I would suggest not getting a polaris ranger 800

[AroniaFarmer]

You say it is not Brand-bashing, but your title after an experience with a single unit is "I would suggest not getting a polaris ranger 800". I would suggest a better title is "I would suggest not getting MY Polaris Ranger 800". My 2007 Ranger has been perfect since new. Still on the original belt and I have done all of my own maintenance. Mine doesn't make them "good" and yours doesn't make them "bad". They are machines.

Well I'm suggesting not to get a ranger with an 800 engine in it. Maybe I got a dud but from what I've learned these engines have been historically bad for their wiring. The dealer says they've fixed this for 2013 I guess. Don't get me wrong I think polaris makes a good machine, because my. Uncles 2006 I think 500 has over 530 hours on it with no major problems. That's a good machine. I know I'm not the only one out there with problems with the 800. The dealer said it to my face when I asked if they've had these problems problems before.

 

[AroniaFarmer]

Have you asked your dealer to talk to the factory rep? I used to work for a lawn & garden equipment dealer many years ago and we would occasionally call our reps to help out in situation like this. As you sad, its a relatively new macine with low hours. The dealer has done the scheduled maintenance. Even though its out of warrenty, internal parts shouldnt be failing after so few hours. You might be surprised what the dealer can do. If he wont contact the manufacturer, do it yoyrself. Be polite. Be professional. Remember - you get more flies with honey than with vinegar. Good luck with it.

I plan to call the factory myself, or company myself. They are not helping me out too well with getting this figured out without me just paying for them to fix it.

 

[AroniaFarmer]

Utvs can be great if you rely on it all the time. What are your primary uses for your Utv?

pretty much odd jobs. Getting around the property, pulling a rake spreading fertilizer taking plants in the field moving parts around.

 

[AroniaFarmer]

Thanks for the great reply! Sorry I never mentioned fixing it myself. I own a compression test and plan to do that and post the results today...
I have tossed the idea around of fixing it with my dad, but I've got so many other projects going right now I've got to get done first. They've been waiting for me and this ranger going to have to wait a while.
The rangers a fun machine for sure though. It's still got a ton of power, after it warms up a bit, just a little hard to start and the ticking a more noticeable. I need to look more on the upside of things. I still own a polaris ranger, and that's pretty cool in itself.

 

[AroniaFarmer]

I just want to thank everyone for the time they've put into all these replys so quickly!
I appreciate everyones answers. Its just a little frustrating that this has to happen, and if I can figure out how to change the title of the thread I will. The title was a little spur of the moment and not what I mean for this thread. I just wish to figure out the best fix for this ranger and thats all. I don't want to bash polaris and I apologize if thats what it sounded like in the first post by me.
So today Ill get a compression test done, post those results, go from there.:thumbsup:

 

[Clint S]

I think, but am not sure that it hat hydraulic lifters and there is no adjustment on it, but again not sure. If that is true sounds like a faulty lifter to me

 

[carpenter383]

I would take a mechanics stethoscope or a screwdriver and listen to the engine while it's running to pinpoint the location of the noise. It could be a simple valve adjustment or cam chain tensioner replacement. What do you mean by hard starting? Is it hard for the starter to turn the engine or does it take a lot of revolutions to finally fire up?
If you don't fix it yourself I would take it to a local atv mechanic over the Polaris dealer, dealers charge way too much

 

[AroniaFarmer]

Yep, thats what It has. Im leaning towards taking it apart when the weather gets nice. It wouldn't be much fun in the cold.

 

[AroniaFarmer]

I would take a mechanics stethoscope or a screwdriver and listen to the engine while it's running to pinpoint the location of the noise. It could be a simple valve adjustment or cam chain tensioner replacement. What do you mean by hard starting? Is it hard for the starter to turn the engine or does it take a lot of revolutions to finally fire up?
If you don't fix it yourself I would take it to a local atv mechanic over the Polaris dealer, dealers charge way too much

I do not believe the valves are adjustable..It takes many revolutions for the engine to start cold, and it will stall sometimes once started.

 

[pwright]

The 800's do have a history of electrical problems and you should repair/replace the harnesses in the rear if you are experiencing issues. You also may have a fuel pump issue. Might want to check pressure coming from the fuel pump. Check when the engine is both cold and hot.