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High RPM's, limited speed

6.2K views 13 replies 12 participants last post by  01ZR600  
#1 ·
I recently picked up my first sled, a 1977 Ski-Doo Everest 440. With some minor work, I finally got it running the other day. The problem is that once I hit the 30mph speed, the RPM's are almost at the redline (7000 RPM), and I can't seem to get it past 40 mph. I also noticed that when its idling, the RPM's are over 3000. I know its an old sled, but does anyone know what could be causing these problems and what some possible solutions can be?

Thanks!
 
#2 ·
Try adjusting your idle screw to get that down a little, sounds like you need different clutch weights (heavier), to get the rpm's down when you moving.
 
#3 ·
secondary clutch problem. Take it apart and clean it, check bushings, sliders etc for wear or sticking.
 
#6 ·
with my 80 everest 500, im having similar problem, i dont have tach so i dont know RPM's but at idle its really low (maybe 1000-1500)?, which is fine by me, or should it be higher? but then at WOT on a lake with maybe 5 inches of powder it topps out at about 45mph, is it same problem do you think?
how do i clean secondary?
Kevin
 
#7 ·
Not sure if you have an old belt, but the belt could be streched. We were riding this weekend and my buddies Indy 500 was doing the same thing. Pushing way to high RPM's for the speed he was doing. His belt was not torn but you could tell it was fairly old. Put a new one on and it ran great and everything was back to normal. Just a thought if you have an old belt on there...

Not sure on the high idle.
 
#8 ·
im pretty sure its not the belt, it looks good, could it be strecthed just cause its old, the sled hasnt run for 4-5 years, except once or twice last year, the belt was put on new probably 5 years ago, still looks in good shape and hasnt been used much
 
#9 ·
I'm agreeing with the others too--belt, or secondary (driven) clutch troubles. Make sure the secondary will open with not-too-much resistance. My bet is it's just plain STUCK. Check it out, and let us know.
 
#10 ·
sounds to me like your secondary clutch is sticking and not allowing it to shift out. need to take it apart and clean it and get it moving again. just worked on an old 79 polaris with the same problem, lots of rpms, but no speed, cleaned the secondary, (which was froze up tight from sitting for 5 yrs) and it ran great.
 
#11 ·
I think its the secondary as well....I had this same problem with my sled...1980 polaris centurion...turns out the secondary was froze up and wound too tight...once I changed that it was like a new sled...also put a new belt on it it helped alot...
 
#12 ·
Yes check the secondary ,my first sled an 340 invader would only top out at 35 mph wide open come to find out secondary clutch and shaft were shot, took them off sent to a machine shop installed new bushing ,rebuilt shaft ,then ran fine
 
#13 ·
can i clean secondary without taking it off sled? i dont want to put it out of comission for too long as long as theres snow in the hills. also, when i lifted the back end off the ground for something the secondary did open all the way with full throttle, it will easily go 35mph(gets up to that in maybe 7-8 seconds) but then anything above that takes 30-40 seconds to get up to 45, which is the fastest i ever had it

thanks guys, sorry if i kinda rambled on
oh ya, its an everest 500
Kevin
 
#14 ·
one bolt and it is off, easiest way to clean it.
Take the belt off and away you go, real quick