Polaris help please...

[Buckshot-73]

My best friend has a polaris sportsman 500, 1999 model.

He can not keep a battery for any time. Been through several brand's the last 2 yrs. it will start by hand, runs good.

Anyone have similar problems keeping batteries charged??

And yes, it is full of water.

[Slinger]

Could be several things....a short in the electrical system, bad voltage regulator, bad stator. Voltage regulator is the easiest fix and seems to be pretty common. Im not a mechanic by any means but have had two bad voltage regulators on a Polaris. One on a 500 and one on a RZR. Ate batteries up for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Also depends on what type of accessories he has on it. Radio, winch, extra lights....

[smokin6.7]

My dad has a 2005 700 and it chews up batteries too.

[Buckshot-73]

Slinger, I was thinking the regulator also. He has not added any thing extra on the electrical system.

Anyone else?? And what fixed it?

[JP135]

I gave up on mine and just use the rope - works every time.

[Shinesintx]

Slinger, I was thinking the regulator also. He has not added any thing extra on the electrical system.

Anyone else?? And what fixed it?

Had the stator/regulator go out on my Yamaha Roadstar and my Polaris Sportsman. I'd bet money that's what the problem is.

Please note: I am a horrible gambler.

[mills650]

You didn't mention if the battery is going dead after it's been shut off a week or while it's running.

If it's the first case, something is draining the battery. Unhook the negative battery terminal and insert a test light between the cable and the battery. If the light is on at all you've got a current leak (short) you'll need to troubleshoot by process of elimination.

If it's just chewing up batteries then it's either overcharging or undercharging. Put a meter on it while its running, should be around 14.5 if I remember correctly. Battery will run hot if it's overcharging and will boil out the acid/water. If it's undercharging could be the stator/reg/other...