last night - 1 hour total time. DB Electric was a great find-perfect part and shipped in two days (DB is in Tenn. and I am in Tenn.). Would not have known nor had the confidence to fix the problem without this video. Thanks again!
Thanks for all of the positive comments. I rarely look at this site, so for the folks that had questions I hope someone answered them already. I’m glad the video was helpful. I had trouble finding anything on the web about this topic so I decided to make one myself. Good luck and thanks again.
Thanks for this video This was exactly what was wrong with my ATV, bought a new Bendix online for like $20, installed it the same way, good to go! Mine would not move AT ALL, not even like the bad one in the video. Completely locked up from rust and water. Anyway, thanks! Big help!
Your the man. Thx for taking the time to do this! My starter is spinning, quad will not turn over. I'm going to rip into it today. At least I know what a Bendix is now.
Thank you so much!! Its hard to find much on my polaris online and am very grateful you posted this. We are fixing our recoil start as our starter is bad and since its a work atv we need it going now. We have a portable sawmill and use our sportsman 500 to pull a log arch. Its a tough little machine. Blessings! Cute kid lol, sweet of you to include her in vid.
Just the video I needed, as I have exactly the same issue, and did not realize it would gum up as bad as that. Thanks a million for taking to time to do this video. Bob Scharien, Toronto Canada
you have helped me out tremendously! I was getting so frustrated looking on line for answers i was about ready to call a dealer! I also will b replacing stater.. I now know i can do this myself even if i an a girl lol! Thanks a million!
Fantastic~! I have the same trouble, caused by the same pull rope handle left loose. You have saved me a lot of money and trouble. Your video is clear and explains it very well. Thanks!
Thanks so much for the video, the polaris starter is no longer the scary monster inside the engine but now something i can work on in confidence. thanks for the tip on seating down the pull rope handle :)
Thanks for the video man, mine is acting up for the 5th time since 2007 and Im sick of taking it to the dealership, so I'm going to try this tomorrow and see how I make out...Same thing with mud and water in the pull cord and a starter that doesn't work!
Thanks for the vid, after watching it checked mine out and that's exactly what the problem was, and the remedy...much appreciated Canadian mountain quadder
Good morning and thank you for the video. Working on my 1994 Polaris 400-pull rope not working and wouldn’t go back in. Not so easy to get to on this machine. My flywheel is rusty also-after you cleaned yours up did you put anything like wd40 or something else on it? Thank you for any help or input!!!! Have a good day
Very well done video....I just bought a used 325 magnum with same issues, except the bendix is froze up in the out position and starter is bad. Having some real issues getting it all apart. Can you tell me if the clutch has to come off to change starter?
This has to be my problem too ...... starter would just spin and when I tried to pull start I could not move it at all. Then it finally pulled all the way out and stayed there. The cord is wet and dirty so I am thinking water and mud and rust are all involved. Thanks for posting this Video Jim Coughlin, Calgary Alberta
any thoughts on a bendix that is stuck in the extended position? im not sure if its stuck due to rust or what, but the bendix is fully engaged on the fly wheel. everything was rusty from water and ive lubed it up. but the bendix just doesn't seem to disengage from the flywheel and starter teeth
This is a great self-help video. I have a Polaris 1997 Xplorer 400 and the starter doesn[t work. I'm sure it was a water issue. Does anyone know whether the clutch, the driven clutch and all that stuff has to come off in order to remove the starter itself on this machine?
Don't pay $300 for the shop to fix it! It is a simple fix even for a mechanical idiot like me! Don't pay $300 for the parts at the ATV parts dealer! Amazon and Ebay have the "Starter Bendix" for $25-$35 with free shipping. If needed, new recoil spring also under $35