Water & Mud in My Belt Box 🤷🏼‍♂️ 2021 Sportsman 570

After a short 8 hours of riding covering 3 trips to an ATV park, I decided to inspect my belt box and the belt itself. Have a look at what I found so early on in the life of my 2021 Polaris Sportsman 570 Trail.

[@andrehomeprojects5955]

Great video, I have a new 2021 as well and after seeing the dust in yours it convinced me to do the mod.

[@rainmant5724]

I have a 2019 570 SP. The clutches and belt housing are totally different....No trouble with water entering the belt area. I only trail ride too, lot's of dust but no evidence of water. I once had a surprise high water moment and no water entered. Glad I got the 2019..Other issues, but not the belt housing (although their is a seal behind the primary that sometimes has issues).

[@Kip4500]

Jumbo, I finally got the part to extend the belt exhaust. I'll let you know when I post. Thanks for keeping us updated.

[@cjgascratcher38]

I've got a 2021 trail as well, make sure you drain the belt box after riding in mud, water or what not, I have 21 hrs on mine and my belt has slipped a couple of times now from water being in the box, I'm going to check everything out at 25 when I do the first full service, great channel

[@JimboP-Outside]

Will do, thanks CJ 👍

[@wadewilliams2915]

Have you checked the seal on inside of primary clutch?? I have same machine and seal is shot 12 hours on it.

[@hummyhero1484]

I get water in my belt box when i washing mine. It came a really hard rain once out on the trail so i stopped got off the machine and around 10 minutes later I started the engine tried to leave and the belt was slipping. I drained the belt box it had a good bit of water in it just from rain.

[@timbritton1313]

Like your video! I am enjoying my 2021 Polaris 570. I believe I made the best choice. But there are some things that well say needs moded. Belt exhaust. Front hood hinge. And watch out for the ignition switch. Easy to get water in it if only left out in the rain.

[@JimboP-Outside]

I agree with you on all points Tim.....thanks for the tip on the ignition, I didn't know about that.

[@Mjr1348]

Hi I’m a new subscriber. Waiting on my black 23 Trail 570. Thanks for the good info. 👍🏻✌🏻

[@JimboP-Outside]

Enjoy your new Trail 570! 🎊

[@lovetheNorml]

Never knew that about the pliers!.. lol I just put them back in the kit.

[@tjcrackstatus]

Got a 2021 Trail as well about a 1/3 of my cover wasn’t sealed properly from factory. After I cleaned everything put it back together haven’t had a problem since

[@JimboP-Outside]

Excellent, well done! 👍 Too bad we have to finish Polaris’ work for them 😡

[@Swatta637]

Have you figured out a proper mod for this yet? I don't have the trail edition, but took both my 2021's out in the rain the other day, 570 and 450, and my 570 was slipping within 5 minutes and the 450 within about 15. Bad slipping! Pulled out the drain plugs and water ran out for about 20 seconds.

[@Micheal153]

So I put the base model cvt exhaust on my bike (I have the same bike as you) and I have 1700km on mine I swamped it with only 3hr on the bike and like 200km and I’ve never had an issue with belt anything and i drive the bike as hard as they can be ridden. You could try a pré-filtrer over the intake for your clutches like the mesh thing some ppl put over there air filter that might help with your problem

[@JimboP-Outside]

Glad to hear that your mod is working out…..sounds like your enjoying your ride. 👍 Thanks for the tip on the mesh.

[@dawsonschmidt-lackey1143]

Yeah swamped mine in sandy water up it’s cost me both clutches and the transmission

[@jefflife3476]

Would you be worried about sand in the belt box? I've been riding in some really dry trails. No mud but lots of sand and dust. Btw I have approx the same hrs as you do and I've done the belt box exhaust mod as well.

[@JimboP-Outside]

I think dry sand should be ok since those two clutches are spinning so quickly it should eject anything out the exhaust, especially if you haven’t felt any slipping. Water causes a lot of slipping.

[@kyle9389]

How much riding did you prior to adding the extension to the outlet side? Could it have entered before you changed it? Looking up the intake side, after the opening it looks kinda clean up in there. Not sure if just couldn’t see further. Just thinking you may have fixed the problem with the outlet and all this happened before it was changed.

[@JimboP-Outside]

Definitely good points. I actually installed it before my first ride to the ATV park. Before that I mostly just rode around my property. To your point though, it’s still tough to tell for sure. But either way, they certainly didn’t design this very well!

[@douglaskoepke2165]

I liked that plate idea, but thought maybe a s thin plastic or stuff rubber as in a truck mudflap. Might be a material easier to us and more forgiving. Just my thoughts on that.

[@gregburns6558]

Proof read your post before you submit , it’s all jacked up .

[@jonnantau9354]

Great video showing an issue, do you feel it has been resolved now? Is there a gasket on the belt housing cover you took off? We will be picking up our 570 Touring premium next weekend

[@JimboP-Outside]

There’s a gasket, it looks like a decent seal. The issue seems to be water coming in the belt box exhaust which Polaris put right over the rear wheel. Also the intake for the belt box is low in front and faces rearward, which at first seems right, but the spinning back wheels push the water forwards behind the plastic panels. Hope they fixed this. Otherwise I do enjoy it, especially long rides on the trails. Good luck with yours, enjoy! 👍

[@mark0decker827]

Belt exhaust right by the mud tire?

[@douglaskoepke2165]

Going on the assumption that it's running along the inside of the panel or frame, I thought why not put up a temporary shield behind the intake. I did fashioned one from a rubber mat that should stop any spray getting in from the v ack of intake. I'm still not sure about the frogzskin or how it will take the heat from the motor.

[@JimboP-Outside]

I like your idea Douglas, I may do the same. Plus I’m a little concerned about the frog skin possibly clogging on the intake.

[@douglaskoepke2165]

@@JimboP-Outside yes I did think of that too. If the frogzskin did get sucked in, it would not be pretty. Could figure how post a pic either.

[@williamrussell8887]

Hi !! I just watch your video and wondering if your secondary turns while your motor is running at idle.It looks like your belt is down in your slave compare to mine.witch is a good thing.You sure have a problem mud getting in your belt box.

[@JimboP-Outside]

You make a good point…..I should have started the engine when the belt box cover was off……I didn’t think of it at the time. Next time. 👍

[@timbritton1313]

You and I would agree, there should be no mud and water in the housing. How may miles on your ride? (OK, 8 hours). And did you do the belt exhaust initially?

[@JimboP-Outside]

I don't have a lot of miles, when I made this video I had about 8-10 hours of riding at the time. But to your point I did do the exhaust mod before this, so I think it's coming in through the intake too.

[@aaronburke1587]

I have a 2015 570, I like it but it just seems seems cheaply made, I have the 570 starting issue, like so many others, when you start it, it seems the battery is weak but I relocated my batt and put a stronger starting batt in it too, still the same though, most people say it has to do with the position of the piston when I turned it off and you need to rock the machine sometimes to get it to start, pisses me off though, I guess they all have their issues though, and that front storage box, where it hinges is complete crap too, broke mine but there is a video on here where you can buy metal hinges for it too, just cheaply made all the way around

[@Kip4500]

Jumbo do you get a lot of lurching or clanking noise at low speed?

[@JimboP-Outside]

There’s an initial clunk when I first start off. The riders in the Facebook group say this is common for Polaris. I don’t recall lurching though.

[@Hpdonaway45]

Are you sure water isn't coming in from the seal, in the back of the housing, on the first spindle? It looks like you may have had a crack in the seal. I'm having an issue with my 2023 Polaris 450 Sportsman, where the belt is slipping, when I go through mud/water, until it dries.

[@JimboP-Outside]

It could be, I’ve read a lot of guys sealing up the back of the housing.

[@mikewelti112]

Your intake snorkel hose clamp doesn't look properly installed or tight? Did you check that?

[@JimboP-Outside]

I had disconnected it to remove the outer casing of the belt box. Didn’t really need to, but did so anyway.

[@Guitarooster52]

Good job with the video. Now to figure out how to stop that dust and spray from being ingested by the tranny.

[@jerd864]

I just put a deposit on a 2022 570 touring w/ eps. I hadn't really seen to many negatives for these machines until I found your channel. In retrospect would the mud in the belt box have been a deal breaker for you and caused you to have bought another brand? Just curious about if you think it's still a good buy. New Rider here.

[@JimboP-Outside]

No, it wouldn’t change my mind. At no point did my belt slip. I probably wouldn’t have known there was any mud in there if I didn’t take it apart. Still glad I did though as it’s worth noting. Since this video I’ve taken it on the trails a few more times…..still no issues, had a blast. Enjoy your 2022!

[@jerd864]

@@JimboP-Outside good to know, thanks for replying.

[@donnieflame]

How you liking your quad so far? ​@@jerd864I just picked up a 2024 570 base and I'm Lovin it so far

[@douglaskoepke2165]

Well got my frog skinz material today. Can't figure out a good way to cover the opening other that just to wrap around or over the top of the opening. Definitely can't figure a descent looking way. Then to hold it on, scratching my head on that too.

[@JimboP-Outside]

This weekend I’m going to pull the side panel again and think on this some more 🤨

[@douglaskoepke2165]

Pulling my panel off this weekend again too. Going to cut a piece of frog skin wrap it on there somehow and see my options to hold it on. Going up north (Michigan) on the 8th & 9th for a ride, so I'll rig something up.

[@jakewiechman7505]

I used a hose clamp to hold my frog skin material on the intakes, also added a bent piece of stainless in front of the belt intake, no issues since

[@douglaskoepke2165]

@@jakewiechman7505 I tried wrapping the frog skin around it and securing it with plastic cable ties. It just didn't look secure enough, the material so flimsy I was worried it would get sucked down in the intake.

[@MichiganPeatMoss]

June 2022: Well, digging deeper - as the 3rd owner of this 2021 (yes already) of my 2021 - appears to have a narrower secondary sheave than all the 2021 videos I'm watching. Explains why my broken belt was narrower than the OEM. Someone must've swapped parts out. Ugh.

[@JimboP-Outside]

I’m sorry to hear that man, but grateful you found out now. 👍

[@douglaskoepke2165]

I wonder if you got a piece of frog skin to wrap around the ointake opening or even take some thin rubber and extend the intake alittle more if that would help?

[@JimboP-Outside]

Ah yes, very good idea. I had heard of frog skin before but totally forgot about it. Thanks for the reminder, I will try that next. 👍

[@summerlee5605]

Hi,we have a series of UTV and ATV ,Truck and Jeep aftermarket accessories, now we are looking for some people to evaluate the polaris sportsman 570 grill light , are you interested?

[@JimboP-Outside]

Could you send a link so I can see the product? Thank you

[@summerlee5605]

@@JimboP-Outside Do you have any other contact information? Such as facebook or gmail. We can talk about this in more detail.

[@SeebHeavy]

How did you solved the problem with mud getting inside the bełt box? Could you show it? Thanks in advance.

[@JimboP-Outside]

I solved half of the issue (rear belt box exhaust) but still need to work on the intake. Here’s my video on the rear belt box exhaust mod: kzbin.info/www/bejne/mHnanYt_edpghc0si=0hoPljgWMBsfiipH

[@SeebHeavy]

@@JimboP-Outside I've seen all your videos about sportsman :) So I need to think about my solution for intake. And I'm waiting for your video too.

[@mark0decker827]

Think they have a drain. Petcock or valve?

[@JimboP-Outside]

They do, red plastic screw on the bottom.

[@davidhart5743]

For what ya pay for a bike new these issues should of been addressed long ago it’s a known Polaris thing belts always getting wet and dirty not to mention the cheap controls arm bushings that come stock an with no grease on the inside of the bushings new it’s so the parts will fail fast an ya gotta buy more never had any issues since I bought my new can am big build difference

[@Nicholas1999]

Wen I'm out riding in the rain I gotta drin it every hour or so

[@JimboP-Outside]

Such a poor design by Polaris. Should not be like this.

[@MrCoda47]

I would sure hate to blow a belt out on the trail and have to take this thing apart the way I see you having to to change your belt bad design

[@frankdecaprio8214]

Such a poor design for a premium atv. Also keep an eye on your upper radiator hose. Mine was chaffing on the left shock spring. Also not a problem on the base model with struts.

[@JimboP-Outside]

Thanks for the tip, I’ll check that out. 👍

[@bradtoepfer289]

With that much in your intake, would lead me to believe you either swamped your quad or damn near swamped it. Be honest bro. I have the same quad and know where the intake is located. In order to get that much in there, you def swamped it.

[@JimboP-Outside]

No, I did not swamp it. This is not what I bought the machine for. I trail ride and every trail has big puddles, totally unavoidable. If you do in fact have this machine then pull the side panels. You’ll see a clear and obvious path from the spinning rear tire right to the intake which faces backwards (faces the rear tire). The mud/water is unobstructed from the rear tire right to the intake. Watch my ride at Demon Run Trails, it’s my first video. You’ll see my riding style.

[@XxTWMLxX]

@@JimboP-Outside I put a GoPro inside my panel and your not wrong. It splashes in easily. I have snorkeled mine with a warrior kit.

[@JimboP-Outside]

@@XxTWMLxX Great idea with the GoPro!

[@dr4109]

Waiting on the intake mod to put the snorkel up by the light pod....

[@RC.56]

What can you do about that?

[@JimboP-Outside]

A few things…..I modded the belt box exhaust since it exited right over the real wheel which would throw mud right into it. Now I need to mod the intake side. Some guys have had good luck by disassembling the belt box and sealing the back.

[@bdar95]

need to add inner fender well s front and rear

[@JimboP-Outside]

Yeah, I agree with you. It’s getting close to winter here, so I’ll have time to figure it out.

[@bdar95]

@@JimboP-Outside i ben fighting these issues for a year on my trail plus broken cv axles i still have it but i bought a can am out lander 1000xtp it has none of the problems that killed my day at the trail.s

[@JaniV81]

Rubberseal behind the clutch is broken.

[@JimboP-Outside]

I’ve heard that as a possibility. Will need to check that next. Still, a lot coming in the intake.

[@JaniV81]

@@JimboP-Outside Im sure intake wont take any dirt in, unless you sunk it. Broken rubber will make it look like dirt comes from the intake. There is a new part number for the rubber seal, means old one has some trouble in it.

[@DrJosh2]

Is the new seal part number what’s used in the 2022’s? I’m hoping this issue is addressed, at least partially, for the 2022 I’m waiting for delivery on.

[@creds312]

Nice video. I just put one up along the same line as yours with a potential mod. Check it out

[@aydenrothfuss5679]

my belt blew because of it

[@JimboP-Outside]

Man, sorry to hear that 😮

[@Micheal153]

Would Polaris warranty it?

[@JimboP-Outside]

@@Micheal153 Good question……they’d probably blame me saying I drove through too deep of a puddle. I wouldn’t count on them.

[@aydenrothfuss5679]

@@Micheal153 yeah hahah they sent me a free belt

[@aydenrothfuss5679]

@@JimboP-Outside they sent me a free one

[@JBodine67]

If you want a water tight wheeler, do modifications like Polaris owners, or stick with Hondas and Yammys.imo. good video though. Informative, and keeping it real . Real world mechanics. Shade tree..I love Polaris sleds but I'm not a good enough mechanic to run a Sportsman, or a Cannedham.

[@jessejames6361]

What a disappointing design tough bike tho

[@clarknawrocki3851]

You want to wreck a 4 wheeler go mudding

[@JimboP-Outside]

I don’t go mudding specifically. I ride trails. All trails have puddles, and at the bottom of puddles is mud. Unavoidable.

[@cerny4444]

Agreed.

[@paranoid9419]

If you don't want to enjoy a 4 wheeler to it's best, leave it parked.

[@davidcook6034]

these machines are not bulldozers or submarines if you want to ride in mud/water get a dirt bike.

[@JimboP-Outside]

Typical knee-jerk response. I have said over and over in my videos that I have zero interest in mudding, it ain’t my thing. I trail ride, that’s what I bought this machine for. If you’ve ever ridden trails you know very well that every trail has water on it, sometimes a puddle large enough to cover the width of the trail. So you ride through it. The very point of this video was to illustrate how much water and mud get in the belt box when you’re merely trail riding and NOT submarining.

[@HAWAII2011XB-uw6qz]

He probably doesn’t own both. Thanks for the video. I’m in the edge of just getting a complete new transmission. They have one that don’t utilise the belt but it’s 1200$. Honestly I took mine in the river this weekend and ran into this same issue the drain plug was loaded with water in the crank case. Definitely a poor design by Polaris. So I’m like you, trying to figure out what route I want to go.

[@cerny4444]

Hey, if you dont want water and mud in your box (drum roll please)…..STAY OUT IF THE MUD AND WATER!!!! Snorkels are usually used by folks where they want to go under water (human body not designed to go) Hence, perhaps your ATV isn’t either?? ATV= All TERRAIN Vehicle. Key word “terrain”. I’m not busting your chops but you’re doing things the unit is not intended for. I’ve been riding for decades and never ever an issue, even with one of these horribly designed, cheaply made, money pit, garbage Polaris units 😉😉😉

[@JimboP-Outside]

And how do you know how I ride?! As I replied to your other comment, I’m not a mudder nor a submariner. I ride trails and all trails have puddles, some of which are wider than the trail which makes them unavoidable. This is why I made these two videos, not because I’m out dumping my machine under water over my head, but because I’m not!

[@cerny4444]

Thanks for your reply sir and I wish you the best of luck in coming up with a resolution.

[@cerny4444]

@Crocodiletears I waited a year for “Karen”?? Come on, take your time, think hard, and take another swing at it…….😂😂😂😂