OK... so I have a 1996 Polaris 500 4x4. It was working fine it had a little bit of problems holding the battery though. So I would have to pull start it but one time when I pull started it the string wouldn't go back in but it started and it started to make a loud clanking/grinding noise from around the pull string area just sitting there I wasn't riding it or anything but it started doing that out of nowhere? Could I have broke the gears or what?

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Originally Posted by jmull65

OK...so i have a 1996 Polaris 500 4x4. It was working fine it had a little bit of problems holding the battery though. So i would have to pull start it but one time when i pull started it the string wouldnt go back in but it started and it started to make a loud clanking/grinding noise from around the pull string area just sitting there i wasnt riding it or anything but it started doing that out of nowhere? could i have broke the gears or what??

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In my opinion, what has happened is, through not enough use, the pull-start return clutches have become sticky and need cleaned and serviced iin order to function properly.
It can be a DIYer job if you have the 'tools' needed.
Do you have the manual? Owner's or Operator's? Anything with their website listed should lead you to the pdf you need. If not, Google the model and see what you find.

Getting back to why the battery is not holding it's own... How old is the battery?
Do you have any way to test the battery or the charging system? What kind of condition are the cables?
If the battery and alternator are deemed OK, break out a scrubbie pad of your choice and clean both ends of both cables and try a re-start. After that, the only thing left is the starter. That's tougher to test since it's only working under a HUGE load!
Let's hope the problem is resolved before that...