1990 Indy 500 has no spark

[fabiodriven]

I did a lot of work on my Indy last year and it ran great for a while. Then one day it lost spark for no apparent reason. I haven't really started ripping into it just yet, but I did take a quick peek at the wiring just to see if there were any obvious bad connections or anything.

I just wanted to know if there were any obvious quirks known to this machine that might send me in the right direction so I know what to look for. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks.

[Russell 350X]

They are known for their stators....I fought with one last year...everything else was good.

[fabiodriven]

Thanks a lot man. I'll check that out first.

[Russell 350X]

Ok, let me know how you make out with it.

[Canadian350X]

Actually the stators are pretty good in the old 500's, it's rare for one to go. The early models had problems with CDI boxes cracking because of the mounting on the recoil cover, I think in 91 they changed the CDI box mounting to the air box and they problem went away. If yours is mounted on the recoil cover pop it off to see if it has cracked on its backside.

[fabiodriven]

Awesome man. Thanks for the tip.

[MTS]

Had one this winter, Same deal EFI, Wire broke in the harness coming from the stator...right down near the case.

[fabiodriven]

I'll be pulling this relic out once again, never even looked at it last year. I'll be looking at the stator and CDI as suggested already.

Any new input anybody has would be great. Thanks.

[R-tifacts]

Not to jack your thred but hey Fab, do you know what Polaris stands for ? People Often Learn About Reliability Issues Soon. ahhaha j/k man. Good luck with the fix

[atc007]

I've had them all!! Kinda settles on Doo lately,,,,BUT,,,the Indy 500 is hands down,,one of the best sleds ever made in my book. The shocks are usually junk,throw a set of Kimpex Gold gas shocks on her,make sure the fr clutch is good,good compression,and what a sled! Check out rmstator,or a google search for ohms readings. They'll tell you the wire colors and resistances,,it will be the stator. Cheap,easy fix. Easiest sled to work on too! I can get you the coils to solder in,but Ebay may be cheaper.

[fabiodriven]

I'm having some trouble even locating the parts 007. I can't seem to find much on Ebay. What have you got?

[Scratt]

My 500 hundred didn't have spark either I just had to replace the cdi but then it was fine. I also have a spare full sled of parts where the efi computer went so I am just keeping it for parts.

[Scootertrash]

Unplugging the ignition switch will take it out of the system, if the switch is bad the machine should start. Also, IIRC, there is a single black wire that goes between the CDI and the stator. That should be disconnected also and will eliminate ALL the engine shut off systems. I would do the igniton switch unplug first, then plug that back in and unplug the single black wire, then try with both disconnected at the same time. (I like to overlap my testing of components) ;)

ETA: I tried finding stator specs but was unsuccessful. A quick call to your local Polaris dealer may get you the specs and which wires to use for testing. Maybe.

Full Disclosure:
I'm kinda going from memory here, it's been awhile since I wrenched on one of these early 90's Polaris machines

[lndy650]

hey buddy im a bit late but if you havent got your sled fixed yet im pretty sure i have a cdi and stator for the 500... also i can get you ohms readings for the stator if that helps

[lndy650]

scootertrash great advice on the main ignition wire thats the best way to test all the kill/safety switches

[fabiodriven]

I dragged the sled out this year with the intentions of figuring it out, but I never ended up getting around to it. I just may need your assistance yet Indy. The sled is not far up on my list of priorities at the moment though. Lol

[RIDE-RED 250r]

I dragged the sled out this year with the intentions of figuring it out, but I never ended up getting around to it. I just may need your assistance yet Indy. The sled is not far up on my list of priorities at the moment though. Lol\

Don't blame ya. We didn't even have a winter to speak of up here in CNY snow country! I wasn't too broken hearted though with $4 gas and sleds that get 9 mpg on a good day....