Category:
All-Terrain Vehicle (ATV)
Target Audience:
Recreational riders, utility users, mechanics
Competitors 1997:
Honda FourTrax, Yamaha Kodiak, Kawasaki Bayou
Vehicle Strengths:
Reliability, capable AWD system, comfortable ride for its era
Manual Value Proposition:
Essential resource for maintaining and repairing the 1997 Sportsman 400, saving time and money on repairs.
Primary Coverage:
Complete service, repair, and maintenance
Secondary Coverage:
Troubleshooting, diagnostics, adjustments, overhauls
Type:
Factory Service Repair Manual
Engine:
Complete engine disassembly, assembly, and overhaul (carburetor, ignition, cooling, lubrication)
Transmission:
Automatic transmission (PVT - Polaris Variable Transmission) service, clutch inspection, belt replacement
Drivetrain:
All-wheel drive (AWD) system, front and rear differential service, driveshaft maintenance
Suspension:
Front and rear suspension system, shock absorber service, control arm and bushing replacement
Brakes:
Hydraulic brake system, caliper service, brake pad replacement, bleeding procedures
Steering:
Steering column, tie rod ends, steering mechanism inspection and repair
Electrical:
Wiring diagrams, battery maintenance, charging system (stator, regulator/rectifier), lighting, starter system, ignition system diagnostics
Fuel System:
Fuel tank, fuel lines, fuel pump, carburetor service and adjustment
Cooling System:
Radiator service, coolant replacement, fan operation
Bodywork:
Body panel removal and installation, fender and rack components
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance, oil changes, filter replacements, lubrication points
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic charts for common problems, symptom-based troubleshooting guides
Repair:
Detailed step-by-step repair instructions for all major components
Disassembly Assembly:
Comprehensive instructions for complete teardown and reassembly of vehicle systems
Adjustments:
Carburetor adjustments, valve clearance adjustments (if applicable), brake adjustments
Depth:
Full mechanical and electrical system coverage, suitable for professional mechanics and advanced DIYers
Engine Type:
4-stroke, single-cylinder
Displacement:
376cc (23.0 cu. in.)
Bore X Stroke:
80 mm x 74 mm (3.15 in x 2.91 in)
Cooling System:
Liquid-cooled
Ignition System:
CDI (Capacitor Discharge Ignition)
Starting System:
Electric start with manual recoil backup
Horsepower:
Approx. 25-30 HP (estimated, actual varies)
Torque:
N/A (specific figures not readily available for this model year)
Carburetor:
Mikuni VM34SS (or similar) single barrel carburetor
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline, 87 octane minimum
Fuel Capacity:
3.2 US gallons (12.1 L)
Type:
Polaris Automatic Variable Transmission (PVT) with automatic engine braking
Drive Modes:
2WD / 4WD selectable
Clutch Type:
CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) with belt drive
Transmission Fluid Spec:
Polaris LUBRICANT, Transmission - 2870444 (or equivalent API GL-4, SAE 75W-90 gear oil)
Engine Oil Change:
Every 100 hours or annually (whichever comes first)
Air Filter Cleaning Or Replacement:
Every 50 hours or as needed based on conditions
Spark Plug Check And Gap:
Every 100 hours
Transmission Fluid Change:
Every 200 hours or annually
Belt Inspection:
Every 100 hours or annually
Engine Oil Type:
Polaris Premium 4 Synthetic 0W-40 (or equivalent JASO MA approved 4-stroke motorcycle oil)
Engine Oil Capacity:
2.1 US quarts (2.0 L) with filter change
Coolant Type:
Ethylene glycol-based antifreeze, 50/50 mix with distilled water
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 hydraulic brake fluid
Common Wear Items:
CVT belt wear, wheel bearing longevity, carburetor jetting sensitivity to altitude/fuel quality.
Electrical Gremlins:
Fraying wiring harnesses in high-flex areas, occasional issues with rectifier/stator.
Company Origin:
Polaris Industries Inc. founded in 1954, Roseau, Minnesota.
Sportsman Line Introduction:
The Sportsman line was introduced in 1993, becoming a cornerstone of Polaris' ATV offerings.
1997 Model Year Significance:
The 1997 Sportsman 400 was a popular mid-size utility ATV, known for its independent rear suspension and AWD capabilities.
Manufacturing Location:
Primarily USA