97' arctic cat EXT 580 EFI rpm problem NEED HELP PLEASE - Snowmobile World : Your #1 Snowmobile Forum

Bmk580ext · 01-29-2009, 07:55 PM

Hi, this year i just bought a snowmobile. Its a 1997 arctic cat EXT 580 EFI (electronically fuel injected) It's actually a really nice sled i think and its fast. But within the past few days, every time i go to drive the sled, first of all the clutch doesnt kick in until like 4 1/2 RPM's which seems a little high to me. Isn't it supposed to kick in at about 3 RPM's? Also, when im driving my RPM's seem like they're running high. For Example, i was going 50mph in a field and my RPM's were up to about 7 1/2 - 8. And then i was doing about 20-25 mph in my yard and it was up to about 5 1/2 - 6 RPM's. That just doesn't seem normal to me but i could be wrong. If any one has any help or advice they can give my that'd be GREAT. Thanks

-Brad

rlbiii71 · 02-01-2009, 09:53 AM

sounds like it is time to rebuild that primary clutch.

Bmk580ext · 02-01-2009, 10:09 AM

wonderful.......i sprayed some lithium grease into the clutch and since that its been better for the most part

Bmk580ext · 02-01-2009, 10:10 AM

the engine and everything sounds completely normal do ya think i could make the rest of the season with that lithuium grease i put into it.

HP&Torque · 02-02-2009, 06:12 PM

Well,, you prolly should NOT have "greased" the clutch, or clutches,,, they are made to run "dry" and clean,,, all ya do is spray em out with compressed air@ cause sonner or later, ( depending on where you sprayed in or on the clutches) its gonna get on the drive belt and slip like hell and smell and wreck your drive belt.... As far as how it drives,, It sounds like you got it used,,, and it may have some type of clutch kit in it,,, which consists of diff. weights, or spring, or both,, cats of that era did tend to engage rather high,, and maybe previous owner did NOT tell ya much about mods to sled... did you get an owners manuel with it??? cause that would tell ya quite abit about service and stuff, like engagement, peak rpm, and all that, To me it sounds like previous owner had the sled almost always in the power band, ( which is fairly narrow on sleds anyhow) but it would make it VERY responsive!! hope this helps, or gives ya places to start... let us know,,,, good luck!!