Hi,
I'm new to the board. I recently purchased a pair of 96 Cats an EXT 580 and ZRT 600.
Is there anything specific I should be concerned with or look for ? Both machines are Carbuerated. The EXT has reverse.
Any help or Insight greatly appreciated
Thanks
Mike

not sure if the 600's liked to throw motor mounts, but the 800's sure did. Also good idea to keep an eye on your jack shaft bearings,,,
Post some pics of your new toys,,, and welcome to the site.

You may want to buy a tour buddy for the ZRT 600 and plan your trips around gas stations. I rode with a guy who had the same sled and he got 8 mpg (cdn)! He was using literally twice as much gas as I was. It made no sense to me. Same riding and similar power. I was looking for gas leaking on the trail. He got a few thousand miles on the sled before the clutch grenaded and took out 1 of the pistons/jugs.

Not sure if specific to EFI sleds (mine is a 96 ext efi), check rubber housings between airbox and (carbs in your case) efi for cracks. These tend to tear after a few years and have been responsible for many meltdowns. I am now thinking this is an efi only problem, but still something you might want to check out.

Thanks for the welcome,
I ran into this deal it was too good to be true, and
appreciate all the advice.
I had been reading alot about the MPG characteristics other than that, they look to be sound machines.
How far north before ya see snow on the East coast ? I traveled up to see the Inlaws In Belfast Maine. Alot of Machines heading North or sitting on Nice Green Lawns
Thanks again
Mike

Nice green lawns in northwest Ohio right now,,,, was gonna head north Tuesday, but I hear its nice green lawns there as well. Sure hope things turn around in a hurry,,,,

Upon a closer look I had thought the other sled was an EXT 580. It turns out Its a ZR580.
Both sleds have some Issues. They sat for some time, Carb kits and fuel pump rebuilds are for starters
I will shoot some pics this weekend
Thanks again for the advice
Mike

no snow puurty much anywhere in maine..but is suposed to get again this week with snow.

that zrt 600 should be a fast sled..its a triple isnt it?

I've got a 97 EXT 600 and a 98 EXT 600 Deluxe. Both are Triples with the same engine as your ZRT 600. You're going to love the rip of that motor. I haven't seen the MPG problems that Homer's friend had. Unless you're good mechanic I'd recommend taking them to a good A.C. dealership and have them gone through. Their mechanics should be able to pickup all the little things that us non-mech. miss. I agree with zitrem, check those carb boots for cracks, and also make sure the water pump seals don't leak. I think the water pump seals have been an issue on that 600 motor. One of my machines had to be rebuilt because of it. If your ZRT has rebuildable shocks, you may want to get that done. Good luck, you'll love those machines! No snow in MN either.

My last 2 sleds were the600 triple. For long trail rides I geared up to 24-39 and a 55-53 helix. Turned my secondary spring to the 1st hole. It was no racer like this but it sure picked up the mpg. Why run 8000 rpm at 60mph when you can run 7000. I always run as good as the MX670, F7s,XC700.

Well , found more Issues last night on The 600.
The rear heat exchanger Is leaking. can it be repaired or should I replace it ? Im going to do a compression check before I go much further. It seems to me The water pump should be inspected and the seals replaced. I Have to think this machine out as the money could end up equal, to what a good running machine would cost.
I have to get in depth on the ZR580 this weekend . It maybe the cheaper of the 2 to get in good running order.
The deal seemed good, maybe too good . I was told they needed carb & fuel pump kits. Hopefully they dont nickel and dime me to death
Thanks again
Mike

ZR 580 engines have a habit of losing piston skirts at around 2000 miles, so that is something you want to look for. Replacing pistons before the skirt breaks off is LOTS cheaper. Also, the mid-90's Cats love to seize the PTO side driveline bearing; if your speedometer quits working, that's the first thing I would check... the speedometer is driven by a square key from the driveline to the speedometer gear adapter; when the bearing starts to fail, the driveline drops ever so slightly, severing the speedometer drive key. The PTO side jackshaft is not quite as prone to failure, but is also something you want to keep your eyes on...