Stalling 550 Mule

[JLB24]

I have a 2000 550 Mule with 4000 miles on it we use it here on our farm to feed. I have a few questions and hope someone can help me out. I'm going to get a manual because I did not get one when I purchased it. So maybe that will help too. I have been dealing with a stalling out problem for a while and have been taping the air duct for awhile (that helped for a awhile) since I noticed a cracks in it I got a new one and put it in along with a new air filter, fuel filter, and plug. It was still stalling out it would run for a few minutes and then die. I turned the idle up but it ran way (idled too high at neutral and in gear). I did have a problem what happen right after a big storm and was driven thru high water. It would not go forward just in reverse this cleared up the next day. I think I have a belt problem because when you try to turn it over you can hear a noise like the belt is slipping and it will only turn over when you pump the gas a lot and or have the choke out for awhile. I was wondering if it could be an exhaust problem the muffler is shot. I would like to figure this out and maybe do the repair but first don't know if I'm thinking in the right direction. Also the belt removal maybe over my head. Please note also that this Mule has never had any repairs other than a starter. Also my other questions are should you be able to see the belt via a round hole in the back of the unit? Also on another note I have figured out where the oil plug is thanks to you all but which is the oil dip stick the top one or the bottom one by the filter? Any advice/help would be or great help.

[RCW]

I suspect two different problems with your 550. The loss of forward when wet is likely because of a missing drain vent on the bottom of the torque converter housing. Take a good look underneath the housing and I suspect you will find either the vent is open or the protective valve is damaged and open to water.

The stalling problem is most likely a dirty carburetor, but check the air tube that runs between the valve cover and the top of the intake tube that attaches to the carburetor. Many times that tube will crack or come loose from one end or the other and that will cause low speed stalling. The other common problem with age is the long studs that hold the intake tube to the carburetor and the carburetor to the intake manifold come loose and allow the manifold gaskets to fail and leads to vacuum leaks that cause low speed stalling.

You are on the correct track to get the service and repair manual, it will provide you with the information you need to correct the problems.