Wow really learned ‘Scratchers” WORK!!!- cooling

[yamadoo]

I went out today with my VIPER STX DX and it has been COLD for a week and was warmer today the high got up to 7 below. There was NO REFREEZE but snow was ‘Cold Cruchy” if you know what I mean.

So I thought I would have no issues with cooling ..wrong.
I noticed I was running warm at 185. ( normal is 165 to 175)

Hmm I thought should i try those scratchers- Doo dual spring reverse compatible rail mount installed after reading a post here on TY. Expensive place for me to read over the years

Notice the temps dropped right away....stopped at a road crossing and right at 163 and stayed right near there.

I have to admit I thought scratchers were for tall lugs, refreeze or icey trails did not know would be this big a difference. Happy camper here.

 

[Snorunner]

I will never forget. About 20 years ago. I had the itch to ride bad. Did not want to go by myself. I talked my brother in law. Not a sledder into going to the Northshore State trail. Unloaded at the parking lot north of Two Harbors. Went a few miles down the trail. Stopped I do not remember why. The hyfax on one of my Cats got so hot it welded itself to the track clips. I had to find a branch to break it loose. Needless to say was not a high mile day. Won’t have a sled without scratchers now.

 

[yamadoo]

Interestingly after 40+ miles I noticed the skid, skis and whole sled had almost Zero snow on it anywhere. I did not realize that with extreme cold the snow is much less efficient at both cooling and lube. There was plenty of snow it has just been so cold it acts like a solid and makes little or no snow ‘dust’ small particles that can easily turn to liquid for lubing or cooling.
I have had to pry the slides off the track on refreeze days as well none of that yesterday .

 

[mn-kelly]

That’s a great conformation that they help cooling besides helping the slides - you would think on cold days like this weekend cooling would not be an issue. I think we are seeing more icy trail conditions these past few years. There seems to be more than once I’m in limp mode looking for a fresh side I can edge into to cool the sled.

I am putting some on this week. I bought the duraflex. Not sure where to put them not a real good bolt hole. Little apprehensive about drilling a hole. Any advice.

 

[Confused]

That’s a great conformation that they help cooling besides helping the slides - you would think on cold days like this weekend cooling would not be an issue. I think we are seeing more icy trail conditions these past few years. There seems to be more than once I’m in limp mode looking for a fresh side I can edge into to cool the sled.

I am putting some on this week. I bought the duraflex. Not sure where to put them not a real good bolt hole. Little apprehensive about drilling a hole. Any advice.

I've used Duraflex on my last several sleds with excellent results. Planned on putting SD tunnel mounted scratchers on the new SW but changed my mind. I too am not excited about drilling a hole in the rail but at least I know the cable type work well.

 

[Vmax]

They do work fore sure, I use them all the time. I was told (by the very informative folks on this forum) that in extreme cold to watch out for your rad getting a build up of ice on it. Seems hard to believe but I trust the knowledge on this forum

 

[CooperT]

I've used Duraflex on my last several sleds with excellent results. Planned on putting SD tunnel mounted scratchers on the new SW but changed my mind. I too am not excited about drilling a hole in the rail but at least I know the cable type work well.

I just took my cable scratchers off as the carbide tips wear out too fast, the cables end up freying and they never seem to want to stay stowed...always unhooking themselves. I just installed the skidoo tunnel mount reversible scratchers the other day. Very easy install and clean setup. Just had to drill 2 small holes on the inside of the tunnel on each side for the hanger. The cable scratchers always pick up stones whenever your in low snow conditions (ditches & road running) and always dings up the rails.

 

[Confused]

I just took my cable scratchers off as the carbide tips wear out too fast, the cables end up freying and they never seem to want to stay stowed...always unhooking themselves. I just installed the skidoo tunnel mount reversible scratchers the other day. Very easy install and clean setup. Just had to drill 2 small holes on the inside of the tunnel on each side for the hanger. The cable scratchers always pick up stones whenever your in low snow conditions (ditches & road running) and always dings up the rails.

I've had some friends that have had similar problems with them not staying tight or the cables fraying. I've had them come unhooked at times but not often. Otherwise no issues. My biggest concern with the SD tunnel scratchers was drilling a hole in the rear suspension mount for the spring. Have any pics of your setup?

 

[CooperT]

 

[CooperT]

 

[Confused]

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Thanks! Have you had a chance to use them? I have both in the garage and will be installing one of them tomorrow.

 

[CooperT]

Thanks! Have you had a chance to use them? I have both in the garage and will be installing one of them tomorrow.

No problem, I actually just installed them yesterday lol. Won’t be able to try them out until Wednesday. But I’ll definitely let you know how they work.

 

[Todd Beenen]

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Thanks for your info, I’ll get some of those, I use sta-cool scratchers they wear out fast

 

[CooperT]

The other problem with the cable scratchers is once the carbide tip wears down, you’ll never get the treads out of the hole. Now you gotta buy a new carbide tip & the piece that the carbide tip screws into.

It’s a set screw holding the carbide tip on the skidoo scratchers. Red loctite...

 

[swampcat]

Hey CooperT, nice YamaCat wheels.