Well, I just got screwed, I mean, sold my perfectly running Artic Cat ZR580 to buy this 1997 Mountain Max 600 to come to find out it's got a bad piston, cylinder, and cylinder head. I knew I should have trusted my instincts and done a compression test, but it started right up and didn't have any problems cruising around the guy's yard. It is very clean and only has 1848 miles on it. I'm stuck and don't know to do with this sled.
I've ordered and received two new Kimpex pistons and a gasket kit. I'm waiting to here back from a guy who's got a cylinder listed for $100. I'm still need a cylinder head and don't know if this sled is worth dropping all kinds of money on a handlebar riser kit, new track with studs, plastic skis, and a clutch kit, or if I should get it running and push it down the road to recoop the $1800.00 I'll have it in when it's all done and put that money towards something else.
I live in the midwest and have concerns with all the "mountain max" electrical crap on this thing as I won't be riding it in the mountains anytime soon. Can I swap out carbs and the CDI box for VMax carbs and CDI box without creating anymore headaches or will that throw even more codes and cause me more grief? I got sucked in with the ride, trailing arms, and extended 136" track on this thing but want something I can juice up a little bit and ride without problems. Can anyone with more knowledge about these things shed a little light on the subject and give me some direction on what to do or expect out of this machine. Thanks... - J.D.
I've ordered and received two new Kimpex pistons and a gasket kit. I'm waiting to here back from a guy who's got a cylinder listed for $100. I'm still need a cylinder head and don't know if this sled is worth dropping all kinds of money on a handlebar riser kit, new track with studs, plastic skis, and a clutch kit, or if I should get it running and push it down the road to recoop the $1800.00 I'll have it in when it's all done and put that money towards something else.
I live in the midwest and have concerns with all the "mountain max" electrical crap on this thing as I won't be riding it in the mountains anytime soon. Can I swap out carbs and the CDI box for VMax carbs and CDI box without creating anymore headaches or will that throw even more codes and cause me more grief? I got sucked in with the ride, trailing arms, and extended 136" track on this thing but want something I can juice up a little bit and ride without problems. Can anyone with more knowledge about these things shed a little light on the subject and give me some direction on what to do or expect out of this machine. Thanks... - J.D.
I have a 97 MM 600 had it since new and haven't had any issues with the carbs other than I didnt clean my carb and burnt a piston and had a connecting rod break also. Its a good sled just make sure you maintain it well and it will treat you good. Would you post some pics of your cylinder head it can be beat up pretty bad and still be useable. Also I would use OEM pistons,and you can have the cylinder repaired for around under $225. I am also in the midwest and only trail ride this machine and it has the 1.5" paddle track on it still and I am also still running the orginal hyfax's on it also. If you have any questions let me know I will try to help.
Thanks
Eric
Thanks
Eric
sleddineinar
VIP Member
Don't worry about "all that 'Mountain max' electrical crap" the CDIs are the same from between the 600 twins. If you like the sled and the way it rides, rebuild the motor. It definitely sucks to buy a turd though. I would recommend OEM parts though, I don't have any experience with kimpex pistons, but I have heard some others with pretty definite piston slap sound when running, when they used non-oem pistons. But if you use the kimpex, remember to always do a good warm-up before riding, that should limit any problems.