P3 gets a new foster home. Adoption pending on good behavior??

[Buster Brown]

A buddy's dad has had this for over a decade as an ice shanty taxi. Texted me today saying it was up for grabs or going to C-list. I felt sorry for the old turd and opened my garage door. Leaks fuel, and has peed on my carpet already. My patients for any Polaris is short, but I'll give it a little TLC.
Anyway, seems like people like these, so thought I'd share. Any info or warning is always appreciated. Still need to find out what year I have and what parts are available. Needs a carb kit for sure so far. Odd looking carb BTW. ??? MIC or MHC???? Never have seen one before. Any help Howdy?
Thanks.


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[MonroeMike]

Some info here.
http://www.3wheelerworld.com/showthread.php/127123-Polaris-Scrambler-quot-P3-quot-Service-Data

[Big Mike]

Looks like an 85, due to the tank being all discolored. The 85 tanks were known to lose their color. Does it have a reverse rev limiter override switch on the left brake perch? If not, it is an 85. I have never seen a P3 with flat profile tires, looks kind of funny to me. Other things to look for are: worn out swingarm bushing, bad starter/starter bendix, bad brake cables (HUGE MONEY), and that is about it.

[Blown 331]

I think its a real early 85 based on the clutch cover saying "AUTOMATIC". I have one 85 and 2 86s and all mine say PVT. Also you have the wire exhaust shield. I have never seen another.
If you need the swing arm bushings or rear cable they are available in the 3ww store.
If you rub it's nose in it, it will stop peeing on the carpet!

[Big Mike]

Good eye there Blown331, I never even saw the heat shield till you pointed it out.

[atc007]

Def 85,,I have the starters and bendix's for like $90 I think.

[keister]

That looks to be in great shape!

If it does need the starter / bendix, go to http://www.discountstarterandalternator.com/ and get their phone number. They do carry these, but they are not listed on the site, you have to call them. I think it is ~$45 shipped for both.
You will need a clutch puller and flywheel puller for that job. I will gladly lend my clutch puller to you if you need it for the job.

Are the swingarm bushings shot? They mostly are on these. Their replacement went fairly easily on mine.

[TrailerRider]

Looks like an 85, due to the tank being all discolored. The 85 tanks were known to lose their color. Does it have a reverse rev limiter override switch on the left brake perch? If not, it is an 85. I have never seen a P3 with flat profile tires, looks kind of funny to me. Other things to look for are: worn out swingarm bushing, bad starter/starter bendix, bad brake cables (HUGE MONEY), and that is about it.

That is a freakin under statement. We have an 86 Trailboss and the brake cable are stupid expensive, like they should contain gold or something. If it floods (won't start for anything) there is a bolt at the front bottom of the case that you can drain the flooded fluid out. Things run great when they are warm but very tempromental if you ask me.

[maxdallasfan]

Damn. I've always wanted one of them

[Howdy]

Buster Brown, Nice machine!! When you work on it you will find a new hatred for them, but once you ride it those thoughts go away quickly!!! Many of the main issues with the P3's have been mentioned above, But I will add one more: The drive belts can be tempermental as well. If you have to replace the starter you might as well replace the belt as well.

I have a few Re-produced parts for the P3's available and quite a few more just about ready for sale. I have been taking a much needed break on making things ( VERY busy on other stuff and on vacation, now working 12-120 hrs a day ) all since TF ). I hope to get back to it soon as things appear to be easing up a little.


That is a freakin under statement. We have an 86 Trailboss and the brake cable are stupid expensive, like they should contain gold or something. If it floods (won't start for anything) there is a bolt at the front bottom of the case that you can drain the flooded fluid out. Things run great when they are warm but very tempromental if you ask me.

Yes, the cables are pricey if you can find New OEM. I was able to get some made that look very close to OEM and the price is under the OEM Price ( which are now discontinued ).

Howdy

[Buster Brown]

Thanks, you guys!
This old girl has grown on me already, and other than the test ride straight to my awaiting trailer, I really haven't even riden it. I've done plenty of maintenance on my dad's Polaris 4x4s with displeasure, but so far with all of your help this thing has brought nothing but "ugly Betty" smiles when I see it. :)

Thus far, I've ordered a carb kit, rear brake pucks, and will find or make intake boots. Seems I've gotten lucky as many of the reported problematic issues are sound on this trike. (Knock on wood)
I really apreciate the help you guys have given! Can't wait to not shift. ;)

[Blown 331]

Awesome. We had a few Trail boss 250 4x4's years ago and they were horrible! My family thought I was crazy for buying these Polaris 3-wheelers based on past experience but mine have been great. None of mine suffer from any of the issues listed as problem areas either. Well I did have a few locked up rear brake cables but that's really the only repairs I've made to any of them.
And I assume you are referring to the boots that go from the air box to frame and clutch cover to that air duct? They are obsolete, they are the same part number and I found a few NOS ones for cheap. But I still needed more than I found. I ended up cutting sections out of a 70cc rear dirt bike innertube. It worked absolutely perfect and looks about the same as OE. The OE boots are thicker but once installed you can't even tell. Plus you can't see them when the machine is together anyway.

[TrailerRider]

Howdy, do tell where please :) That is the only thing keeping me from selling ours. Riding with no shifting is cool right. One thing I did like (which is not much) is how comfortable the seat is. My lower back seems to not be in as much pain after a long ride as with my 200x. The belt thing is kind annoying as well although when we bought ours we got it cheap cause he thought the motor was locked up when the belt has shredded and wraped around the clutch and the trans. Cut old belt off and it started up :)