98 zr 600 efi airbox - Snowmobile Forum: Your #1 Snowmobile Forum

98zr600 · 11-04-2009, 11:15 AM

Hello All,

I am new to the forum, and to snowmobiling. At the end of last winter i purchased a 98 ZR 600 efi Powder special, which is a very nice sled, its in absolute showroom condition low miles etc, and she runs and drives great. Im trying to get it ready for this winter and was wondering how i access the air box to make sure there is no leaves, mouse nests etc in it. Like i said im rather new to snowmobiling and have little knowledge of how they are put together and what not.
Another question i have is, the snowmobile has a hot rod chip in it from black magic, does having the chip alone actually help performance ? I was told that its not good to run just a chip without a pipe setup as well.. i have the stock chip, and will put it in if necessary. Thank you .

**kccats** · 11-04-2009, 02:51 PM

Chip alone is ok, depending on which one! A stock "Hot Rod" chip would lean it down alittle! The chip that would come with a pipe would richen it up some!
To get into the air box open the tool box lid and pull up on the tool divider!

98zr600 · 11-04-2009, 02:53 PM

Ok so checking the numbers and finding which chip i have may not be a bad idea? plugs look nice and light brown... small amounts of oilyness on them but nothing major

xxxthebxxx · 11-04-2009, 05:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 98zr600

Ok so checking the numbers and finding which chip i have may not be a bad idea? plugs look nice and light brown... small amounts of oilyness on them but nothing major

yes but I always change them before the season and keep spares with the sled throughout the season.

98zr600 · 11-04-2009, 05:16 PM

Yep, i just put new plugs in today, and i bought 3 spare sets just to be safe.

98zr600 · 11-04-2009, 05:30 PM

Would it be safe to run a BR9EIX in this sled? Or should i just stick with the BR9EYA?

**RJ Gleason** · 11-04-2009, 06:18 PM

Yes, you can use that plug, same heat range.

98zr600 · 11-04-2009, 06:20 PM

Great Thank you .

godfrey90sf · 11-04-2009, 08:09 PM

I bought my buddy the same exact sled 2 seasons ago, last season it ate shit, blown cylinder! Seems to be a decent sled though

xxxthebxxx · 11-04-2009, 08:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by godfrey90sf

I bought my buddy the same exact sled 2 seasons ago, last season it ate shit, blown cylinder! Seems to be a decent sled though

Don't scare him! lol, but seriously, the ZR 600 EFI won sled of the year I believe, it was this year or 99, but it was the same chassis anyway. They're great sleds!

98zr600 · 11-04-2009, 08:14 PM

im not too worried this sled i absolutely mint, 1 owner and i have every single receipt from every jug of oil to spark plugs to belts the previous owner put into the sled, a binder full of records... very well maintained. I never checked the compression or anything when i bought it, but it runs good and seems to have a lot of power. Although i did race a 2003 zr 500 at the end of last season and he kept right up with me, untill about 1/4 mile then i took him.. but i was told it was just because it was a newer engine and lighter sled... i dunno

**kccats** · 11-04-2009, 08:30 PM

I love my 98ZR! I stay with the BR9es! Plugs look good but also check the piston wash! You want all black except a finger nail size around the transfer ports!

98zr600 · 11-04-2009, 08:42 PM

how do i check the piston wash? i know very little about snowmobiles..

**RJ Gleason** · 11-05-2009, 12:31 PM

Take a plug out and turn the piston to the middle of the stroke. With a light probe you can look inside the cylinder at the top of the piston.
You want to see a nearly all black dome with clean spots near the transfer and exhaust ports.

98zr600 · 11-05-2009, 12:35 PM

How would i turn the piston, just turn the belt with my hand?

**RJ Gleason** · 11-05-2009, 12:42 PM

Just turn the engine by the clutch.

98zr600 · 11-05-2009, 12:53 PM

Ok i just did this, and the pistons both look nice from what i can tell, all chocolate glazed with a few shiny spots about the size of my finger tip. Is that pretty good??

98zr600 · 11-05-2009, 12:58 PM

I have a few other questions also , my antifreeze is a little low in the tank, can i use prestone 50/50? And i have had the sled running a few times this week in about 40 degree weather, and its been smoking alot.. is it just from sitting all summer and not being started much? it has fresh oil, a few gallons of fresh fuel, brand new plugs.

98zr600 · 11-05-2009, 01:05 PM

I just got upper under the sled more, to check for grease fittings, and i noticed the track is clearly a bombadier track, its says bombadier on it and has the logo, but i cannot find any numbers on it or anyting, and this sled is ETT, im afraid it has the wrong track! Its brand new though and was put on at a dealer right before i bought it.

**RJ Gleason** · 11-05-2009, 01:09 PM

Nothing wrong with that, I have one of those on mine too. It was a new take off that I got very cheaply.
This track loves the deep powder too.