QuestionI own a 1992 polaris indy 500 snowmobile. It ran good when I stopped using it last year. It started good this year, but the secondary sheave pulley will not rotate.It has a new belt.The brake doesn't seem to be frozen. Any ideas? Thanks.
Keith Ashley
AnswerHello Keith,
There are a number of things that could cause the type of problem. Start with jacking the sled up, and trying to turn the track by hand, if it turns, skip this step I have here, and scroll down to the area I have marked ENGINE. The best way to decide where the problem lies, if the track will not turn by hand, is this. Loosen the track tension bolts as far as possible, with the rear of the machine raised, so that the track hangs free. Then, attempt to turn the sheave. If it turns, you will know the brakes, chaincase, and bearings are fine. If it turns, carefully inspect all of your suspension for damage, as well as the track. If it doesn't turn, I would suspect the two bearings on either side of the drive axle, that support it. Before removing the bearings, if they are the problem, try penetrating oil all over them. you will need to look under the sled to see them, as they are right up front, on either end of the drive shaft, with the plastic track drive sprockets. Also, spray penetrating oil on the bearings where the sheave connects to the jack-shaft. If none of this works, you will need to remove the chaincase cover, and remove the lower bearing in there, as well as the bearing on the other side. The bearing opposite the chaincase is more susceptible to wear. Another possibility, is that the chain is broken and jammed, although I would doubt that.
ENGINE
If the track turns by hand, your engine has a serious lack of power. To try and correct this, check your compression, install new spark plugs, and make sure your carbs are clean, paying special attention to the inlet needle. Hope this helps you. Let me know if I can help with any other questions you might have. Good luck with the Polaris! --Arcticatman
