XF 7000 clutching question

[SaskRider]

Hey, just joined the site after reading a bunch of great info/posts here. Thought I would see if you guys could help me out with my 2014 XF 7000. It has about 6000 miles on it now.

For the last couple seasons I’ve noticed that there is a bog/vibration when I’m riding in deeper snow (lakes, marshes, fields). The vibration seems to be on the left/clutch side. Not sure what this could be from but perhaps a clutch issue or exhaust getting plugged?

I’ve installed an exhaust deflector this past weekend but haven’t tried it out yet. I am also going to open up the secondary and am thinking of replacing the spring. I compressed the secondary once with a compression tool but was unable to loosen the helix screws so I will have to try again. However when I went to put the clutch back on the sled, I was unable to thread the bolt in to the shaft to spread the sheaves to get the belt on. It was like the bolt was too short all of a sudden (I removed the two washers). To me, it seemed like the helix was sticking to far out (is that possible?). I was then able to get the belt on without spreading the sheaves apart. After a few days of riding I went to take the clutch off. I was then able to thread the bolt in to spread the sheaves. But once I got the belt off and loosened off the bolt, the clutch/helix popped outwards and shot the bolt out a little bit. I’ve never had a clutch do that to me before. Any ideas what this could be?? Am I correct in thinking it could be a slacked out spring?

I also took the cover off the primary to inspect rollers and weights. The rollers all seemed fine to me but the weights seemed to have some mild grooving/wear on them. I forgot to take a picture to show you guys but would appreciate your advice on what to do with these as well. I’m thinking might as well replace them. They are the 57 gram ones so I’m thinking of going up to 60 based on what I’ve read on here. I noticed I was hitting the rev limiter last season on long open runs down the lake. Any other suggestions are appreciated as well.

Thanks

 

[Kkurz]

I know I had to change my weights. Unfortunately Cat put 57 gram weights in at first and warranted the 60s but no longer will. I put Dalton adjustable weights in, and that cured the rev limiter problem. They're a little more money, but provide way more flexibility.
It sounds like there could be something wrong with your secondary. I've had mine off and back on with no issues.

 

[snowfever27]

At 6,000 miles your cat clutches may need some rebuild ‘love’ (springs, rollers, bushings, weights). I have used Thunder products in the past, they have all the parts you would need to rebuild your clutches. I have 60 gram cat weights if you’re interested in them. Shipping might take a while but I’m not using them so I think we could figure out a price to save you some money. I also have a D&D clutch kit for your sled. It made a big difference in my 2015 XF7000. It basically turns your secondary into a torsional secondary. I put a team secondary on my sled, and I have DD big dog weights in the primary. I actually bought a PB80 primary to try in my sled this year. I’m hoping that works better and runs cooler than the China made cat primary with the big dog weights.

 

[Mike P]

Hey, just joined the site after reading a bunch of great info/posts here. Thought I would see if you guys could help me out with my 2014 XF 7000. It has about 6000 miles on it now.

For the last couple seasons I’ve noticed that there is a bog/vibration when I’m riding in deeper snow (lakes, marshes, fields). The vibration seems to be on the left/clutch side. Not sure what this could be from but perhaps a clutch issue or exhaust getting plugged?

I’ve installed an exhaust deflector this past weekend but haven’t tried it out yet. I am also going to open up the secondary and am thinking of replacing the spring. I compressed the secondary once with a compression tool but was unable to loosen the helix screws so I will have to try again. However when I went to put the clutch back on the sled, I was unable to thread the bolt in to the shaft to spread the sheaves to get the belt on. It was like the bolt was too short all of a sudden (I removed the two washers). To me, it seemed like the helix was sticking to far out (is that possible?). I was then able to get the belt on without spreading the sheaves apart. After a few days of riding I went to take the clutch off. I was then able to thread the bolt in to spread the sheaves. But once I got the belt off and loosened off the bolt, the clutch/helix popped outwards and shot the bolt out a little bit. I’ve never had a clutch do that to me before. Any ideas what this could be?? Am I correct in thinking it could be a slacked out spring?

I also took the cover off the primary to inspect rollers and weights. The rollers all seemed fine to me but the weights seemed to have some mild grooving/wear on them. I forgot to take a picture to show you guys but would appreciate your advice on what to do with these as well. I’m thinking might as well replace them. They are the 57 gram ones so I’m thinking of going up to 60 based on what I’ve read on here. I noticed I was hitting the rev limiter last season on long open runs down the lake. Any other suggestions are appreciated as well.

Thanks

I had a very similar feel on the left side (clutch) of the sled. Felt like I was driving on the rumble strip on a highway. Sled would even seem to bog down a bit and would go away if I accelerated or slowed down. Turned out to be my bearings were starting to fail.
Issue started at around 5.5k miles. I had it torn down at 10.5k miles the bearings were shot as well as my clutch. Wish I had it looked at before it got to that point. You might be having a different problem. Look at everything.

 

[SaskRider]

Thanks for the great info everyone, much appreciated! I am going to rebuild both clutches. Will also take a look at the jackshaft and driveshaft bearings while I’m at it. I think those can just be repacked (if not completely shot)?

 

[snowfever27]

There is a point of ‘no return’ with the bearings, but hopefully all you need to do is repack them. Between the bearings and rebuilt clutches I think your problem will be solved.

 

[SaskRider]

There is a point of ‘no return’ with the bearings, but hopefully all you need to do is repack them. Between the bearings and rebuilt clutches I think your problem will be solved.

Thanks. I picked up a dalton secondary spring and also some ssi pro mag adjustable weights (52-68g) today. I would like to set them around 60g to start, I think. Does anyone have any suggestions on how I should place the magnets in the three holes? I would say that I am around 60/40 trail vs. deep snow riding (lakes, marshes, etc.), if that helps any.

 

[SaskRider]

Repacked the jack and drive shaft bearings yesterday. Glad I took a look at them, they were pretty dry.

The new weights seem to be working good as well. I put them at 3-3-0 and was maxing out at 8650 RPM. I’m thinking that might be a bit low so might try out 3-2-1.