2003 Viper Question

[gf7duster]

Just bought an 03 Viper with 1800 miles
Picked it up in an area that did nt have snow so didnt get to drive it (probable mistake)
Anyway got it home where we have a little snow and when i was running it around the yeard theree is a clunking.ratcheting sound when i first start to engage the clutch and the sled is moiving slowly ahead.
Any thoughts??

 

[Viper_Dave]

My 1st guess would be a flat spotted drive belt. If you have a spare, put it on and give it a try.

 

[gf7duster]

Is it normal to have a little noise when first pulling away or should it be very smooth ?

 

[03viperguy]

should be smooth, and I agree about the drive belt. if a piece is missing or if it has a flat spot it will make a huge racket and thump very well

 

[stein700sx]

If its a Viper with reverse it may "clunk" when starting off and it will have a bit more of a whining noise from the right side. The "clunk" is the slack and gap coming together between the gears in the gearbox. It should not rachet after that tho.

 

[stein700sx]

Look at the clutches. It may have aftermarket parts like HC's or HH's that make the clutches engage hard.

 

[cannonball]

I had the same clunking, low speed less then 10 mph...Replaced the belt, clunking went away! And by the way my 2cents, buy the Yamaha belt, pay the extra money. AND 2ND BUY OR MAKE A SNOW MOBILE STAND SO YOU CAN WARM YOUR TRACK BEFORE YOU RIDE.

 

[gf7duster]

Okay
Ill try that
Sure hope it works
That sound is aweful !! lol

 

[cmath307]

I have the same exact issue going on...i just took it out in the yard last night and i heard it...this is the first post i read...and im hopeing its something that simple...mine got louder though the closer i got it back to the garage and you can smell burnt rubber..my buddy was saying the secondary could be sticking also

 

[gf7duster]

Why do I feel like this would be waaaaaay to simple of a fix for me.lol
But here's hoping

 

[cannonball]

I know what you are talking about....sound to good to be true. It some times sounds like its coming from the case,check the chain case oil and see if there is metal on dip stick(chuncks bad shaving fine) I had a dayco belt on my had a very little flat spot, replaced it with Yamaha belt and it fix the problem.And I read on this site yamaha belt have a harder rubber compound witch you should always use. Ever sence no problem.

 

[gf7duster]

Well u guys were right!
Changed to a new Yamaha Belt....
Voila !
Noise gone

Thank you for your help !!

 

[03viperguy]

you are very welcome, glad it was something nice and simple like that

 

[cannonball]

sweet!!!!!