Dad ain't so dumb.....

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mcat

New member
So, my son (14 yrs old) was out riding with his buddy when his buddies recoil broke. They were 8 miles from home, and didn't know what to do..so they call me on the cell phone.

I proceeded to instruct him how to use the strap that Arctic Cat provided in the tool kit, (2001 MC) which you wrap around the primary clutch to start the engine if the recoil or rope breaks. As I start to tell him what to do he says..."yeah right"...well after trying 3 times the sled starts on the 4th pull. You wouldn't believe how surprised they were that this worked.

His buddies sled didn't have a strap, and neither of them had ever heard of such a thing. I don't know if the newer sleds, or other brands have a strap in their tool kit, and I hadn't needed to use this approach in quite a few years, but I was sure happy that the sled he was riding had one. If it hadn't I suppose a good strong boot lace would work also in a bind.

Dad was able to save the day, and it was great to hear my son say..."your pretty smart".

When we hauled his buddies sled to his house, his dad had never heard of this approach either.

I thought it may be good to spread the word, heck I bet a lot of people never new why Cat put that strap in the tool kit.

Granted, recoils don't break every day, but on this day they were glad that they didn't have to spend the afternoon getting help.
 
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windingtrailgal

Active member
It's always nice to know that your teenage son doesn't think you're a dumb@$$ for at least ONE day outta the year! Good job, DAD!

I've actually seen bigdaddy do this once before...it's not that easy of a thing to do with instructions over the phone. Give the kid credit for listening to you.

Good save!
 
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Iowarider

Member
It's a good thing he rapped the strap the right direction so it wouldn't start in the the wrong direction. I heard this happening before.
 
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ezra

Well-known member
have used pants belt before.have seen a guy on a vintage kick the primary and it started up
 
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TDL

New member
My 2000 xcsp recoil broke with 310 miles on the sled and my buddy spun the clutch with his hands and the sled started right up.
 
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mikeh906

New member
7 miles out pulled the 200hp over, with a rope and vise grips as the handle, kids thought I was nuts. Guess they never been stuck 7 miles out, oh first pull. Bad cable to the starter. Glad you got the pat on the back, young and dumb never wins over old an tenatios. Sure wish my putor spelled better
 
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mcat

New member
Iowarider said:
It's a good thing he rapped the strap the right direction so it wouldn't start in the the wrong direction. I heard this happening before.
Click to expand...

Yes, I forgot to mention that I also talked him through how to determine the correct direction to wrap the strap....told him to have his buddy pick up the back of the sled and turn the driven clutch to determine the correct direction.

I have also seen sleds start in the opposite direction, then the driver tried to take off and the secondary just opened up and wouldn't move. That was pretty neat to see.
 
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skutr

New member
Nice job. I've taught my son's (15 & 10 yrs old) to say "Gee Dad - you're pretty smart sometimes". They don't say it very often, but it's sure nice to hear. :)
 
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polarisrider1

New member
If anyone would read their owners manual (the booklet that comes with the sled) you would find this info in there. My 1972 Polaris colt even had this info way back then and it hasn't changed. While in the booklet it will show you were the grease zerts are to, and how to adjust your suspension, Wow what a novel idea, this little book is valuable.
 
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snowfreak56

Member
read

polarisrider1 said:
If anyone would read their owners manual (the booklet that comes with the sled) you would find this info in there. My 1972 Polaris colt even had this info way back then and it hasn't changed. While in the booklet it will show you were the grease zerts are to, and how to adjust your suspension, Wow what a novel idea, this little book is valuable.
Click to expand...

Read, whats that,how ya do that,why,need to know what.
 
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russholio

Well-known member
Actually, I'm a firm believer in making use of the owner's manual and am surprised at how many people don't......but I just couldn't resist the urge to throw in that comment.
 
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megan600

New member
our group had this issue far from home. It was a polaris 800 triple that didnt stand a chance of starting with a good kick or flick of the wrist. We ended up deciding who had the cheapest spare belt on their sled and cut that to start the sled. It was painful to cut a spare belt but we were far from home and had a few stops ahead. He must have started that thing a dozen times using that spare belt. Worked everytime.
 
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