2006 CrossFire

[scott_l]

I am looking at purchasing a used 2006 600 CrossFire. I believe some of the early builds where prone to overheating, but cat changed something on the later models regarding the overheating. Can anyone confirm that? If so what was changed and how can I tell if the sled is a early build or late build?

What kind of compression should this sled have with about 2200 miles on it? Compression should always be checked when the engine is cold correct?

Any other problems, things to check or watch out with this sled?

Thanks much

 

[cuzzinolaf]

Check compression when the sled is warm... at operating temp.

 

[mezz]

scott l, I have been running the same sled you are considering, I have have had zero issues with it to date. Just tested the compression which showed 125lb per side. I don't know what your style of riding is, if it is stock, you will like the versatility of it for trail & a little off trail. I ride mostly off trail, so I did add some things to make it more off the beaten path friendly. 09 SnoPro Telescopic steering post & Mountain bars, Parabolic Ski's, I also had changed the 1.25 rip saw to a 1.6 Mtn Track which I recently replaced & extended to a 144" x 2". Overall, I think you will like the sled. If in fact you do get bitten by the boondocking bug, it is easy to change up the thing's that make it even better in the deep snow. I know fellow JD'r ezra would be able to better advise on the early build issue, but, I think the few problems that arose in the early builds were with the Sno Pro Model's. I have not had issues with over heating, then again, I am in deeper snow most of the time. Make sure the Diamond drive has been properly maintained & clutches have been serviced etc. etc.. The thing to remember as with anything else, maintenance, maintenance, maintenance-Mezz

 

[scott_l]

thanks mezz

I do around 80% trail riding... a little ditch riding and a little lake riding. Would love to do more off trail riding but my best riding buddy (the wife) is not into that, but she has no problem riding ALL day and hates it when we ride with "slow pokes" so I can't/wont complain.

Did you check your compression with the engine hot or cold? About how many miles on yours?

 

[mezz]

scott, I have 3614 miles on this sled & the compression test was done with a warm engine. The stock set up will be fine for your type of riding. You will notice that it does bridge the studder bumps nicely unlike the 121". You will also notice a slight difference in the handling in corners, but, you will be able to compensate the difference with some time in the saddle. The crossfire's stock bars will take a little getting use to, especially if you are accustom to riding sleds with standard trail height bars, but, that too, you will get use to.-Mezz

 

[chad66]

I have the Arctic Cat 500/600 F's and Crossfires in my rental fleet and knock on wood but I've yet to rebuild one in last 4 years. Some of them have been over 9k miles and motor never touched and still run great. I've been very pleased with the reliability of the Cat(Suzuki) motors. The 500/600 may not be the most powerful but they are the most durable.

Chad@M&M

 

[ezra]

there are 3 diff with the early build 1 was they used the smaller M rear cooler and gearing was diff cant remember off the top of my head what the gearing was but stock to stock the early build was a bit faster on the top end from the gearing.also the eb cooler had issues with the rear cooler bridging ice around the cooler the ice would get warm and kinda slide to the rear get caught on a ledge that the snow flap bumper created and then build up and then hollow out that created the overheating.the latter build cooler was longer and went past thet little ledge so no issue.we fixed my buds ledge with a few rivets and a chunk of old snow flap never a prob again.that eb crossfire has spent the last 2 yrs as a drag sled running a 60hp shot of nos with no probs and close to 4k mi on it.also the EB had a diff efi program more like a 05 f7 so it is a bit more aftermarket pipe friendly a bit more fat in the mid range.buy it and enjoy

 

[indy_500]

i have never heard of someone recommending a cold compression tester, is there any reason why a cold COULD be better than a warm?