Reading polaris date code

bob15 · Post by **bob15** » Sun Mar 16, 2008 7:23 pm

I finally found a decent trail sled, an Indy 500 with reverse for $660, but I not sure what year. Anybody understand the Polaris code set up? The date code is 0051996. I can figure out the year 1996, but the 005 has me stumped. It could be first zero is for Oct and the 05 is the day or the first zero is the 10th day of the month of May (05). Either way, it should be a 97 and not a 96 as it was listed.

Also any idea where to find a shop manual? It seems nobody has them for the 96-98 Indy models.

bob

Liquifire 4/6 · Post by **Liquifire 4/6** » Sun Mar 16, 2008 7:47 pm

Are you getting that number from the chassis or off of the engine? Regarding a manual, you won't find a manual available from Polaris specific to your 500 because up until around 1999, Polaris did not print individual model specific manuals. You had to purchase the entire Polaris Master Snowmobile Repair Manual which contained information on all models. It was pretty thick and expensive.

bob15 · Post by **bob15** » Sun Mar 16, 2008 8:26 pm

I am getting the number off the chassis, right hand side, about where someones foot could wear off part of the writing off. There is 7 digits above it, not sure what they are, but was think they are the serial numbers. Am I looking in the wrong area?

Thanks...bob

Liquifire 4/6 · Post by **Liquifire 4/6** » Sun Mar 16, 2008 9:10 pm

Maybe you are looking at the model number, but if so, you must be reading it incorrectly as I don't find any record of that model number. I think the serial numbers back then were also seven digit numbers....but I doubt that's a serial number. The S/N will be on the same decal, but it will also be stamped into the tunnel very near to the decal. The model number appears only on the decal. Take another look at it. No such suffix as 1996 in any year from 94-97 and the second digit can't be a zero if it's the model number.....maybe it's a 6?

Oops, it just ocurred to me that you might be reading the build date......the extra zero had me confused. If it's the build date, then it means it was built in May of 1996 which would make it a 1997 model. I'm kinda betting it's a 97. You did not mention which model of 500 you have. Here's a list of all 1997 Polaris 500's with the model numebrs

0972564 500 SKS
0972764 Indy 500
0972964 500 RMK
0973365 500 Classic Touring
0973774 500 EFI
0973865 Indy 500 Classic

See if you find any of those model numbers on the tunnel decal.

bob15 · Post by **bob15** » Mon Mar 17, 2008 6:25 pm

I found out that the second number I saw which I thought was a serial number is in fact the model number 0972764. I also was given a copy of the service manual for free which showed the breakdown of the model number.

thanks for the help...bob