As I unloaded the 4-wheeler on friday, I noticed the rear tires were a bit low.
So, after getting all the GPS running, I pulled out the 12 volt air compressor. It is a nice BIG TRUCK rated one. That I have LOANED out before.
Turned on the key, on the Polaris, plugged in the compressor, and the compressor ran slow. So, I turned it off, fired up the Polaris, and then proceded to pump the tires up. BUT the compressor still ran slow.
Got them all pumped up to 6LBS, and put the compressor away. Shut off the Polaris.
Got all my papers, and tried to fire up the Polaris, and she no start.
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Turns out the compressor was pulling WAY too many amps, and had melted the main power switch in the left handlebar.
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But I did not know it. I took it all apart in the field, springs and ball bearings were flying. One landed in the back of the truck, other landed in the grass.
2 hrs later, after scraping the melted plastic, so the spring would complete the connection, and picking all over with a magnet, to find all the parts, she is running again. I will also say that I think God made this happen, as it was humanly impossible, to find all those little parts, in the grass. It was the Grace of God, that got that pile of little parts fixed!
I got a little survey work done.
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Lesson: When you loan your electronics, check them, before trusting them!
And, DO NOT try to fix a Polaris 800 left handlebar switch, in the field! It contains 3 switches. Headlight, OFF-Lo-Hi, Reverse, and main power. It has spring/ball bearing detents, to allow the switch to retain it's position. And, they FLY!
🙂
Happy Monday to all!
Nate
I'm still looking for the ball bearing from the 1972 Craftsman 1/2" ratchet that I tore down 3 years ago to clean and lube. It's in my garage somewhere...
I am slowly replacing all my Polaris handlebar switches with rocker switches. So far, it's cheaper and easier than trying to repair the existing stuff.
