[SteveCZ]

OK guys, I can't resist this one.  Buddy of mine finally upgraded from two 1987 Ski-Doo Stratos' for him and his wife.  He ended up getting a 98 ZL500 for his wife, nice sled, and a 99 ZR 600 carb for himself.... He said the sled is stock except for the clutch.  The one good thing is the dealer that I got my sled from is where the previous owner bought it and I know the kind of work they do (Good work).  However, I was sort of concerned when he said the clutch engages fairly low in the RPM's (2500-2750).  Is this setup OK or is there something that could be broken to have the clutch engage so low? I'm pretty sure stock 600's engage around 4 or so, so thats why I'm a little concerned.  I would hate to see him have any problems with his first Ditch Pickle.

Thanks

Steve

 

[bluegst]

I have a 98 zr 600 carb with the opposite problem.  Clutch engages at 5800 rpm at tops at 83-8500.  I have been told to check the specs on the springs and weights.  Mine has a yellow/white primary, 49.5 g weights and a yellow secondary.  Not sure about helix angle or hole location of secondary.  Hoping someone out there has advice that can help us both.  I don't mind it, but it eats the gas up and bogs in the straight-aways.  A little ski lift out of the hole is cool though.  Haven't had a chance to race anyone yet.  We finally got some snow here in IL, Chain-o-lakes area!!    Good luck.

 

[SteveCZ]

Well, your spring is stock, accordng to the microfiche online.... have you had any work done to the clutch at all?

If not, I would definitely bring it to someone for service...

 

[SteveCZ]

Anybody? Tryin to bump this up.... HELLLLLLLLLLLLLLP!!!!!!

 

[rookee]

sometimes when your engagemant is real low like that you have a broken primary spring .  and since you are going into it you may as well check the washers on the cam wieghts  (you never said how many miles ) that would be a good place to start

 

[zr600zl500]

1500 miles

 

[smokin_joe600]

I would take the clutch apart and check it out.  More than likely you will have to rebuild it.  You will need new weights, pivot bolts, and washers.

 

[zr600zl500]

rookee,

Thanks for the advice. I took a good look at the spring and sure enough it was broken. Luckly a buddy of mine knows an ex-arctic cat master mechanic and he changed the spring and check the clutch over for me. Thanks again! She is purring now. Cheap fix, well sort of! Now I owe my buddy a new hood and windshield. Had to take it out for a test ride on the icy golf course behind his house. Then we switched sleds, I'm following him, he locks the brakes up trying to slow down to cross a small bridge over a ditch, I can't stop on the ice, go to make a turn to avoid the ditch, sled slides out from under me, studs and carbides catch, then the sled rolls over, and over, and over, I go flying, boot comes off in the track, sled land upside down. Ouch! For the sled I mean, I'm just bruised up but the sled has about $800 worth of damage. There goes my tax return. Time to slow down, at least when it's icy! Thanks again!

Anyone know where to find reasonably priced cat hoods for a 1999 ZL 500?