Problems, but no regrets, yet

[wingr1800]

Started sledding in the mid '80's, got out of the sport 3 times, but after a year each time, got back into it.
Last spring bought an '06 Vector and an '08 Vector LTX for my wife and I, both with around 5500 miles.
Both looked and sounded very good. Exhaust gaskets just done on the '06 and good looking Dupont hyfax on both. Finally got out to ride last week in Mercer Wi. and after less than 200 miles got the dash indication on the '06 that left side drive shaft bearing going out. Codes 42, and 84, I think, then just before back to motel the speedometer went blank. We decided to go back home a couple days early. I know, stuff happens. Took that sled up to my dealer, and when back home turned the key on the '08 to unload and heard a "thud" and then a whine (not a belt whine). Tried a couple more times with only the whine and then completely quiet. Then grabbed some coffee and headed back up to the dealer (45miles). The next day found out it's the starter on the '08. From what I have heard, the exhaust gaskets, the left side drive shaft bearing, and maybe starter are the more common problems in the 6K milage. Just my luck I'd have it on two sleds at same time. I suppose that bearing on the '08 is the next thing to keep in mind. I do not regret getting either sled as we have had Vectors, an RX1, and a 4stroke Venture as well as numerous 2stroke yams' in the past and really have not had to have much work done on them. Hopefully will get both back the first of the week and we can get out and ride around home. Have many others had these similar problems?

 

[almond1000]

My experience is it is common for driveshaft bearing and exhaust gaskets is pretty common wear item on the 4strokes around 5000 miles. I've owned several vectors ranging from 2008 to 2013 model years. Great sleds. I added greasing the clutch side bearings to my usual maintenance plan and had good luck. It's relatively easy job to grease those bearings

 

[CaptCaper]

No one greased those bearings if they greased them good once or twice a season they would last for at least 10,000 miles or more. My 3 machines did. Sold them still running. But I greased them from new.

 

[DGZRT]

Having 2 Vectors and I have had every problem. And I ended up with more this year. Only Drove 650 miles and the starter went on the 2009 LTX. It's now parked in the shop thawing out and waiting til I have some time. It did make it til 12500 miles before it gave it up . I'm sure the starter stuck on and that's what did it. Next year I'll add BOP starter saver to both sleds! They are not the fastest nor the lightest sleds but they have served me well . I get to compare them to my brothers 1200 Ski Doo almost every ride and besides the R-motion rear skid I would have them as equals . It's funny my short track kicks his #*$&@ every time in a race I'm waiting til the next 130HP sled gets here and then i'll maybe switch. Do all the preventive Maintenance you can do in the summer and fall and then hopefully just ride next year.

 

[wingr1800]

Well, our saga continues. Sunday we decided to head to Mercer again for some mid-week riding as conditions are great. Since we got both Vectors back we have ridden about 60 miles around home with no problems.
After unloading in Mercer, I rode each up to fuel up for Monday's riding. No problems. It was way below 0 early Monday morning but by 1pm it was around +6 so we decided to do a shorter loop. I went out ahead of time to start and run each on a stand to warm up. After 20 minutes we took off. I guess I got about 100 yards and heard what I thought was the belt blowing. We were going about 15-20mph. I left it running and pulled the hood panels to look at the belt. Then I saw the problem. The belt was fine but a large amount of oil was on the snow and it was still pouring out. Looked around the oil reservoir and no sign of oil. Towed back to trailer and with some help got both loaded. On the way back home stopped at my dealer and left it off. They were going to get it in shop yet today, but haven't heard anything. WTH?

 

[CaptCaper]

Sleds were beat before you got them probably. Not maintained as well. Under water? who knows. We've owned 4 Vectors 2010 2013 2016 and never had any issues but exhaust donuts in the 2010 that got 11900 trouble free miles alone. The others no issues in thousand of miles so far

 

[wingr1800]

I understand totally. Been in this since the early '80s and believe i'm pretty good at looking for signs of abuse. Wife's is really running nice now. Both were gone over thoroughly by a very reputable dealership, but I do understand that it would be hard to catch some internal problems. Also from personal experience and research I believe Vectors are one of the best 4strokes out there. They gave me a nice break on the bearing issue on the '06 and the starter on the '08. I'll post an update when I have it.

 

[wingr1800]

Well, just got word from the shop. My '08 Vector LTX threw a rod and made a hole in the block. Service mgr said they're working on something for me and I should hear back soon.

 

[wingr1800]

The hole is bottom of block, middle cylinder, and a little smaller than a silver dollar.

 

[SumpBuster]

Needle grease ANYTHING the needle will stick into! Had a rash of rear idlers failing on people I know and dont know! That bearing on the axle is easy to get at as is the jackshaft bearing. they won't fail with grease, but will wear out...someday...a long time from now. And wont sieze. They can't survive with no lube. I even greased the sw bearings and that's not easy to get at like the yammy chassis. Greased my trihub too.

 

[maim]

The hole is bottom of block, middle cylinder, and a little smaller than a silver dollar.

ouch hope it works out for you.

 

[SumpBuster]

That sucks....be interesting to know the actual cause.