"Redbulldidlo" (Redbulldidlo)
12/17/2014 at 11:50 • Filed to: None
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"Redbulldidlo" (Redbulldidlo)
12/17/2014 at 11:50 • Filed to: None | 0
| 4 |
This weekend I'm headed to look at and possibly pick up a Yamaha srv 540 (Pictured, not the one I'm buying.) And I was wondering what kind of questions I should ask to find issues with it, if anyone could help?
doodon2whls
> Redbulldidlo
12/17/2014 at 12:05 |
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SO, how does it run ?
When was the last time the engine was given a good once-over ? (You could then look at the engine and see if the fastener heads have any evidence of tool marks.)
How old is the battery ? (Anything over 4 years old will be suspect.)
When did you replace the belt last ? (It's a wear item - it needs attention regularly.)
What kind of premix did you run ? (If they can't remember, or used crap, be suspicious.)
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Redbulldidlo
> doodon2whls
12/17/2014 at 12:07 |
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Thank you very much.
Tohru
> Redbulldidlo
12/17/2014 at 12:08 |
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As a former 80's Yamaha snowmobile owner:
Ask about maintenance and lubrication of the front struts, including bearing replacement for the strut mounts. The front suspension on it works a lot like a FWD car. Make sure the front suspension moves smoothly without weird noises and that the steering is smooth and not notchy.
Check the skis and front wear bars. If the wear bars are worn (less than 50% left), you'll need to replace them. If the skis have wear holes in them, you'll need to weld or replace them. If the skis are rusty you'll need to paint them.
Inspect the track for damage and wear. If the track has had studs added, check the adjustment range on the track and check for slack. The extra traction afforded by studs means the track stretches out.
Check the condition of the bogey wheels (make sure the rubber is intact) and ask about the last time bearings were replaced.
Inspect the rear suspension assembly. The guides on the bottom (between suspension and track) are nylon, and wear out quickly when the sled is in non-winter operation (i.e. snowmobile grass drags, etc.). Check for rusted and/or unlubricated springs and pivot points. Sit on the snowmobile - there should be no squeaks and the suspension should move smoothly.
Ask about the last time the CVT belt has been replaced.
Ask about the last time a tune-up was done.
Make sure you hear it run.
Make sure the flap for the nose intake is there and works. There's a metal flap that you can close for the nose intake for use in very cold weather or in deep snow.
Rock Bottom
> Redbulldidlo
12/17/2014 at 12:31 |
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Everything doodon2whls says, plus pull the plugs and look at them. That'll tell you about the condition of the oil injection system (if it has one, it probably does).
Make sure you check out the inside of the belly pan for rust. Especially where the steering linkage and associated bits attach. I had a 1981 Ski Doo that tore the steel belly pan where the steering "Z Link" attached due to corrosion. And check for corrosion in the tunnel too, like where the shocks attach. Oh, and while you're down there, the hyfax condition will tell you how keen on maintenance the previous owner was. They need to be changed from time to time, but a lot of people don't.
Also, make sure you don't leave until you hear it run. Most old sleds have quirks and tricks to get them started, so watching the previous owner fight it will tell you what the trick is.
The nice thing about old 2 stroke sleds is that they're all pretty similar. If you know your way around an Arctic Cat, you'll be able to figure out a Yamaha or a Ski Doo.