Possible Clutch Issues?

[jlevandoski]

Hey guys!

Just finishing up my season with over 3,000 miles on the sled (the most we've ever done in a single season!) and I've ridden my Viper since the odometer was at 0 miles. Recently, I've noticed that my clutches aren't making the higher pitched back shifting noise that you'll regularly hear when slowing down. Also, I was running about 8,900 RPM at full throttle pushing 95-97 MPH. Now I can barely get 8,500 RPM and 80 MPH out of the sled. Do you think this is an issue with my clutching (everything is stock by the way)?

Thanks!

 

[weasel33]

What snow conditions were you in when you saw 95 mph? If it was good hardback and now you are running in mashed potatoes you will lose a lot of top end. 92 one day down the rr bed and the next day 74 mph, only difference was one day was 11 degrees the next day was 45.

 

[STAIN]

Same belt all year?

 

[NOS-PRO]

x2

 

[stingray719]

Original 8JP belt was rare to see it go that far if that is what you have. 8DN (old nytro belt) works much better and half the price.

 

[jlevandoski]

I'm not sure what belt I'm running. I'd have to take a look when I go back up next weekend. I would imagine it's the original 8JP belt as this has been a gradual decrease in top end performance instead of an abrupt change.

 

[09nytro]

Have you ever cleaned the clutches ... Also try a XS 825 belt or a gates belt ... Way less belt dust too ....I also wash and clean my cliches and belt in hot soapy water every other ride and take scoch pan ( green ) and clean the faces of the clutch ......

 

[stingray719]

I'm not sure what belt I'm running. I'd have to take a look when I go back up next weekend. I would imagine it's the original 8JP belt as this has been a gradual decrease in top end performance instead of an abrupt change.

You got a lot more use out of the original belt than most of us, the 8dn in my opinion is the way to go. Change to 8dn and see how much difference you see!

 

[fiddlersgreen]

What snow conditions were you in when you saw 95 mph? If it was good hardback and now you are running in mashed potatoes you will lose a lot of top end. 92 one day down the rr bed and the next day 74 mph, only difference was one day was 11 degrees the next day was 45.

I have the same issue. Got 144 kms and 8800 rpm with about 800 kms on it. Now with 2800 kms on the sled I can only get 120 kms and 8400 Rpm. 8jp original belt. Same stretch of road for testing with virtually same conditions.
It also seems that my mileage has gone to crap too.
Don't know if it's just me but this chassis seems to have a lot of drag in it. Especially in looser snow conditions.
Coming down over a pond with loose snow the other day my wife on a 09 f5, my buddy on a 13 600 backcountry and myself tried the sleds. Wife hit 124, buddy hit 130, I did 120. Most powerful sled and best traction has lowest speed. It really felt like the sled is being held up by something. Everything seems to be running smooth as I have checked all I could.

 

[jlevandoski]

I'm contemplating the MPI Turbo as an upgrade come winter in December 2016. I'll probably switch over to the 8DN belt too and see how that works. The sled runs great otherwise, but I do agree with everything that Fiddlersgreen is saying about his sled too.

 

[cannondale27]

I have the same issue. Got 144 kms and 8800 rpm with about 800 kms on it. Now with 2800 kms on the sled I can only get 120 kms and 8400 Rpm. 8jp original belt. Same stretch of road for testing with virtually same conditions.
It also seems that my mileage has gone to crap too.
Don't know if it's just me but this chassis seems to have a lot of drag in it. Especially in looser snow conditions.
Coming down over a pond with loose snow the other day my wife on a 09 f5, my buddy on a 13 600 backcountry and myself tried the sleds. Wife hit 124, buddy hit 130, I did 120. Most powerful sled and best traction has lowest speed. It really felt like the sled is being held up by something. Everything seems to be running smooth as I have checked all I could.

If 8JP is slipping you will know it. Clutches will be covered in black or brown after a run. A wore belt would run lower so could bring rpms down.Have you tried just changing the belt?

 

[fiddlersgreen]

Never tried the belt or looked at the clutches for black marks or dust.
Will check the next time I get for a run.

 

[stingray719]

Just came from the 2016 Snow Show in Denver. The MTX sleds on the floor which are demo models with the 8jp belt had enough black belt dust on the belt guard to be embarrassing.

 

[jlevandoski]

I've understood that the Mr. Clean Magic Erasers are excellent at cleaning off all the belt and brake dust on body panels and everything from the exhaust on the right panels of the snowmobiles (this is my temporary fix, hopefully the 8DN belt works better).

 

[jlevandoski]

Hey everyone! Thanks for all of your input on this issue. I just got back from our last weekend of riding for the 2014-2015 season and wanted to let everyone know that I've fixed the problem I was having with my snowmobile. The problem ended up being a broken spring inside my primary, leading to all of the issues I was seeing. My dealership replaced the spring (under warranty) and now I'm back to a proper Viper! Even saw 105 MPH this weekend on a flat railroad bed (and yes, everything is stock).