polaris clutch modification??

[mgoncalves]

Hey guys, I'm trying to buy a leftover sportsman 400 from a local dealer. We are about $400 off from each other, which is basically their setup charge. I told them that I would not pay that much for someone to re-jet a carb, and they claim that they also adjust the clutch for alttitude. I've been around a few polaris' and have never heard of anyone adjusting the clutch on a stock machine. I've been using my dad's 95 the last couple of hunting seasons at over 10,000 feet with no problems on an untouched clutch.



My question is, what could they be doing, why, and can it have any ill effects? Of course, when I asked their manager this, he just said it's for the alttitude.



Thanks

Matt

 

[Jdimig]

thats a bunch of bull! i ride dirtbikes and 4 wheelers all the time. altitude has no effect on how the clutch mechnanisim works, infact you could theoretically opreate it in space with no gravity. it's a mechanical operation, doesent matter what kind of air pressure is around the clutch mechanisim. just for kicks ask the dealer what causes the clutch to act diffrently at higher or lower altitiudes. thats my . 02 cents! good luck with your purchase.



wes

 

[mgoncalves]

That was my thoughts as well. The only thing I can come up with is, that maybe they're changing the rate that it engages to make up for less power at elevation. If anybody knows, I'm all ears.

 

[SpicyJam]

Since I work on Polaris snowmobiles and wheelers here is what they are trying to do. When you re-jet the carb you know that it has to do with getting more air in the cylinder than gas. On the same token you will need to re-clutch. All this entails is a lighter weights and maybe a different clutch spring. Could also involve another helix. The reason is, your wheeler power band is very narrow, if you just re-jet, ya it will run, but when you start loading the clutches it will bog down out of the power band. Clutches run very hot in the thin air and being able to spin them a little easier makes a world of difference. What it all comes down to is just making the motor run where it should, and keep you happy. Well and keep belt wear down.

 

[Jdimig]

well i stand corrected spicy jam. i didn't know this. thanksfor clarifying that information.



wes

 

[lcoblentz]

Matt,



Check out ATV Quad Squad under the Polaris section. You have a bunch of really smart Polaris riders near you that could help you with the setup. Incidently, My 500 did not require any clutch changes for altitude. I believe that the EBS equipped quads only require a jet change to keep them from going lean at altitude.

 

[CumminsAholic]

Spicyjam hit the nail right on the head. The same thing goes for a snowmobile when you go from low to high or high to low altitude. Less air and less fuel (high alt) means less power so you have to compensate in the clutching. $400 is a lot for jetting and clutching though, it's not an hour job and parts aren't that expensive.

Corey

 

[mgoncalves]

Solved the problem today, bought one from a different dealer that wasn't so proud of themselves.





Matt