Polaris VES maintenance

[sledaddict73]

Hello all, let's hope 2017 brings lots of snow for us!

I have an 03 Polaris SKS 800 and recently noticed that one of the VES was leaking exhaust. I pulled the VES and cleaned the guillotine as well as install a new bellow as it was torn. I wanted to ask the forum if there is any tricks or special action items when doing so. I took the plastic housing off, unscrewed the nut holding the bellow washer down, pulled the old bellow out (soaked with oil), replaced with new, put back together and installed the VES with a new gasket. Was all the oil normal? Could I pull the guillotine completely out to soak in gas(for cleaning and taking carbon off) and clean the entire metal housing with gas/carb cleaner to reinstall everything as clean as can be? Any suggestions or tips would be greatly appreciated! Thank you for reading.......happy riding!

DK

 

[indy_500]

The oil is totally normal. Try using oven cleaner (with gloves) to clean the valves, don't get any on the bellow! Make sure to loctite the threads and/or nut that holds the bellow/bellow washer on, and make sure those threads are clean before you do so.

 

[snowchief]

Never thought to use oven cleaner will definitely give that a try, I usually use engine degreaser spray the crap out of them and let them soak for awhile

 

[1flatlander2]

i scrape mine with a razor blade. also do one at a time so you can check the valve direction when you put them back. i don't tighten the bolts till after i put the valve in the motor so you don't twist the bellows. i put motor oil on the valve and gasket. keeps a little carbon off and the gasket can be reused.