So, you've got yourself a Polaris High Lifter 850. Awesome machine, right? Built to tackle the mud and conquer the trails. But let's be real, even the toughest ATVs can have their quirks. The High Lifter 850, while a beast, isn't immune to issues. This article is your guide to navigating some of the common problems owners face, helping you diagnose, troubleshoot, and ultimately, keep your High Lifter performing at its peak.

The Mud-Lover's Dilemma: Understanding the High Lifter 850's Design

Before we dive into the nitty-gritty of potential problems, let's acknowledge what the High Lifter 850 is designed for: serious mud riding. This specialization comes with inherent trade-offs. The lifted suspension, oversized tires, and snorkel kit are fantastic for deep mud, but they also place extra stress on certain components. Understanding this is key to anticipating and preventing issues.

The High Lifter 850's design means that certain parts are more susceptible to wear and tear than a standard ATV. Think about it: those bigger tires put more strain on the axles, ball joints, and steering components. Riding in deep mud also means more exposure to water, dirt, and debris, which can wreak havoc on electrical connections and bearings. So, a little preventative maintenance goes a long way.

Axle Apocalypse: Dealing with Broken Axles

One of the most common complaints among High Lifter 850 owners is broken axles. The increased angle caused by the lift kit, combined with the aggressive tires and the demands of mud riding, puts tremendous stress on the axles.

Why are axles breaking?

  • Excessive Angle: The lift kit increases the angle at which the axles operate, making them more prone to snapping under load.
  • Aggressive Riding: Hammering the throttle in deep mud or trying to climb steep obstacles can easily exceed the axle's strength.
  • Weak Axles: While Polaris axles are generally decent, they're not indestructible. Some riders find that aftermarket axles offer better durability.
  • Binding: Mud and debris can get into the axle joints, causing them to bind and put additional stress on the axle shaft.

What can you do about it?

  • Upgrade to Aftermarket Axles: Many aftermarket axle manufacturers offer heavy-duty axles specifically designed for lifted ATVs. These axles are typically made from stronger materials and have improved CV joints.
  • Ride Smart: Avoid excessive wheel spin and abrupt throttle inputs, especially in challenging terrain.
  • Regular Inspection: Check your axles regularly for signs of wear or damage, such as torn boots or excessive play in the CV joints. Replace worn boots immediately to prevent dirt and water from entering the joints.
  • Proper Lubrication: Ensure that the CV joints are properly lubricated. Some riders recommend using a waterproof grease.

The Dreaded Snorkel Saga: Snorkel Issues and Solutions

The snorkel kit is a vital part of the High Lifter 850's mud-conquering abilities, but it can also be a source of problems if not properly installed or maintained.

Common Snorkel Kit Issues:

  • Leaks: Leaks in the snorkel tubing or connections can allow water to enter the engine, causing serious damage.
  • Poor Installation: Improperly installed snorkel kits can restrict airflow, leading to performance issues.
  • Clogging: The snorkel intake can become clogged with mud, debris, or even ice, restricting airflow.
  • Vibration: Snorkel tubes can vibrate excessively, causing stress on the mounting points and potentially leading to cracks.

Troubleshooting and Prevention:

  • Thorough Installation: Follow the installation instructions carefully and use high-quality sealant on all connections.
  • Regular Inspection: Check the snorkel tubes and connections regularly for leaks or damage.
  • Cleanliness: Keep the snorkel intake clean and free of debris. Consider using a pre-filter to help prevent clogging.
  • Secure Mounting: Ensure that the snorkel tubes are securely mounted to prevent excessive vibration.
  • Drain Plugs: Periodically check and drain the drain plugs located on the snorkel system to remove any water that may have accumulated.

Electrical Gremlins: Battling the Bugs in the System

Like any modern ATV, the High Lifter 850 relies heavily on its electrical system. Mud and water can wreak havoc on electrical connections, sensors, and wiring harnesses, leading to a variety of issues.

Common Electrical Problems:

  • Corrosion: Corrosion on electrical connections can cause intermittent problems or complete failure.
  • Short Circuits: Damaged wiring can cause short circuits, which can blow fuses or even damage the ECU.
  • Sensor Failures: Sensors can fail due to water damage or corrosion, leading to poor engine performance or diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs).
  • Battery Issues: The increased electrical load of accessories, such as winches and lights, can strain the battery and charging system.

Tips for Electrical Troubleshooting:

  • Dielectric Grease: Apply dielectric grease to all electrical connections to help prevent corrosion.
  • Visual Inspection: Inspect the wiring harness for signs of damage, such as frayed wires or cracked insulation.
  • Clean Connections: Clean any corroded electrical connections with a wire brush or electrical contact cleaner.
  • Fuse Check: Check the fuses regularly and replace any blown fuses with the correct amperage.
  • Battery Maintenance: Keep the battery terminals clean and tight. Consider using a battery tender to keep the battery fully charged.
  • Diagnostic Tools: Use a diagnostic scanner to read diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) and help pinpoint the source of the problem.

Cooling System Conundrums: Keeping Your Engine from Overheating

Mud riding can put a lot of strain on the cooling system, especially in hot weather. The radiator can easily become clogged with mud, reducing its efficiency and potentially leading to overheating.

Cooling System Issues:

  • Radiator Clogging: Mud and debris can clog the radiator fins, restricting airflow and reducing cooling capacity.
  • Fan Failure: The cooling fan can fail due to water damage or electrical problems.
  • Low Coolant: Leaks in the cooling system can cause low coolant levels, leading to overheating.
  • Water Pump Failure: The water pump can fail, preventing coolant from circulating properly.

Maintaining a Cool Engine:

  • Radiator Cleaning: Clean the radiator regularly with a garden hose or pressure washer. Be careful not to damage the fins.
  • Fan Inspection: Check the cooling fan regularly to ensure that it is operating properly.
  • Coolant Level: Check the coolant level regularly and add coolant as needed.
  • Leak Detection: Inspect the cooling system for leaks.
  • Radiator Relocation Kit: Consider installing a radiator relocation kit to move the radiator to a higher location, reducing the risk of clogging.

Bearing Blues: Wheel Bearings and Beyond

The High Lifter 850 has a lot of bearings, and those bearings are constantly exposed to mud, water, and dirt. This can lead to premature wear and failure.

Bearing-Related Problems:

  • Wheel Bearing Failure: Wheel bearings are especially vulnerable to water and dirt intrusion.
  • A-Arm Bearing Failure: A-arm bearings can also fail due to lack of lubrication and exposure to the elements.
  • Driveshaft Bearing Failure: Driveshaft bearings are also susceptible to wear and tear.

Keeping Your Bearings Happy:

  • Regular Greasing: Grease all bearings regularly with a high-quality waterproof grease.
  • Bearing Inspection: Inspect the bearings regularly for signs of wear or damage.
  • Bearing Replacement: Replace worn or damaged bearings promptly.
  • Sealed Bearings: Consider using sealed bearings for improved protection against water and dirt.

Belt Slippage: The CVT's Curse

The CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) belt is a critical component of the High Lifter 850's drivetrain. Mud and water can cause the belt to slip, reducing power and potentially damaging the belt.

CVT Belt Issues:

  • Belt Slippage: Mud and water can cause the belt to slip, especially at low speeds.
  • Belt Wear: Excessive slippage can cause premature belt wear.
  • Belt Breakage: In extreme cases, the belt can break.
  • Clutch Problems: The clutches can also be affected by mud and water.

Avoiding Belt Problems:

  • Belt Break-In: Follow the manufacturer's recommendations for breaking in a new belt.
  • Belt Cleanliness: Keep the CVT housing clean and dry.
  • Belt Inspection: Inspect the belt regularly for signs of wear or damage.
  • Clutch Maintenance: Clean and inspect the clutches regularly.
  • Proper Engagement: Avoid excessive wheel spin and abrupt throttle inputs.
  • Low Range: Use low range when riding in deep mud or climbing steep obstacles.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Why are my axles breaking so often? The lift kit and aggressive tires put extra stress on the axles. Consider upgrading to aftermarket axles.
  • How do I prevent my snorkel from leaking? Use high-quality sealant during installation and inspect the connections regularly.
  • What's the best way to clean my radiator? Use a garden hose or pressure washer, being careful not to damage the fins.
  • Why is my belt slipping? Mud and water can cause belt slippage. Keep the CVT housing clean and dry.
  • How often should I grease my bearings? Grease your bearings regularly with a high-quality waterproof grease, especially after riding in mud or water.

Conclusion

The Polaris High Lifter 850 is a fantastic machine for tackling the toughest mud, but it requires some extra care and attention to keep it running smoothly. By understanding the common problems and taking preventative measures, you can minimize downtime and maximize your enjoyment on the trails. Keep it clean, keep it lubricated, and ride smart!