Polaris Sportsman 90: Problems and Ways to Avoid Serious Issues

The Polaris Sportsman 90 may no longer be in production but it surely left good reviews along the way. It also provided good memories from old-school riders who have successfully ingrained their ATV passion with the youth.

What truly defined the Sportsman 90 ATV is its focus on safety since it is aimed at young riders. However, that does not say that it's lacking in the performance department either. It's here where Polaris has successfully placed a balance on both to offer its riders fun while the adults can find comfort knowing that they are in good hands.

What You Need to Know Before Buying

Polaris has been in the automotive business for more than half a century and around 37 years when it comes to making ATVs. With that, it's hard to go wrong if you are looking for a good quality product from the manufacturer. However, there are certain things that you have to know about the Sportsman 90 first before getting one, particularly its common issues.

In this article, we will be showing you the following:

• Most Common Problems Related to the Polaris Sportsman 90
• Ways to Avoid the Serious Issues Found in the Polaris Sportsman 90

Most Common Problems Related to the Polaris Sportsman 90

The Polaris Sportsman 90 was only produced between 2001 to 2014. That means most of the units you can find now are pre-loved. As with other used products in the market, especially those that have accumulated plenty of mileage and years of use, they may be prone to problems.

Based on consumer reviews and reports, these are the most likely problems you may encounter with the Polaris Sportsman 90:

1. Engine Misfire

An engine misfire in a Polaris Sportsman 90 ATV can be caused by one or a combination of issues. The most common causes are spark plug problems, fuel injector issues, or compression problems.

Spark plug problems are the most common cause of engine misfires. If the spark plugs are fouled or damaged, they will not fire properly.

Fuel injector issues can also cause engine misfires. If the fuel injectors are dirty or clogged, they will not deliver the correct amount of fuel to the engine.

Compression problems can cause engine misfires, too. If the cylinders have low compression, the engine will not fire properly.

If you are having problems with your Polaris Sportsman 90 ATV, check the spark plugs, fuel injectors, and compression first. Sometimes, it's just dirt preventing the proper operation of the said parts.

If the contamination is only confined to their external parts and you can reach them easily, then you may be able to clean them with the right tools. On the other hand, if you can't solve the problem because the contamination has seeped through the internal components of your engine or some of the said parts are already damaged, better take your ATV to a qualified mechanic for further diagnosis and repair.

The mechanic will most probably start by checking the spark plugs. Their connectors will only have to be cleaned if they are dirty but they will have to be replaced immediately if they are fouled or damaged. The mechanic will then proceed with the fuel injectors for dirt or clogs. If the issue is traced there, they will have to be cleaned or replaced if needed.

Lastly, the mechanic will have to check the valves for carbon build-up. If it's only dirt triggering all your troubles, then a decarbonization process will likely solve the issue. Then, the mechanic will have to test the engine compression to see if it is low. If it is, the mechanic may need to adjust it. This can be done by recalibrating the valves or by changing the pistons. However, if the entire engine has already been compromised, it will have to be replaced or rebuilt completely.

2. Rough Starts

Same as the previous item, if your Polaris Sportsman 90 ATV is having hard starts, the first thing you have to check is the spark plug. If the spark plug is fouled or damaged, it will need to be replaced. Next, check the air filter. A dirty air filter can restrict airflow and cause engine performance problems.

Finally, check the fuel system. If the fuel filter is clogged or the fuel lines are damaged, they will need to be repaired or replaced. Regardless of the cause, take your ATV to a qualified service technician for further diagnosis and repair.

3. Transmission Slippage

One of the most common symptoms of transmission slippage in the Polaris Sportsman 90 ATV is a sudden loss of power. This can be due to a number of different things, but the most common cause is a worn or damaged clutch. Others include low transmission fluid levels, a faulty transmission filter, or even a blown transmission seal.

The first thing you should do if you suspect your ATV has transmission slippage is to check the fluid level. If it's low, add more until it reaches the proper level. If it's still low after adding fluid, then you may have a leak somewhere in the system. Check all of the seals and gaskets to make sure they're intact and not leaking.

If the fluid level is fine, then the next step is to check the clutch. If it's worn or damaged, it will need to be replaced. Other causes of transmission slippage can include a faulty transmission filter or a blown transmission seal. These can usually be fixed fairly easily, but it's always best to consult with a professional before attempting any repairs on your own.

The worst thing that could happen here is the transmission getting damaged as a whole. If this is the case, the only solution is its complete replacement.

4. Loose Chain

This can be caused by several different factors, but the most common cause is simply wear and tear. Over time, the chains on these ATVs can become stretched out and loose, which can make them slip off of the sprockets.

The most common symptom of a loose chain is an unusual noise coming from the drivetrain. This can be anything from a rattling sound to a grinding noise. If you hear any unusual noises coming from your ATV, it's important to check the chain for slackness. Another symptom of a loose chain is reduced performance. If you notice that your ATV isn't accelerating as quickly as it used to, or if it's having trouble climbing hills, a loose chain may be to blame.

If you suspect that your chain is starting to loosen up, there are a few things you can do to fix the problem. First, check the tension of the chain. If it's significantly loose, you may need to adjust the tensioner. If the chain is only slightly loose, you can try tightening the nuts and bolts that hold the sprockets in place. Finally, if all else fails, you may need to replace the entire chain.

A loose chain can be a serious problem and repairing it can get tedious. You also have to make sure that the adjustment is not too loose or too tight. Therefore, you should bring your ATV mechanic right away for repairs if you notice any of the red flags mentioned here.

Ways to Avoid the Serious Issues Found in the Polaris Sportsman 90

The Polaris Sportsman 90 is a reliable and durable ATV, but like any vehicle, it requires regular maintenance to keep it running smoothly. Here are some tips on how to maintain your Sportsman 90:

• Check the oil level regularly and change the oil every 50 hours of use or once a year, whichever comes first.
• Make it a habit to clean the air filter and replace it every 100 hours of use or once a year, whichever comes first.
• Check the tire pressure regularly and adjust as needed.
• Keep the battery charged and clean the terminals if necessary.
• Grease all moving parts regularly to keep them well-lubricated.
• Inspect the brakes regularly and adjust or replace them when needed.
• Check the suspension often and tighten any loose bolts.
• Wash the ATV after every ride to prevent dirt and grime from build-up and dry it properly.
• Store the ATV in a dry, clean place when not in use.
• Always consult your owner's manual for specific maintenance instructions for your model of Sportsman 90.

By following these simple tips, you can help keep your Polaris Sportsman 90 running at its best for years to come!

As an added reminder if you are looking to buy a Polaris Sportsman 90, one thing you should do is thoroughly inspect the unit you are looking to purchase with a mechanic by your side to ensure that you will be getting the most out of your money and that you will not be hounded by problems in the future. Don't forget to test drive it as well for you to get a better feel of its performance before you seal the deal in order to avoid regrets later on.

Conclusion

To successfully encourage your youngsters to follow your ATV hobby, it's important that you provide them with the best platform to hone their riding skills and where they can gradually develop their liking for their newfound activity. One of the best products where they can start is via the Polaris Sportsman 90.

Likewise, riding the ATV should be enjoyable on their part to keep them coming back for more. Therefore, it is important for you to keep their ride trouble-free by taking care of whatever problems may come immediately before it blows out of control. Furthermore, you should follow the key maintenance tips shown here to ensure the best ride quality out of the Polaris 90.