Ok I have a 2005 Skidoo 600 HO carb motor with 7050 miles on it. I bought new and have always ran amsoil interceptor full synthetic oil and premium gas, I have had zero problems out of the motor or sled for that matter. my mechanic is saying I should rebuild the motor to "freshen it" I guess I always heard if it aint't broke don't fix it. What kind of longevity should I expect from this motor? I do plan to keep this sled and would like to get 10,000 miles out of it. I am a trail rider not a racer but do open it up when the trail is wide and strait. What do you guys think? rebuild? or keep riding?
How many miles is too many
- Thread starter mjdeutsch
- Start date
polarisrider1
New member
If it's not broke don't fix it. check compression if fine ride it. Amsoil is your friend! We got a sled in the family that has close to 30,000 miles on it, sure it is getting tired a bit but the neices and nephews ride it day in and day out on their 80 acres.. It is a 1998 Polaris Indy Sport 440 fan. had 12,800 miles on it when I bartered it off to the brother in law for concrete work. It has had Amsoil in it since the start. I am a believer. I put 8800 miles on my 01 Poo xcsp 800 in 2 years time riding in Canada it now has 18,000 plus miles on it (3rd track) all Amsoil miles. All my sleds get premium gas too. Life is to short to drink cheap beer and burn cheap oil. Keep riding it.
I often wonder, why premium?
Theres no magic pixie dust in premium, is there?
The premium pump, as far as I can see, gets used very little at the stations I go to. So, how long has that stuff been in the ground? Makes me think I'm maybe getting some old gas.
The 30,000 mile stories on AMSOIL are impresive and gets me thinking that AMSOIL is "A" pretty good oil. The key word is "A" (good oil), along with several others. I do believe AMSOIL is a quality product but it's not the "only" quality product on the market.
That black sticky crap they pump out of the ground will still do the job too it just don't smell as good. If I had a choice I would only ride with people that burn Polaris VES Gold, it smells so nice don't you think?
Theres no magic pixie dust in premium, is there?
The premium pump, as far as I can see, gets used very little at the stations I go to. So, how long has that stuff been in the ground? Makes me think I'm maybe getting some old gas.
The 30,000 mile stories on AMSOIL are impresive and gets me thinking that AMSOIL is "A" pretty good oil. The key word is "A" (good oil), along with several others. I do believe AMSOIL is a quality product but it's not the "only" quality product on the market.
That black sticky crap they pump out of the ground will still do the job too it just don't smell as good. If I had a choice I would only ride with people that burn Polaris VES Gold, it smells so nice don't you think?
polarisrider1
New member
Octane, and yes pixie dust called additives. Shell V Power rocks for gas in my Harley, boat and sled. My Hemi likes Premium too. wifes 4 banger could care less. Gas and oil brands have different chemical make ups and aditives., crude oil is used for the base to get a product going, kinda like the differences in paint qualities. The sled with the 30,000 miles is also a Fuji motor and that my friend maybe the reason why. sad to say but true.
There are two schools of thought on this. Some say if it is not broke don't fix it, others say an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. I am a pound of cure guy, I rebuilt my motor at 8300. replaced both pistons, had the crank trued and all new seals and gaskets (total cost 500.00). It now has 10,500 miles on it and starts on the first or second pull every time. It has never left me stranded on the trail or on a tow rope behind another sled. On the other hand my riding buddy is a "if it's not broke" guy. Last year his sled burned down on the first day of a four day trip and was towed in behind my sled ending the weekend for both of us. This was midway through the season and ended his riding for the year. The rebuild cost him 1500.00.
7800 miles on it when burned down.
7800 miles on it when burned down.
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I think stevis is right on, on this one. It really stinks when you've pushed her just a little too far and ya blow, and there go's your trip and a ton of cash.
Freinds went to the UP this year, first day one blew, then the second day another blew.
One was a year old sled, but the kid was on the lake and just pushed too hard.
And by the way, they were both running Arctic APV oil.
Freinds went to the UP this year, first day one blew, then the second day another blew.
One was a year old sled, but the kid was on the lake and just pushed too hard.
And by the way, they were both running Arctic APV oil.
indy_500
Well-known member
I would tear down motor, replace crank seals, replace all top end gaskets, if the pistons don't have a single scuff, replace rings. Rebuild clutch with new spring, new bushings in the weights, new spring in secondary and you should be able to get another 7000 out of it.
Hey Indy, help me to understand the crank seal replacement. Age and possible deterioration due to fuel/oil contact?
One other added suggestion would be to go through the carbs as long as the engine is out. Simple no cost insurance if done by the owner.
Don't know if I would go this far, cheap out and not replace the pistons. They take the most abuse of any part in the motor and could have problems with them that you cannot see with the naked eye.
mn_polaris_guy
New member
This is my train of thought too. Yes, crank seals can go, but it seems to me that certain motors/vintages are known to throw seals more than others (i.e. late 90's Polaris XLTs). Seals are not difficult to replace, so maybe a good preventative measure.
It comes down to how mechanically inclined you are and how much you want to spend. 7K miles is getting up there. Start with a compression check first.
Stevis, $1500 for a rebuild? I suppose if a dealer/shop does the work. Typically, a top end rebuild should run you $300-$500 if you do it yourself (depending on what's needed).
toddspolaris
Member
Tear down and repack pto and mag bearings with the great ISOFLEX grease that skidoo uses. The grease doesn't stay for that length of time. I have found ways of doing that without a complete tear down but the motor does need to be removed. Hone cyl. and re-ring. good to go another 5000 miles.
Full rebuild and replace trashed cylanders.
Does the Octane make it go faster?
due to the crap quality of todays fuel and high alcohol content is the reason you need to buy premium fuels, most places up north that sell premium , has no alcohol added to it, but the lower grades do. most sled manuals say if your buying fuel with alcohol in it, to buy a higher octane rated fuel.
Why do top end if compression is good? Crank Bearings ????
I have the same dilemma with my wife's '04 600 HO. Checked compression last spring at 135 both cyclinders, I had replaced the moly rings with the chrome ones at about 2500 miles. Now at 9500 miles, my only concern is the crank bearings going out as I understand that they are sealed. What is anyone's experience with the crank bearings going out on one of these sleds, totally stock, no mods?
I have the same dilemma with my wife's '04 600 HO. Checked compression last spring at 135 both cyclinders, I had replaced the moly rings with the chrome ones at about 2500 miles. Now at 9500 miles, my only concern is the crank bearings going out as I understand that they are sealed. What is anyone's experience with the crank bearings going out on one of these sleds, totally stock, no mods?
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X2
I am the same way....I rather spend the $500 and know the sled is good to go (or should be) then wondering if its going to crap out this weekend or not and then end up spending more to fix it!
I totally agree that some form of preventitive maintanence is a great idea.
But, most of the piston failures are from something other than a piston just plain wearing out.
If your problem is "burning down" new pistons will burn just the same and won't cure any of those problems.
I don't know if I have ever seen a piston wear out. Most of them fail because of bad gas, lean conditions or running something thru the motor. Again, new pistons won't fix that.
snow_monkey
New member
When I traded my 2002 xcsp with 7,000 miles compression was right at the top. I am certain someone who gets it can easily hit the 10,000 mark with no issues. If you plan on keeping the sled I would listen to Indy If not trade her out at the beginning of season next year and make it someone elses project. Also at 7,000 miles there alot of other items that require attention that I was not willing to invest the time or the money. I did the math, purchased new for $4,900 plus tax put on 7,000 miles and sold for $2,400= $2,795 with little or no repairs thats $465.83 a season for 6 seasons. You would be hard pressed to rent a sled for under $500 and be allowed to ride it a whole season.