SpeedRacer8888
Veteran
Cannondale, that is what I am thinking. It will be nice to not have to deal with all that ice buildup. It isn't too bad as my sled is normally kept in the garage with heat. It is such a pain in the neck over a long weekend out of town to keep chiseling ice off the boards and under the tunnel every day to keep the track moving.
08RTX
Extreme
What Cannondale said. I put on a couple hundred more miles over the weekend with the front hole closed. It is the way to go. Much much better.
xc_phazer137
Expert
I AM being a little scardy pants. Big race on the line.
yamafarm
Extreme
I covered both of mine after the second time I rode it. I ran it two seasons without an issue. It takes longer to get the seat off that to cover it. I was very happy after I did it. I say go for it.
Later,
Will
Later,
Will
iwant1
Extreme
What dimensions for the front panel, I had a large chunk of ice drop onto the top of the track on a ride and it sounded like I was grinding rocks under the sled. Freaked me out becausei was alone and miles from my truck. I have the rear panel ready to install and might aswell do both at the same time.
SpeedRacer8888
Veteran
Ran a hard 200 miles yesterday in 10 degree temps. Not a single problem and no ice on the boards. Everyone needs to make this mod on their Phazer.
08RTX
Extreme
iwant1,
I do not remember the size I cut my panel. I cut it after I pulled the sled apart. Let me know if you still need some dimensions and I will try to get a measurement.
SpeedRacer8888,
I agree. I have put about 500 miles on since closing the front hole. Huge improvement.
I do not remember the size I cut my panel. I cut it after I pulled the sled apart. Let me know if you still need some dimensions and I will try to get a measurement.
SpeedRacer8888,
I agree. I have put about 500 miles on since closing the front hole. Huge improvement.
Ya iam geating tired of the engine over heating because of snow and ice build up on the front heat exchanger. I had to stop about 20times over the weekend and clean it out. This is the biggest beef i have with my 09 rtx. I just got over 1100miles on her now. If i can get the front hole filled in and this cures my over heat problem i will be a happy camper.
Otter
Otter
Weapon X
TY 4 Stroke Junkie
You either have to change your coolant over to engine ice race coolant or install a freeride track, it keeps snow on the exchanger but keeps it clear at the same time.Otter said:
08RTX
Extreme
Otter,
I personally would try plugging the front hole first for the over heating problem. I have not over heated at all with the hole plugged and that is riding in all different types of conditions. I have heard the freeride track cures the problem without plugging the hole, but I do not have a freeride yet. I hope by next year to put one on.
I personally would try plugging the front hole first for the over heating problem. I have not over heated at all with the hole plugged and that is riding in all different types of conditions. I have heard the freeride track cures the problem without plugging the hole, but I do not have a freeride yet. I hope by next year to put one on.
Yes this last weekend was running in fine powder and below zero temps fri night at least.No ice buildup anywhere in tunnel or on it.Usually these conditions it was the worst.4ft long chunks on each side and a big one in back.Nothing anymore.Cover them both for sure.
The ice race coolant is only rated to -26c It gets alot colder than that up here in Manitoba. Iam off to town to find some aluminum. If the front heat exchanger was not so curved the snow would probaly slide right out. I might go with a free ride track next fall but iam going with the cheaper fix first. It is really embarassing when riding with other snowmobile brands and i got to stop and kick the snow out of the front heat exchanger. Been told more than once to ditch the phazer and get something else. But i prefer to fix the problem. Thanks for the info.
Otter
Otter
Well i got the front hole covered over now and the sled back together. Just have to clean up the clutches and iam good to go for another weekend. Then its time to find every bit of powder i can, and see if the front heat exchanger plugs up again. Hopefully my problems are fixed.
Otter
Otter
iwant1
Extreme
what dimensions are needed to cover the front hole. I had the ice up problem last night and wet and frozen pant legs and boots. Was pretty cold up here, about -16
08RTX
Extreme
iwant1,
It looks like I made mine 10.5" x 13.5". You could make it up to 11.25" wide but may have to notch the front left corner depending on the thickness of the material you use. Mine is 0.090" thick, just because that is what I had on hand. It is actually an old road sign that is aluminum. It was already cut at 10.5" wide, so that is the reason I did not make it full width. You can also go smaller if you like since the hole is not that big. You can measure the hole from underneath, by the track, without pulling anything apart. I hope that helps. I used aluminum rivets to hold it on, again since I had them on hand, but you could use stainless.
It looks like I made mine 10.5" x 13.5". You could make it up to 11.25" wide but may have to notch the front left corner depending on the thickness of the material you use. Mine is 0.090" thick, just because that is what I had on hand. It is actually an old road sign that is aluminum. It was already cut at 10.5" wide, so that is the reason I did not make it full width. You can also go smaller if you like since the hole is not that big. You can measure the hole from underneath, by the track, without pulling anything apart. I hope that helps. I used aluminum rivets to hold it on, again since I had them on hand, but you could use stainless.
