2003 Viper Cylinder issues

[Funder]

Kind of a weird problem. My wifes 03 viper started making a light rattling noise riding it two weeks a go. It sounded like just a loose mount for the exhaust or something simple but to play it safe, we decided to head back. About a mile from the truck, the sled just dies. When I opened the hood, there was a coolant leak under the hood. Upon closer inspection, there was a chunk out of the rear of one cylinder. Also, the power valve assembly on that cylinder was broken off - I found it laying in the skid plate. Not sure which of these happened first. My wife said she was careful about watching the warning lights and none came on when it died.

Anyone else experienced something like this? I have not yet tore into the motor to see the extent of the damage. My thought (fear) now is that the rattling was the crank/bearing. A shame because the chassis is in great condition and the sled had only 2200 miles on it. ny opinions on if this sled is worth rebuilding?

 

[03viperguy]

did the valve snap and fall into the cylinder?

 

[Funder]

did the valve snap and fall into the cylinder?

Have not pulled the head/cylinder yet to see what's up but the power valve housing snapped off the cylinderand I found it in the skid plate - separated from it's cable.

 

[Ding]

I think it is definitely worth rebuilding. They do not make new Vipers any more, so we have to keep them going as long as possible. For less than $1000 you should be back on the trail.

 

[03viperguy]

I agree with ding. even though I cant get mine together now, I plan to clean everything up and store it well until I can afford it. I like it, so it is worth repairing. if you like yours, then it is worth repairing as well!

 

[Netefrog]

I know as far as my SRX goes as long as they keep supplying new parts than I will keep fixing and riding it. Hell, if I had the money and time I would order a new SRX from the factory part by part, piece by piece if I had to, and then I would be a happy camper. lol.. Imagine that, peice by peice brand new SRX. three new cylinder, three new pistons, new cases, heads, tunnel, seat, hood, skis, skid,... now I'm rambling. lol

 

[bluemonster1]

something about them Vipers..they seem to be going down a lot this season..never had the SRX motor go down on me yet.And I pin the motor hard most of times...

 

[03viperguy]

but you wont here of people that arent having problems. its the bane of any forum. people not having issues are not starting threads saying "hey, my sled has never failed"
just like any forum. I ask my buddy that works at a doo dealer and he has not seen half the issues the guys on dootalk are having. have 2 neighbors with a combined 4 cats that have yet to have an issue. the third neighbor has yet to get a season out of his without SOMETHING happening. thinking with the vipers, there are a few week spots, one being age. age combined with the weak areas is causing a few failures. I bet as a percentage though, they are still a decent bet I love mine and would buy another, and thats after a crank failure lol!! although mine was my fault, rust on the bearings does it every time!

 

[stingray719]

KNOWN ISSUE WITH VIPER HEAD AND SPARK ADVANCE>

Search my name for the cause and the fix. Don't waste your money rebuilding if you do not address the cause.

 

[jasonboyer96]

but you wont here of people that arent having problems. its the bane of any forum. people not having issues are not starting threads saying "hey, my sled has never failed"
just like any forum. I ask my buddy that works at a doo dealer and he has not seen half the issues the guys on dootalk are having. have 2 neighbors with a combined 4 cats that have yet to have an issue. the third neighbor has yet to get a season out of his without SOMETHING happening. thinking with the vipers, there are a few week spots, one being age. age combined with the weak areas is causing a few failures. I bet as a percentage though, they are still a decent bet I love mine and would buy another, and thats after a crank failure lol!! although mine was my fault, rust on the bearings does it every time!

X2. Same with my Doo dealer. They have not heard of most of the concerns I bring to them about my sleds. However, I have brought solutions to them and my Yamaha mechanic that they did not know of because of the forums.

 

[Funder]

KNOWN ISSUE WITH VIPER HEAD AND SPARK ADVANCE>

Search my name for the cause and the fix. Don't waste your money rebuilding if you do not address the cause.

Stingray,

Searched as you suggested and will use the Bender gasket if a rebuild is in this sled's future. Also for parts (or a motor swap) is a venture motor totally compatible with the 03 Viper? If so, what year venture?

 

[03viperguy]

venture only had one year they actually had the powervalved 700 in them, I thought it was 04?? I might be wrong though

 

[stingray719]

funder we had my Viper out last sunday in 45 degree weather riding (snow was melting FAST) Rode for 4 hours slow and fast, and not a moments trouble from detonation or heating. In fact, girlfriend got it so hot the brakes quit working! Just put snow on caliper till cool and took off again.

So from my viewpoint, Opticool gasket and raised needles rocks!

 

[Funder]

funder we had my Viper out last sunday in 45 degree weather riding (snow was melting FAST) Rode for 4 hours slow and fast, and not a moments trouble from detonation or heating. In fact, girlfriend got it so hot the brakes quit working! Just put snow on caliper till cool and took off again.

So from my viewpoint, Opticool gasket and raised needles rocks!

Yeah I hate to see this season end here in Colorado. Rode both Grand lake and Rabbit Ears this weekend. Rabbit ears was hanging in there a little better.