I would suggest not getting a polaris ranger 800

[AroniaFarmer]

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.

Alright I'll make sure to do that.

 

[toomanymachines]

You can find a few websites that will have an online part breakdown with diagrams of all the engine parts. I have never worked on a 800 engine. I have worked on too many 500s cams are a problem for sure on those. I changed out 13 of them in the past.
worldofpowersports.com will have online engine schematics.. you can see how the engine is built and you can decide if it is something you want to tackle.

 

[AroniaFarmer]

You can find a few websites that will have an online part breakdown with diagrams of all the engine parts. I have never worked on a 800 engine. I have worked on too many 500s cams are a problem for sure on those. I changed out 13 of them in the past. worldofpowersports.com will have online engine schematics.. you can see how the engine is built and you can decide if it is something you want to tackle.

thanks. I'm not sure yet what I plan to do, but I'd like to know why this has even happened. Electrical I can understand, but it thought the 800 was a pretty solid engine

 

[toomanymachines]

I just looked up the engine. the camshaft is in the bottom, with pushrods. The picture is not the best, but I am rather sure it has adjustable rockers. I would think your ticking is just too much valve clearance.
The 500's had poor life on the cams because they were a dry sump.. the oil was in an external tank. I our colder climate it would take time for the oil to pump to the top of the engine, and once damage started, it happened fast.
I know of someone who replaced a bad cam and tried to polish the rockers to save a hundred dollars. It lasted three miles.
I would not expect any damage to your camshaft, as it is in the crankcase, so it will always have splash oil on it.

 

[Recoveryhill]

I spell diesel: K u b o t a
I spell four stroke gasoline utility engines: H o n d a
I spell two stroke utility engines: S t i h l

That other brands have loyal owners with good track records does not escape me. I have just found, over the years, that these three engine manufacturers do it best.

37 HP Kubota tractor over 500 hours, perfect in every respect
GX powered pressure washer, eight years old and starts second tug
GX13hp Honda generator over 800 hours starts first tug
Stihl FS 250 (2) trimmer, Stihl Kombi Tool power head, Stihl FS 90, all with too many hours to count.
1988 Honda FourTrax 282cc, other than plugs, etc. engine has never been touched in 25 years.
HRX217 Variable Speed Honda twin blade mower, two years old, one tug start.

They all start, they run and they last.

 

[bsghs50]

We have the same machine with the same issues, please let me know what it turned out to be. I'm stumped, thanks

 

[TMR]

Have a 2010 XP 800...no problems to date. Not heavy usage...mostly transport and hauling tools, etc when working in the woods. Moderate hours...150...summer only. Hope it stays fine...knock on wood! TMR

P.S. May want to visit PRC Forum...a Polaris Ranger site. Lots of owners with LOTS of knowledge. I would guess you would learn something there...TMR