2006 polaris sportsman 500 ho issues with the unit like the belt is slipping

[Spritee1]

having an issue with the unit when running under a load up a hill or in high gear, seems like the belt is slipping, there is a clapping sound coming from the primary clutch like it releases and snaps back in. i don't think I should have a noise like that. this is a friends unit and he has already replaced the primary twice with the same result.

not sure where to look next

[Mech]

Does he bed the new belts in as they require ?

Have the sheaves been dismantled and cleaned, lubed etc ?

[Gwbarm]

Sounds like sheaves may be sticking, it may also depend to what degree you want excessive power in high gear, generally when i want extreme pulling power i go to low gear and when i hear them clatter when in high gear under a load, i switch to low. 

[Mech]

That does sound mighty like what it could be Gw..  Good call.

I'd still clean and lube the moving parts of the sheaves though when changing a belt. It's important they are all moving nicely or the gear ratios and so load on the engine get out of whack, and that could cause the belt to slap more than it should..  But I'll bet Gw's right.. Even if the ratios are hanging a bit high, it can probably be overcome by either throttling off slightly, or changing gear.

[Spritee1]

On 5/22/2024 at 4:27 PM, Mech said:

Does he bed the new belts in as they require ?

Have the sheaves been dismantled and cleaned, lubed etc ?

What do you clean and lube the sheaves with

[Mech]

You should download the service manual, it tells you everything you need to know and has suggestions about the limitations and use of belt drive. There'll be a manual on this site I'd think.

 

[Gwbarm]

I would only clean the sheaves with warm soapy water with a scotch brite pad no lube on the sheave itself just on the part that lets it expand and contract and i use thin oil no grease WD 40 would work but i generally use a very thin motor oil.

[Spritee1]

24 minutes ago, Gwbarm said:

I would only clean the sheaves with warm soapy water with a scotch brite pad no lube on the sheave itself just on the part that lets it expand and contract and i use thin oil no grease WD 40 would work but i generally use a very thin motor oil.

Thanks for the tip