Ski Doo question

[gunslinger]

I've only ridden a snow mobile once or twice in my life, and don't really know much about them.

I have a scan tool posted on craigslist and a guy wants to trade me his 1997 Ski Doo Mach Z 800 triple for it. From what I've seen, it looks like it's worth the money. He says it's got 7000 miles on it, always stored indoors, and still has 170lb of compression.

Anything to look out for? Educate me.

 

[novaderrik]

see if it makes any funny noises, throttle response, how easy it is to start, the condition of the drive belt and track as well as the plastic slides for the track as well as the wear bars on the bottom of the skis. look for broken, bent, and scratched up plastic and aluminum in places that shouldn't see too much abuse in "normal" riding. you're pretty much just looking over the general condition of the whole thing.

 

[theCATman]

With that kinda miles on an old 2-stroke sled, it's pretty much at the end of it's life on the top-end. Yea the compression may still check OK, but...

If it's the original track, it's shot now too. (there's $500-600 shot in the azz for a new one)

Clutches are in need of new springs with that many miles.

All bearings (driveshaft,jackshaft,bogie wheels) are in need of re-packing or replacing.

All the shocks are well worn, unless been rebuilt. $100 each to have them rebuilt.

Look very close at all bolts in the skidframe/undercarriage. Any "sooty/discoloration" of the aluminum around the bolts indicate they either are loose, or have been in the past & now the holes are "egged" out. This makes for a nice clunky sloppy suspension.

Old sleds with over 5,000 miles are a real crap shoot.

 

[Mike Licht]

theCATman speakes the truth, what is your asking price on the scan tool, that will help to compare value
Mike

 

[gunslinger]

I'm asking 1200 for the scan tool, he's asking 1650 for the sled.
I don't think the deal will happen anyway. I've tried calling him, and haven't heard back.
Here's a link to his ad. http://maine.craigslist.org/bar/3289034643.html

 

[Mike E]

I had a 98 mach Z with the 800 tripple (yes I live in TN, no I hardly ever got to ride it). TheCATman covered everything that I had to go through on mine. Even after rebuilding half my sled, it still wasn't half as comfortable to ride as a newer sled. But that motor makes a ton of power, it sure would be fun in a quad frame.

 

[Mike Licht]

If you want to build a racer thats an ok place to start, if you want a trail cruiser there is lots of better options out there.
Mike

 

[novaderrik]

I had a 98 mach Z with the 800 tripple (yes I live in TN, no I hardly ever got to ride it). TheCATman covered everything that I had to go through on mine. Even after rebuilding half my sled, it still wasn't half as comfortable to ride as a newer sled. But that motor makes a ton of power, it sure would be fun in a quad frame.

you've got lakes there, don't you? you're safe on water as long as you keep the throttle pegged..

 

[Mike E]

Did that. . It was a good way to keep the track and heat exchanger cool in hot waether.

 

[Mike Licht]

Once was enough for me