Prowler chain tension - Snowmobile Forum: Your #1 Snowmobile Forum

hogman72 · 10-29-2009, 10:25 PM

I have a 95 Prowler 550 2-up with reverse. If I remove the belt, then turn the secondary clutch with the track on the ground, there seems to be some slop coming from the chaincase. There is no adjuster from the outside so is this is this normal to have this play?
Its has a internal chain tensioner.

**BC_Dan** · 10-29-2009, 10:36 PM

Mine does the same thing... there is a lot of play in all the parts, even when the parts are new. It doesn't seem to hinder operation, though...

hogman72 · 10-29-2009, 10:40 PM

All in All have you had really good luck with your 550 Prowler?

**BC_Dan** · 10-29-2009, 10:58 PM

It went through a couple of kids pretty well, and survived 4 weekends hauling groceries in and garbage out at a scout camp.. it earned the nickname of the "mini-van"... with the 136" track, it's even pretty good in the deeper snow. The 550 has been pretty reliable, the only significant issue I had with that sled was the ring gear coming off the clutch. When that happened at about 5000 rpm, the gear took out the front motor mount, the bendix on the starter, and cut a hole in the belly pan. Not fun. That was with a 6-post Comet clutch; I replaced it with a 9 post cat clutch, the starter ring is way bigger and the screws holding the gear onto the clutch are a lot bigger as well.

I had some reverse issues after the scouts had the sled for a while, ended up having to buy a lower sprocket and some pins and springs to repair it. It would go great in reverse, but would not go forward. The engagement pins were pretty worn, so I didn't feel bad about fixing it. The engine has been absolutely dependable. We have migrated toward different riding, but for our family with small kids, it was a great sled. For the riding I do now.. not so good

**kccats** · 10-30-2009, 07:14 AM

Yep the bottom gear is the weakest link, the spring and dogs wear! Also change the chain before it breaks, that would be real expencive!!