Author Topic: Snowmachine Question? Help! (Read 3388 times)

Barleydog · « **on:** Dec 02, 2007, 11:22 AM »

Hello All!

I have a quick question for anyone who may have experienced or perhaps is a sled mechanic out there.

I have an older model (1984 ish) Arctic Cat Panther that runs GREAT and is used on occasion by my wife and soon the youngens. Recently there's been a audible "clunk" comming from the engine area when accelerating in low range. It "seems" that there's also a little hesitation at the same moment. This CLunk is getting more persistant, so it's now a concern vs. just ignore it. I did change the belt with no noticible results. I'm normally mechanically inclined, but don't have any manual for this particular sled, (dang near a Tired Iron candidate eh!) I know about EBay etc... for manuals, but figured our board may net quicker results, especially from some of you grizzled gents who used to ride such a machine!!

Thanks!

-Barleydog

PWR BAIT · « **Reply #1 on:** Dec 02, 2007, 11:58 AM »

Is it coming from the engine or the clutch? does it do it when you have the sled proped up on a jack stand?

Barleydog · « **Reply #2 on:** Dec 04, 2007, 02:50 AM »

PWR BAIT,
It sounds like its the engine, but I haven't' placed it on a stand yet. $:-\$

MeadowPikeman · « **Reply #3 on:** Dec 04, 2007, 03:21 AM »

sounds like a clutch problem

PWR BAIT · « **Reply #4 on:** Dec 04, 2007, 04:22 AM »

Quote from: MeadowPikeman on Dec 04, 2007, 03:21 AM

sounds like a clutch problem

I was thinking the same thing.

nhfisha17 · « **Reply #5 on:** Dec 04, 2007, 04:35 AM »

Ive seen this on an older sled and it has been missing teeth on the gears...Pretty quick and easy fix

fiddlehead322 · « **Reply #6 on:** Dec 04, 2007, 04:51 AM »

I had a Panther when I was a kid. Maybe a hairball waiting to be coughed out!

J/K Clutch.

gamefisher · « **Reply #7 on:** Dec 04, 2007, 05:51 AM »

Another vote for clutch.

swampbuckster · « **Reply #8 on:** Dec 04, 2007, 07:33 AM »

I would say your clutch is stiff and not engaging when it should, then when it does, it's slamming itslef past a rough point on the shaft. (maybe the clunk noise??) Try greasing the drive shaft up some. Maybe it's a little corroded from sitting? Has happended to my 79' Exciter before but the clutch wouldn't release itself all the way so when I wanted to stop, my snowmobile didn't!

Just a thought though.

BojiHawk · « **Reply #9 on:** Dec 04, 2007, 07:41 AM »

Sticking clutch weight is my guess.

Robb · « **Reply #10 on:** Dec 04, 2007, 07:47 AM »

Sounds like it could be in the chain case???

cdc · « **Reply #11 on:** Dec 04, 2007, 07:50 AM »

I would say its the chain...there is a cover on the side...Take that off and check to see if its lose

Barleydog · « **Reply #12 on:** Dec 04, 2007, 10:14 AM »

Great replies!!!!!!!!!!! I'm writing them down, and will investigate all the proposed problems.

Thanks again folks for all the input!

macker13 · « **Reply #13 on:** Dec 13, 2007, 10:49 AM »

I'm a bit late to the party here, but my vote would be clutch as well. I have an '03 Cat 4 stroke that was used in Yellowstone. When I bought it, they removed the high altitude clutch and replaced it with the standard. Eventually, the screws came loose and I had a few "clunks" before it totally failed. Check that the screws holding the pressure plate are tight.

In any case, let us know what you find out.

nhfisha17 · « **Reply #14 on:** Dec 15, 2007, 01:01 AM »

Simple solution...get a ski-doo, they never turn you wrong

Barleydog · « **Reply #15 on:** Dec 18, 2007, 04:07 AM »

Gents!
Well I finally put a spotlight in the yard, grabbed the toolbag, and lifted the hatch on the Panther. It wasn't easy working with anything metal at 10 below, but with the buddy heater nearby it wasn't so bad. Anyways, after an hour of prodding and poking I found the chain was loose to specs, but not the only thing with issues.... The clutch does appear to be making an off clicking to clunking noise. I'll have to work on this when the weather cooperates a little better in order to keep my fingers intact!

I just want to say "Thanks" to all who helped out.

Barleydog

Haywood · « **Reply #16 on:** Dec 18, 2007, 07:58 AM »

While you are in there, you might as well change the upper and lower muffler bearings. They are cheap, but changing them now will save you a lot of trouble down the road.

teacup13 · « **Reply #17 on:** Dec 18, 2007, 09:50 AM »

Quote from: nhfisha17 on Dec 15, 2007, 01:01 AM

Simple solution...get a ski-doo, they never turn you wrong

he is riding an older one... as far as that goes they are all tempermental..lol

i have owned alot makes of older ones from skidoo,arctic cat to yamaha to kawasaki to a massey ferguson ski whiz..lol

they have all had there own unique problems...

and he might as well clean everything all up and add some new gear oil, synthetic would be great on that older machine once everything is all cleaned up

Barleydog · « **Reply #18 on:** Dec 19, 2007, 03:59 AM »

Muffler bearings eh Haywood!

That's a good one! Check your tip-up it's out of flag spring lube!!! Oh wait, your in Minnesota!

Teacup13 and other "Cat Doctors,"
I like the old beasts, but never owned an Arctic Cat... I own 3 rigs, but like to keep this one intact for "drivers education." I'll have to lube up the shaft as swampbuckbuster stated!

Otherwise, the clutch assembly will run me around 150 bucks and hopefully the chain isn't to screwed up too... I have to pick up a new dropcase seal since it was a bear getting the cover off! What's another 20 bucks eh? I'd sure like to get into some old relics (1970 or older), just hard to find one up here that's in fixable condition. Loved the old Skiroules, Evinrudes, Mercury's, and Ski wiz's (reminds me of when I was a kid!) Guess I'd have to pick one up in the lower 48. I'd love to learn a little while refurbishing an antique.

teacup13 · « **Reply #19 on:** Dec 19, 2007, 08:48 AM »

i use to own an old Ski Whiz 404 (it had square headlights, see how rare this one was)..lol
....went like a bat out of hell for its age and weight

had an old ski-jet, john deere, allouette...loved them all for one reason or other..lol

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Author Topic: Snowmachine Question? Help! (Read 3388 times)

PWR BAIT

PWR BAIT