Advice Needed: 1993 ZR 580 - Snowmobile Forum: Your #1 Snowmobile Forum

Thumpmeister · 12-01-2006, 05:30 PM

Hey all...

I've been riding dirtbikes forever, but have never really expressed an interest in getting a sled until recently. I found a good deal on a 1993 ZR 580, and need to know as much info about it as I can before I go look at it.

I would like to know basic stuff to check out on sleds in general, as well as specific stuff for this model. Any help is greatly appreciated. Thanks

shawnyD · 12-01-2006, 08:12 PM

the clutch is the only thing that ive seen go wrong. so people say they have "heard" what is wrong, but if i dont see anything mess up, its good in my eyes. i put 4000 miles on my cat before the clutch went. i put on 4000 miles on my sled before i replaced it.

i updated to a newer AC clutch, and no problems(1500 miles later).

what to check, just make sure it is clean. if it isnt clean, it was probly neglected, and that means it needs work. i got mine for 600 bucks but it didnt start.it was very clean though and i got it on ebay. 30 mins after i got the sled out of my truck for the first time, it started. two strokes are really easy, check for compression, check for fuel, and check the spark. the track should drop about an inch if you lightly pull down on it. if it runs, i think thats a selling point, lol.

good luck and have fun and its worth around 800-1500+ bucks depending on condition

**smallengineguy** · 12-01-2006, 08:51 PM

Check the engine section, how-to's. There is a used sled buyers guide there.

Thumpmeister · 12-02-2006, 04:31 AM

Thanks guys...

I got the sled, and paid $600 for it. I think thats a good price, because its in pretty good shape. The clutches are in good shape, and the belt is new. The guy had it since 96, and he had it only for his wife to ride around on.

It had sat for a while, but he had 'winterized' it, and had fresh fuel in it. It started on the 2nd pull when it was cold on full choke, and everything appears to work. The track looks a little worn, and the skis look a little worn, but they look like they have plenty of life left in them. I think it should be perfect for a beginning sled.

You'll be hearing from me more the more time I get on it. Thanks for the help; its definatly appreciated.

SawBlade · 12-02-2006, 06:34 PM

congrats on the sled. youre gonna love riding. I'm also a dirtbiker but the acceleration from a sled is unmatched. on a nice smooth hard packed surface (road or lake) the acceleration will pull your arms out of socket. my hair is standing up just talking about it. cant wait to squeez thumb. just hold on and laugh like hell. its awsome.

Paintman · 12-03-2006, 06:42 AM

I have a 94 zr 580. The only problems that I have ran into are with the pistons. Mine was also stored for a long period of time and I did not clean the carberator before riding for the season. One of my Jugs ran lean due to blockages in my Carb and that burned a hole in my piston. I changed both pistons because I learned that there was a tendancy on these pistons to break off the skirts. The aftermarket pistons cost about $100 on Ebay. No problems since then.

BC_Dan · 12-03-2006, 10:56 AM

Also, mid-90's cats are prone to losing the driveline bearing on the PTO side. IF your speedometer quits working, that is the first thing to check; if the bearing fails, it drops the driveline down a tiny bit, shearing the drive pin that drives the speedometer gear. If you are quick, all you have to do is replace bearings; if you let it go, you get to fix a LOT more.