IceShanty.com's Ice Fishing Community
Ice Fishing Tips -Check your local regulations! => Ice Fishing Transportation => Topic started by: Mainehazmt on Sep 23, 2008, 06:59 PM
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Just got a 1996 skidoo formula III for this winter has elec start and reverse 200 miles on a newly rebuilt motor 500 miles on the track Anybody know anything about these? and if ya do wheres the battery?
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under the seat ??
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battery? what's that? Sounds like a fast machine (if you can ever get it started).
I bet it's good for pulling a lodge or two around (really fast that is!).
:D
MD
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Its been awhile,but I think the battery is located on the right side of the engine under the hood. Very good machine, you wont be disappointed with a skidoo!!
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suposed to do over 100 bet it never see's 30 again lol nope cant see it under the hood checked there first lol
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found the battery looks like a pain to change it pull air coversoff carbs ect. is there a master switch somewhere on it? fuse ect...have charger on it now but seems to do nothing when turn the key ;(
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found the battery looks like a pain to change it pull air coversoff carbs ect. is there a master switch somewhere on it? fuse ect...have charger on it now but seems to do nothing when turn the key ;(
Try unplugging the kill switch on the bars, also make sure the tether cord is in place if it has one. These will keep the starter from engaging ...
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Seems like I have lost alot of my mech skills with all this new fancy stuff :( it's no wonder they get 50-60 hr to fix things anymore Got a good deal on this sled but now having second thoughts liquid cooled, bought it mostly for the reverse and elec start still need to get a few studs put in it for lawrences cabins trip
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try a different battery. if this fails check the ground wire for corrosion. The motor need to be grounded to the frame for the starter to work. Engine is rubber mounted. hope this helps. that's if you allready check the kill switch on the bars
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all the formula sleds in that chassis have the bat. behind the air box.remove it so you can see the cells of the bat.make sure it is full of electrolite,or acid. charge it for 8 hrs. on a 2 amp trickle charge.if you are ever in south central maine (turner) on rt. 4 stop in at irish outdoor powersports.they specialize in sled parts for all makes,they will take good care of you... ;)
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got all that just cant find the voltage regulator >:(
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Follow the wires. You don't need the regulator for the thing to run, it's there so the battery stays charged up will its running. Did you check the starter relay?
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Hate to chime in here...but there must be a solenoid on it right?? Or some kind of a relay that might be shot..my two cents. I guess plan b is to smack the starter with a wrench a few times and make sure she works or test it...
flippin snowmobiles...things can make a person nuts.
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I got the starter to work perfectly was 2 dirty connections one on the starter the other the fuse off the ignition switch no issues in starting it now added a cigarette lighter so I can charge the battery easier and have a power port for my GPS prior to me it blew all the light bulbs so I'm still searching for the regulator I bought the regulator was less than 20 bucks but the headlight bulbs are 15 each! and gauge lights 5 bucks each so I figure it is cheaper to change it now while it is warm I'm almost thinking it has to be Under the engine :(
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Here it is!
(http://www.myfishfinder.com/pictures/data/500/100_0316.jpg)
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how much did u pay for the sled?
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much less than a grand :)
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Nice sled, looks to be in excellent shape! If you're already changing the light bulbs and plan on doing a lot of riding in the dark, check your local parts store for a new high output 100W/80W Xenon headlights (100watt high beam, 80watt low beam, stock bulbs are 60w/50w), I ran one for a year and a half in my 1995 Formula Z 583 and loved it, gives you double the headlight output, but still leaves plenty of power left over for hot-grips and heated visors, they're only a few dollars more than a standard bulb. It's a common automotive style headlight bulb, so just match the plug style. As far as the voltage regulator, check the back of the crankcase underneath the carbs, or behind the airbox on the tunnel, close to the fuel pump. Never owned a Triple cylinder ski-doo, so I can't say for sure. Hope this helps.
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I found stock bulb that skidoo sold for 15 bucks at my local parts store for 5.31 :) and I found the regulator :( under the engine have to pull the pipes off but was able to remove the chaincase to clean and inspect it and refill (seemed to be metal filings in there but all is well :) ) I just want to know what idiot in their right mind would put an electrical device under an engine :( It still might be too much sled for me lol
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Glad to hear you've got it figured out! metal fillings in the chain case is par for the course, just make sure the chain tension is set properly as that's the main reason people snap chains. I'm not sure what kind of winters you get in Maine, but I know back in northern Ontario we get a fair bit of slush under the snow out on the lakes, and the first time you try and cross a lake with 10"+ of slush, you're thankful for every pony under the hood, plus the long track will help a bunch.
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We get the same winters as you basically cold nasty jan thaws rains ect One thing with the weight of this puppy I know I dont want to get it stuck! 570 lbs it will be there till spring! last few years we have had the slush issue :( basically if its that bad out comes the ol 1972 elan to break trail lol
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Aaahhh the trusty Elan, is there anything they can't do?
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We get the same winters as you basically cold nasty jan thaws rains ect One thing with the weight of this puppy I know I dont want to get it stuck! 570 lbs it will be there till spring! last few years we have had the slush issue :( basically if its that bad out comes the ol 1972 elan to break trail lol
You will be very suprised how well that machine handles slush. I used to ride my 98 700 F3 on open water.If it wants to "dig" down in the slush,tighten the adjuster on the rear suspension.
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at 570 lbs If I see slush anywhere I wont be on it!
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at 570 lbs If I see slush anywhere I wont be on it!
Just keep in mind that it will go across open water IF YOU HAVE TO. I watched a guy go for a swim one night becoause he rode up on an open spot and paniced. He slid right in when he would have sailed right across it.
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I love my formula III... bought it from my boss in fargo, brought it back to winnipeg. He upgraded the suspension to the SC-10, wicked fast sled, put my auger caddy on the back. My only fault is mine has no reverse.
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between the electric start and the reverse is why I got it sure wasnt for the speed dont need the speed!
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24th of Nov! took the F3 for a spin around the yard yup it has def got some power and Being the procrastinator (though well intentioned as I bought all the studs and all) now I have to put the studs in interestingly it seemed that it took almost 5 grand to initially engage the clutch to get it off the trailer I def now see it could be a fast sled but I do like the reverse!
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Once you get some time on it the clutch engagement may come down a bit. They will get a bit sticky sometimes from sitting. If it dont its just a matter of changing out the springs. Actually on my 98 there was an adjustment on them clutches....might be on yours too.
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570 pounds, wow.....that's a heavy pig. but then again, triples are known to be heavy. i say good call on puttin studs in. i wouldn't wanna get stuck with that thing either. just remember if ya get into slush with that sled....grab a handfull and hold on.
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I agree with stumper, a bit of running time should free it up a bit, usually some oxidation builds up in the clutch over the summer and can cause the bushing to stick a bit. All Ski-doo's with a liquid cooled engine (and some bigger fan cooled sleds) have the TRA clutch, there are 3 adjustment bolts on the outer cover. They're usually a yellow color, and have the bolt head sunk down into a hex shaped recess in the clutch. you'll see a line on the bolt head, and the numbers 1-6 around the bolt head, moulded into the aluminum of the clutch cover. Make sure all bolts have the line pointing at the same number, otherwise you can do some serious damage to the clutch. You can use these to adjust the clutch's operating range up or down in 100 RPM increments. While you're there, shine a flashlight into the grooves on either side of the ridge that the bolts pass through. On either side, you should see a black, graphite "puck" with a wear groove running through them, if you can't see the groove anymore, it's time to change them out. They're cheap, and you can usually change them without pulling the whole clutch.
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I agree with stumper, a bit of running time should free it up a bit, usually some oxidation builds up in the clutch over the summer and can cause the bushing to stick a bit. All Ski-doo's with a liquid cooled engine (and some bigger fan cooled sleds) have the TRA clutch, there are 3 adjustment bolts on the outer cover. They're usually a yellow color, and have the bolt head sunk down into a hex shaped recess in the clutch. you'll see a line on the bolt head, and the numbers 1-6 around the bolt head, moulded into the aluminum of the clutch cover. Make sure all bolts have the line pointing at the same number, otherwise you can do some serious damage to the clutch. You can use these to adjust the clutch's operating range up or down in 100 RPM increments. While you're there, shine a flashlight into the grooves on either side of the ridge that the bolts pass through. On either side, you should see a black, graphite "puck" with a wear groove running through them, if you can't see the groove anymore, it's time to change them out. They're cheap, and you can usually change them without pulling the whole clutch.
x2 this boy knows his stuff!
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Well have you had a chance to try it out?
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hey guys... question for you... what's the easiest way to install a heated visor plug on this sled?? I don't want to tap into the lights ( was warned against it.) . Dealer doesn't have a kit for it. Just wondering how you guys did it. Thanks!!
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Well have you had a chance to try it out?
just around the yard so far not enough snow and trails havent even been started yet as of yet the procrastinator in me hasnt put the studs in yet bought em decided on the pattern but just havent done it
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just around the yard so far not enough snow and trails havent even been started yet as of yet the procrastinator in me hasnt put the studs in yet bought em decided on the pattern but just havent done it
I completly understand, I seam to be full of procrastination this yr.
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Anybody know anything about these?
yun the synthetic injector oil smells really good when it burns sorta like flowers but mor manly! great machine!!!!!
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Well, the snow is getting to deep here for the wheeler. Looks like Im picking up a 97 FIII 600 tommorow.
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x2 this boy knows his stuff!
Thanks! My dad had me reading shop manuals when I was just a wee guy, now I've retained all this (sometimes) useless info!
hey guys... question for you... what's the easiest way to install a heated visor plug on this sled?? I don't want to tap into the lights ( was warned against it.) . Dealer doesn't have a kit for it. Just wondering how you guys did it. Thanks!!
We'd always tie the heated visor into the hot-grip/thumb warmer system, but I can't remember what part of the system that tied into (ours were never factory installed). Can't see any reason not to tie into the lighting system, just make sure you solder and tape/shrink wrap all connections well so you don't get a corroded wire and loose the lights in the dark. Then I'd run the wire up inside the handlebar pad and out on either the brake or throttle side with a short end poking out and taped down securely, depends on what side of the visor the other plug is. Quick trick for anyone who needs to change from a male to female, or just replace a plug (if you fell off the sled for example :-[) they're just a plain old RCA plug, like you find on the back of your TV and DVD player. Go into any home electronics shop and they sell just the ends that you can solder onto the wires. Add a bit of shrink wrap or tape for waterproofing and you're good to go!
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havent seen it cold enough to have a heated visor!
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Man its been a LONG time since I have been on a sled this fast,LOL. My poor yard is gonna have bare spots in the spring....
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if it didnt have reverse and electric start Id trade it too big fast and heavy for me ;(