Schocker65
New member
...but a little worried about what I have here.
'99 Vmax 500 deluxe with a 2 up seat. I had green light from the wife to get a second sled, as long as it was a 2 up with electric start. This sled fit the bill, and I've always wanted a Yammie from this vintage. Sled was advertised as very good condition and to have 1600 (really?) miles. Supposed second owner only had it for one season.
Went to see it, it started right up with working electric start, but idled rough. Reverse also works. Track looks like it was recently replaced (clips all shiny). Seat cover in excellent shape. Hood clean and undamaged, tunnel and skis straight. I got excited and basically just peed my pants and bought it. Didn't check anything else. Like I said, always wanted one of these Yammies and the price was lower than any other similar sleds available locally.
Got it home and rode it 200 feet through the grass to park it. Some belt squealing and feels like track ratcheting. Running kind of rough. Figure I'll have some work to do, at least a thorough cleaning of the carbs.
Here's more that I learned/confirmed since I got it home:
1. The previous track was studded. Snowflap has some stud damage and front heat exchanger took a couple of shots from studs, but fortunately is not leaking and flows (all exchangers warm after running - no leaks).
2. Skid looks good - shock still damping pretty well.
3. Dead and petrified mouse in rear compartment. Gack. Shopvac took care of that.
4. Motor idles low and shakes like a paint mixer. Clears throat when spinning the track above 6K RPM. Hopefully carb cleaning will help with this. Plugs read rich, but doesn't mean much without being able to really ride it.
5. 120 PSI both sides and some significant sheave wear on primary clutch near shaft. 1,600 miles my ***.
6. TORS unplugged
7. Belt installed backwards. Who knows if that was from the start. Guy didn't seem very detail oriented.
8. Has V-force reeds
Who knows how many miles this really has? Not me. I'll see how it runs after cleaning the carbs. Not going to worry about the top end unless it seems down on power, and I'll keep my fingers crossed that the bottom end is ok.
To do list:
1. Clean carbs and check reeds/cages.
2. Crack chaincase and inspect chain/gears, replace if needed. Possibly go down a tooth on the top gear. Fresh lube.
3. Remove/disassemble primary and clean/inspect for parts needing replacement. A bit worried about those sheaves. I don't care to grenade a clutch. Been there.
4. Clean/lube secondary and check spring settings.
5. Check brake pads/disc
6. Drop skid and inspect for damage, grease all zerks, check/replace idlers/bearings as needed, replace hyfax.
7. Check drive axle bearings for slop/noise. Say a prayer for me. I hate the thought of pulling the axle.
8. Drain gas tank and refill with fresh ethanol free gas with stabilizer.
9. Replace water pump belt (seems like a good idea)
10. Grease all driveline zerks.
11. Order a fresh OEM belt
I'm tired already thinking about this. Looking forward to digging on, though. If I see anything weird, I'll post it.
Would appreciate any pointers from the collective braintrust that is this board!
'99 Vmax 500 deluxe with a 2 up seat. I had green light from the wife to get a second sled, as long as it was a 2 up with electric start. This sled fit the bill, and I've always wanted a Yammie from this vintage. Sled was advertised as very good condition and to have 1600 (really?) miles. Supposed second owner only had it for one season.
Went to see it, it started right up with working electric start, but idled rough. Reverse also works. Track looks like it was recently replaced (clips all shiny). Seat cover in excellent shape. Hood clean and undamaged, tunnel and skis straight. I got excited and basically just peed my pants and bought it. Didn't check anything else. Like I said, always wanted one of these Yammies and the price was lower than any other similar sleds available locally.
Got it home and rode it 200 feet through the grass to park it. Some belt squealing and feels like track ratcheting. Running kind of rough. Figure I'll have some work to do, at least a thorough cleaning of the carbs.
Here's more that I learned/confirmed since I got it home:
1. The previous track was studded. Snowflap has some stud damage and front heat exchanger took a couple of shots from studs, but fortunately is not leaking and flows (all exchangers warm after running - no leaks).
2. Skid looks good - shock still damping pretty well.
3. Dead and petrified mouse in rear compartment. Gack. Shopvac took care of that.
4. Motor idles low and shakes like a paint mixer. Clears throat when spinning the track above 6K RPM. Hopefully carb cleaning will help with this. Plugs read rich, but doesn't mean much without being able to really ride it.
5. 120 PSI both sides and some significant sheave wear on primary clutch near shaft. 1,600 miles my ***.
6. TORS unplugged
7. Belt installed backwards. Who knows if that was from the start. Guy didn't seem very detail oriented.
8. Has V-force reeds
Who knows how many miles this really has? Not me. I'll see how it runs after cleaning the carbs. Not going to worry about the top end unless it seems down on power, and I'll keep my fingers crossed that the bottom end is ok.
To do list:
1. Clean carbs and check reeds/cages.
2. Crack chaincase and inspect chain/gears, replace if needed. Possibly go down a tooth on the top gear. Fresh lube.
3. Remove/disassemble primary and clean/inspect for parts needing replacement. A bit worried about those sheaves. I don't care to grenade a clutch. Been there.
4. Clean/lube secondary and check spring settings.
5. Check brake pads/disc
6. Drop skid and inspect for damage, grease all zerks, check/replace idlers/bearings as needed, replace hyfax.
7. Check drive axle bearings for slop/noise. Say a prayer for me. I hate the thought of pulling the axle.
8. Drain gas tank and refill with fresh ethanol free gas with stabilizer.
9. Replace water pump belt (seems like a good idea)
10. Grease all driveline zerks.
11. Order a fresh OEM belt
I'm tired already thinking about this. Looking forward to digging on, though. If I see anything weird, I'll post it.
Would appreciate any pointers from the collective braintrust that is this board!
