NEED HELP with my polaris Xplorer 400 - problem going into reverse.

[bigboomer]

My 97 xplorer 400 is having trouble going into reverse. I'm new to atving and dont know a lot about the vehicle but i'll try to explain my problem in as much detail as possible. Firstly when i'm trying to reverse i need to make sure the engine is idling as low as possible, otherwise it wont go into reverse all together is that normal? Once the engine is at a low idle, I put it in reverse and the atv will start backing up but then just stops like it lost its grip on the chains. Many times i cant even get it into reverse, i need to go forward, and then quickly jam it into R for it to actually work.

I'm thinking it's a transmission problem but i have no idea if i'm right or what to do to fix it...

Any help????

Also just for my own knowledge (might be a stupid question...), my 4x4 only works when i put it in low gear. If i keep it in the standard forward gear even with my 4x4 button pushed in the 4x4 will never engage. Is that normal?

Looking forward to the help!

Thanks

[ATVmechanic]

Hmm...well sounds to me like it's having difficulty engaging and could be because of issues with your clutch. That's a possibility, You may need a rebuild kit like: https://www.erlandsonperformance.com/mm5/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=EPI&Product_Code=WE210165

You may want to take the belt cover off and see what's going on in there. Check for metal filings. Here are some schematics that are available online: 1997 Polaris ATV Parts for XPLORER 400L - W97CC38C, Engine & Exhaust - CLUTCH COVER XPLORER 400L W97CC38C

Buy yourself a manual.

Here is a video on how a Polarius clutch works:

[ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1AfR3u8jyio&feature=related]YouTube - Polaris ATV Maintenance & Repair Tips : How Clutches Work on a Polaris ATV[/ame]