2007 polaris switchback 800 - Snowmobile Forum: Your #1 Snowmobile Forum

mikelwhitlock · 10-30-2012, 11:20 PM

im new here so i shall start by saying hi!

i just bought a 2007 polaris switchback 800. it has 500 miles on it and new rmk front end and upgraded track, either 144 or 154 (guy cudnt remember). besides that it's stock. can any one tell me is there any common problems with these sleds? i read about engine seizing up? any way to avoid this? I also read that the 800 came out in 2008, was the guy i bought it off simply mistaken with the year or is there a 2007 800? thanks to whoever answers and helps me out

JD8345RT · 10-31-2012, 12:41 AM

Welcome to the forum!

A 144" track length would make your sled a Switchback Assault, 154(155") would be an RMK. The 800 was first available in 2008 on the Dragon RMK only, and introduced for other configurations like the Switchback in 2009. Not a great engine until after 2010; a series of recalls/dealer updates are necessary. (I'd be surprised if they haven't already been done on your machine)

A picture would help a lot in identifying the model your sled is.

mikelwhitlock · 10-31-2012, 12:44 AM

well, i know its a switchback 800.. the track was aftermarketly upgraded as well as the front end.. buddy smashed it so front end needed replacing. ill get a pic up here as soon as i can (not soon) but as for the engine.. if the recall fixes wer not done.. how would i go about getting them done? and would it cost me?

mikelwhitlock · 10-31-2012, 12:45 AM

its stock at 136" track btw says on it

JD8345RT · 10-31-2012, 01:12 AM

If it is a 800 Switchback 136" then your sled is probably a 2009. (with a 2010-'12 nose kit)

Call your dealer and give them your VIN number, they can check to see if the recalls have been done. If not, bring your sled into the dealership and they will do it for free if the original recall service bulletin has not passed expiration. (You should be fine there)

mikelwhitlock · 11-01-2012, 12:54 AM

the problem is that the guy i bought it off of bought it off a bit of a scuzz bag for cheap. he figures theres a possibility thats it's been stolen. nothing for sure tho. so i dont want to raise alarms by sending them my VIN.. how bout any ways i can make it last the way it is? good oil instead of cheap stuff? premix as well as oil inject?

JD8345RT · 11-01-2012, 01:41 AM

You are no more liable for the theft by having recalls fixed; however, you were liable from the day you became the owner of the machine. To get a bearing on your sled's history, go to http://www.purepolaris.com/en-us/Sno...earch-VIN.aspx and enter your sled's VIN. The website will list the last known owner's info, and you can proceed from there in contacting them. The British Columbian snowmobile registrar also likely keeps a list of reported stolen sleds. You may find yourself in a difficult situation; the best course of action I can recommend is just to be level and above board about the whole thing.

As far as the updates, you really have to get them done, particularly the ECU reflash, to avoid burning down the motor. You cannot, and do not want to, get around a lean-running condition from poor fuel map calibration, and other major reliability issues.

mikelwhitlock · 11-01-2012, 11:25 PM

alright thanks a lot!! that''s very helpful

mat · 11-02-2012, 02:12 AM

Welcome to the forum. If you are not sure of the year, look at the last 2 digits of the VIN # I think or maybe it's the serial # and that will tell you the year (for example if the last 2 digits are 07, you know it is a 2007).

mikelwhitlock · 11-03-2012, 09:34 PM

what does it mean when i type in the VIN and it says the vin doesnt exist?

JD8345RT · 11-03-2012, 11:22 PM

Double and triplecheck that you have read the decal and entered the VIN correctly. If still a no-go, call your version of the Department of Natural Resources to confirm that your sled was not reported lost/destroyed.

mikelwhitlock · 11-03-2012, 11:24 PM

ive rechecked. i did find that entering the vin found no stolen flags so i think im safe!! haha thanks anyways tho!

mikelwhitlock · 02-27-2013, 12:22 AM

just a bit of an update.. sled is a 2010, with 800 miles on it now been riding all season.. its a 141" with a complete rmk front suspension, shocks from a dragon, bar riser, etc. Really a great sled. Ive vin checked it, not stolen

.. anyways, with the season coming to an end, im looking to sell it soon. Im located in kelowna BC canada, if anyone is interested in it, send me a PM and we can talk!