98 SRX 700 Buying Questions

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MobbsWR

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I am new to snowmobiling and will be buying a used 98 SRX 700. I am upgrading from my first sled last season (a 91 exciter 570). The sled is stock other then V Force Reeds. It has 4800 miles, 141 track, and 2in lugs. Is there anything specific i should look for when I go to view this sled? It is for sale at $1500. The guy said that all the lugs are all there, but there are some cracks at the bottom of them. What do you guys think? He said it’s a non issue. I have also heard something’s about bad electrical issues and cranks? All help much appreciated.
 
yes 98s had crank issues ask him if it was updated (welded) also bring a comp gauge and check to see if compression is close between the cyls, ask if he'd pull a powervalve to see if pulled through, he may not but to me i'd have no problem doing it to prove the upkeep if i was selling. check the w arm in the rear for cracks or break, and just look at the overall cleanliness of the sled, that tells alot about how it was cared for, if it wasn't worth keeping clean within reason to him then he probably didn't care to do the other regular maintenance either, hope thats a start for you
 
yep

check compression for sure...should be around 121 p.s.i. all across the board, and check powervalves there's a cover with 2 screws you can take off and give all 3 cables a yank to see if the pulled threw...see if he ever cleaned powervalves or set them up...carbs ect.. to see if he did his maintanance...take an over all look to see if there's any leaks...and ask if crank was ever done recall you can call yamaha and give them the serial number of the sled and they'll let you know if and when it was done... Not alot you can do unless he lets ya take the motor apart...lol But just ask alot of questions about what he's done and that should give you an idea how it's been cared for ... Good luck
 
Awesome thanks for the help. Will it be obvious to tell if the power valves have been pulled through? Am right to assume i have to remove 2 Allen’s from each valve to check the cable. What is the w arm? Is that the arm that holds the ski's?
 
if the cable isn't attached to the valve its pulled through, its not a deal breaker yamahead can repair them cheap, but it will give you some bargaining leverage, new ones are around $100 each. the w arm is in the rear suspension, the front shock upper is connected to it as well as the limiter straps, can be hard to inspect in the sled so bring a flashlight and stick your head right under there
 
Awesome. Thanks! I hope to find everything intact. I just called Yamaha with the Vin and they said the crank was good to go. He said the power values were serviced 1000 miles ago. He is going to pull them for me and do a compression test when I present. Cant wait till Thursday!
 
For sure. He said he was going to give me something that you connect to the valves that will operate them while off the sled. I forget the name he mentioned. He said this device was about $80. I am sure he is going to have a look at them before i get to it because he already told me is cleaning the carbs tonight as prep.
 
MobbsWR said:
For sure. He said he was going to give me something that you connect to the valves that will operate them while off the sled. I forget the name he mentioned. He said this device was about $80. I am sure he is going to have a look at them before i get to it because he already told me is cleaning the carbs tonight as prep.
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Yeah very good sign...you should bring someone that knows a few things about sleds will help...good luck $ 1,500 is pretty cheap..
 
For sure! I am going to attempt to bring someone, but will do my best if it does not work out. Thanks for all the help!! I feel more comfortable looking at this sled now. I have also been using this resource: http://users.metro2000.net/~rmmc/usedguide.html.

Do you guys know how this sled will perform in the powder? It has a 141 track with 2in lugs.
 
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Not well...my SRX sinks like a rock...I ride in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan with lots of snow and she's terrible. From what I've heard from all, a 2" lug will not help out much...track length makes the difference.

Also, I personally would be apprehensive on self-reporting on the welded crank. Paper documentation would make me feel a whole lot better. And for reference, I bought my '99 SRX 700 two or three years ago now and paid $1,700. I looked at three the day I bought mine and two were turds, one very much so. Mine was as close to flawless as I could hope to have found.

Good luck.

Oh, wait...I'm a dummy, I see you said it's got a 141" track...that should do pretty well in the powder I'd think. My 121" SRX like I said, sinks like a stone. I can float ok, but just don't ever stop moving in the fresh, deep stuff!
 
MobbsWR said:
Awesome thanks for the help. Will it be obvious to tell if the power valves have been pulled through? Am right to assume i have to remove 2 Allen’s from each valve to check the cable. What is the w arm? Is that the arm that holds the ski's?
Click to expand...

I may be wrong, but if the W arm (the skid front swing arm) has not been out and welded, it'll need to be. Sounds like the guy is up to date/on the ball so he should be familiar with the W arm cracking along with annual skid bushing inspection/replacement.

If not, roll it on it's side and grab the front skid shock and show him how loose it is... another bargining chip.
 
Thanks for the info! I will def. have to check out the front bushing and the W arm weld. Where does the crack usually occur?
 
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