May have a chance on getting a Polaris Scrambler 3 wheeler, need some advice

[IronBear]

Hello,

I may be working on a barter deal (an old mower that I have) for a 1985 Polaris Scrambler 3 wheeler. I don't know to much about these bikes, but this one does need some work. The seller replaced the tires, cleaned the carburetor, fuel tank etc., but says it doesn't run. However, it ran when it was purchased. I'm trying to find out more information on it.

Below is a picture of it:



Basically, what do I need to look out for with this machine before potentially making a deal with the seller?

Thanks

[fabiodriven]

Hello,

By starting your post with the word "hello", you are inadvertently making yourself sound like Barnett and thus killing the number of views you get.

[slashfan7964]

It's not extremely common, but it is more common than say a Tiger, Cagiva or Husky, so parts might be a tad tougher to get than the big 3 makers of three wheelers. Really, I'd just treat it like anything else 2 stroke, get it running. It doesn't look to be in too bad of shape but if you restore it, plastics might be hard to find. Otherwise, I say go for it.

[rg97]

Like slash said, parts can be a little tough to find and when you do they are expensive. it definitely needs some TLC. Just dont spend too much on the initial buy and or else it can come back and bite you
I did a quick search and found less than 100 eBay listings for anything to do with the scrambler 3 wheeler. Most of it (even minor parts) people wanted $75+

[fabiodriven]

I think what he's looking for are real world opinions from people who know.

#1 it's a 2 stroke.

#2 they're not slow.

You guys do realize you don't have to reply to every single thread right?

Swing arm bearings are a whore to do on these machines as well as starters. If either of those need to be done then you have some serious bargaining tools.

[slashfan7964]

#1 it's a 2 stroke.

Edited mine for good measure

#2 they're not slow.

I wouldn't think so lol.

You guys do realize you don't have to reply to every single thread right?

I'm pretty sure this is a forum where I can post wherever I want, when I want. I'm keeping discussion alive. That's what a forum is after all.

[rg97]

I think what he's looking for are real world opinions from people who know.

I like how I provided 5 things in my post to help the OP and you have feel the need to get irritated about one wrong opinionated detail. When I'm right on 4/5 things, I dont consider it wrong and that I dont know anything, which you insinuated.

You guys do realize you don't have to reply to every single thread right?

Thats my fault, I've replied to 3 threads today and two yesterday. I'm posting too much, arent I?
Make it 4, I helped someone with a 200x.



Anyways, if the price is right, go for it ironbear. It will be a learning experience

[fabiodriven]

Post all your little hearts desire when you know what you're talking about.

[rg97]

Slash and I have done our part to help the OP, and all you can do is complain about other people and give a little comment about the swingarm bearings. Something just doesnt add up here

[slashfan7964]

Post all your little hearts desire when you know what you're talking about.

Oh grow up. It was a mistake on my part. Big deal. The last thing we need is a ridiculous argument. All this guy wants is some help.

[fabiodriven]

One of you called it a 4 stroke and the other said Scrambler's are slow, both wrong.

Don't ever tell me to grow up boy. Once again you not of what you speak.

[Howdy]

Some P3 info ( We call them P3's on here ): They are / can be good machines, but parts can be a royal pain to find in good condition. Fabio is 100% dead on about the swing arm bushings and electric starters. Either of those will require most of a day of garage work ( first timer's ). I can do the swing arm bushings in about 1 hour now by myself ( done 5 -6 of them ). The electric starter will take a good 2-3 hours plus special tools to replace. They look easy to get to, how ever there are 2 bolts that will require the clutch to be removed to get to them. VERY bad design IMO.
Rear brakes: If the cable is good then Great. If you have to fix the rear brakes expect a minimum of an hour and a half first time. If you have trouble be perpared to walk away and gain your sanity back before finishing. Do it once and you will understand. LOL

OEM swing arm bushings, rear brake cable, carb rebuild kit, key switch, transmission chain, and many many other parts are discontinued. I had a few parts remanufatured but even my supplies are limited ( These are not cheap parts ).

FYI, There are a few of us on the site that has one or more of these. If you never owned or worked on one of these you really don't understand what a pain they are to work on. How ever when they are running they are NICE. Do to my limited amout of free time I am seriously thinking of thinning my collection ( P3 machines, not the spare parts ).

Good: They do great in drag racing and will almost keep up with the bigger machines like a 350x. They eat 200x's for lunch ( or mine does anyhow ). Trail riding can be good or bad. They ride like a Cadilac, but are so heavy that if you get them stuck you will have fun getting it out.

Bad: These are NOT made for jumping period!!! My son took one we build for him out of the MX track at TF. He caught 3'+ of air and when he landed he broke the frame, transmission, and numerous other things. To fix it buying parts from ebay would cost over $500 in parts ( I have some of them on hand ). It will take 6-8 hours of work to repair.

Depending on what is wrong with that machine will determine the value. Any where from $100 to $300 is my best guess as it sits. The cheaper the better because over time these can cost quite a bit to repair. I don't even like to think how much I have put into the ones I have ( 6 ).
Howdy

[slashfan7964]

One of you called it a 4 stroke and the other said Scrambler's are slow, both wrong.

Don't ever tell me to grow up boy. Once again you not of what you speak.

I don't know what has gotten into you, but this is unacceptable behavior. Relax. It was an honest mistake, at least I have since fixed and wasn't thinking clearly in the first place. No reasons to jump down my throat. Listen man, I'm not trying to start any beef. We are all here for the same reason, we love three wheelers. I'm still learning.

[jeswinehart]

Iron bear, one problem with P-3's if any amount of gasoline gets into the crankcase they will not start for love nor money.
The crankcase drain plug (10mm) is accessed thru the front skid plate (you will need to put socket + extension together between skid plate and engine case ~ you will figure that out once you are into it)
Anywheres from a thimble full or more in there,,, it ain't gonna start period.
Now that is providing it has spark + getting fuel in the first place.
Many parts from early Polaris Trail Boss 250's will work on the P-3, essentially the same machine from goose neck back.

john

john

[MIK6]

Iron bear, one problem with P-3's if any amount of gasoline gets into the crankcase they will not start for love nor money.
The crankcase drain plug (10mm) is accessed thru the front skid plate (you will need to put socket + extension together between skid plate and engine case ~ you will figure that out once you are into it)
Anywheres from a thimble full or more in there,,, it ain't gonna start period.
Now that is providing it has spark + getting fuel in the first place.
Many parts from early Polaris Trail Boss 250's will work on the P-3, essentially the same machine from goose neck back.

john

john

I showed john that drain at TF.. if I remeber we needed to use a pick in that drain hole to open the crud so it would drain on howdys..
The easy way to find it is look for the oval hole in the skidplate, put the ratchet extension thru that oval and lay it at about a 45degree angle and you will see the drain plug.
Ive used that drain on my P3, 2 of my trailbosses and jens trailblazer.. works awesome, 1st thing to check when one wont start.