2002 polaris 550 fan life expectancy
- Thread starter mebearman
- Start date
srt20
Active member
The more you ride them hard at higher speeds the longer they will last. The Polaris 550 fan is designed badly in the fact that the fan draws air from right by the exhaust pipe. Going slow with high loads on the engine will overheat it and cook the engine. The faster you go the more cool fresh air is forced under hood and into the cooling fan. This has been a major problem for these engines. Lots of people blow them up right away. I have 3500 miles on my wifes 550. And I even had to use it as my primary sled for a month. I beat the heck outta that thing. Trying to keep up with the boys that had 600-800s. Only thing I ever wrecked was the track and the chain. Honestly I dont beat my sled as bad as I beat that sled. I was either pinned to the bar or locking up the track. No inbetween. Sled still runs like new. Has great compression yet.
I had a 2002 RMK Trail 550 Fan for 6 years. Just sold it over the summer. I got it from a rental place in Wyoming. It didn't have a speedo, but I was told it had about 5,000 miles. I put on another 3,000 over those 6 years, and road it very hard, just like srt, trying to keep up with my buddies 600/700/800/900's. Always fell behind, but not because I wasn't trying! Was still running strong when I sold it. Never had anything go wrong with it.
bouncer
Member
Sounds like you have good engines in both your sleds.
Do compression tests.
You have four cylinders between the two sleds to compare the results.
It should be quite easy to see if you have a problem starting.
To answer you question, It all depends on how the sled was driven, what oil you run, and generally how the sled is taken care of. I have seen people having problems at 1000 miles and no problems with over 5000 miles. I say you have good engines because these 550's either last and take a beating or repeatedly have problems. Just the nature of the beast. Good luck.
Do compression tests.
You have four cylinders between the two sleds to compare the results.
It should be quite easy to see if you have a problem starting.
To answer you question, It all depends on how the sled was driven, what oil you run, and generally how the sled is taken care of. I have seen people having problems at 1000 miles and no problems with over 5000 miles. I say you have good engines because these 550's either last and take a beating or repeatedly have problems. Just the nature of the beast. Good luck.
polarisrider1
New member
They where known for voltage regulator "melt" downs. early on. Cheap fix. most went during warranty period. Some have drive bearing issues around 2000-2500 miles. Not a major fix new bearing and speedo key. They are not known for speed. It is an entry level sled.
polarisrider1
New member
indy, did you get another snow day?
Uh oh, did Indy get a BlackBerry and is checking the site at school???? Maybe he jumped on over his lunch in the library.....
polarisman600
New member
i have a 1999 polaris supersport 550 just about to hit 5000 miles on it and been riden hard all its life its been through lots of sh*t haha and still running strong so im guessing it should last a long time as long if u dont have any major problems.
polarisrider1
New member
that is sweet and very rare. most melt down lights and hot grips with Voltage regulators and then the drive bearing is next. You have been lucky. Or did you forget those items? lol
The only things I have replaced on her sled is the high low beam switch and a set of highfax, and sparkplugs at the start of each season. I did add an inline fuel filter. Now that I have said this the darn thing will probably blow up next time out.......thanks guys lol.