PMCmax
New member
Hey all, Just got myself 2 "97" vmax 600 xtc's in a barter. These are the first ones I have ever had and I am learning a ton form this site. I have a couple questions for anyone who has this model or has had one. One of them has reverse but it does not stay engaged unless I hold the lever down. I was looking at a parts diagram for a 1998 and it shows a tension spring on the reverse lever but it is not shown on the 1997 diagram or on the sled. I assume I am missing it? Also when reading about the suspension, It says that the control rods should have the gap on the top when resting on its own weight. One sled is and the other is not. I am guessing the full rate adjuster is set different on them causing the difference in gap locations between the sleds? Also had an exhaust leak where the pipe connects to y-pipe. Gasket was bad. Looked it up and it was priced at 25 bucks. Now I am not a cheapo but 25 bucks for that? Anywhere cheaper to get that other than dealer? Any ol exhaust shop perhaps? Dont mean to get so long winded but I am new to snowmobiling and hungry for knowledge. Thanks!
super1c
Super Moderator
Yea exhaust donut is expensive. There has been a lot of research on that and I don't think anyone ever came up with a suitable aftermarket replacement. I use copper gasket sealent on all my joints. The fra will have some effect on the gap but most likely you need to adjust spring preload on big shock. More important it should be 50/50 when sitting on it. Shortening spring more preload, lengthen less preload. Not sure about sprung but most likely reverse just needs adjusting. http://www.totallyamaha.com/snowmobiles/aaTECH/Reverse/NonRX1install.htm. follow link at end gives how to adjust.
For exhaust donut I have a small exhaust repair shop near by, the owner is a sled enthusiast. I go there and he has a wall of donuts we try and match them up have had luck with viper stock gaskets and slp triple gaskets (all 3 cost $10) I believe slp's are $19.95 each. Also matched 1 of 2 on f5. Only problem is he is polaris guy jk.
A couple of bucks
VIP Member
Wrap a 1" strip of steel wool around it. Through the center,over then through again.....etc etc. Once your done with that, work some kind of sealant into the wool. Exhaust sealant, Copper Coat, Right Stuff....doesn't really matter. The last one I saved, I did with MOPAR engine sealant. It was on hand.