Just purchased a new to me 97sx and the previous owner put a later model head on the motor when he rebuilt the top end after an over heat. My question is, he's got the carb "coolant/heat" line blocked off, but would it be worth it to utilize it if I've already got the head? Are the water heated carbs totally different? Or is there something that bolts on the rack, that I could use on my existing setup? -Thanks
shaggyzr2
Active member
They are different carbs, 98 was the first year for heated carbs. I have a 97 SX without heated carbs, never had any issues with them icing up. Don't see why you would need the heated carbs, It's just one more thing you have to mess with when taking the carbs off to clean them.
That's kinda what I was thinking, just one more thing to screw with when servicing the carbs. I have another 97 that I've never had a problem with icing. - Thanks.
Backwoods M Max
New member
The heated carbs are more for the mountain sleds. They keep you from icing the jets when you are in one of those snow over the hood days. They do have the advantage of richening the mixture when it is super super cold. They can prevent a burn down if you are borderline on jetting for the temp.
Interesting, well I think I will keep it how it is for now, maybe at some point change it out if I run across a set of 98+ carbs at a price I can't pass up. I will put that on the back burner however, as I plan on doing a few other mods first. Thanks guys.
I've owned 2 different SX's over the years and still have the 1. There is a reason I run duct hape over the hood vents... because I wished I had heated carbs on it. When that fresh powder comes over the hood and in through the vents, I've had carbs ice on me. And this is just fresh snow on the flats. Just make sure you run some isopropyl to keep any water from forming in your fuel. That definitely helps as well.
After having heated carbs on the Viper's and never having an icing issue... I wish my SX had them too, but I don't realy want to change heads just to do that, so duct tape does the trick.
After having heated carbs on the Viper's and never having an icing issue... I wish my SX had them too, but I don't realy want to change heads just to do that, so duct tape does the trick.
Good points. May have to start looking. I do a fair bit of off trail stuff. Decisions decisions....
So what year carbs can I go up till? I know they started doing tps at some point correct? Would 03 viper carbs work? Also where does the coolant tie back into the system after it exits the other side of the carb rack? Assuming I have to "t" in somewhere. -Thanks