Enticed

I have a chance to buy a 96 Cougar 550 with a blown piston/cylinder for really cheap. Is this a common problem on these? Also curious are these nicasil cylinders?

BC_Dan

Scored cylinders are common on all snowmobiles. There are a bunch of reasons for the scoring, but the main one is a lean burn-down, often caused by lean jetting or air leaks from the carb adapters or through a crankcase seal. If you get this one, make sure you figure out the reason for the problem and fix the problem, as the cylinder damage is just a symptom. The 550 Cat engine is usually pretty durable and has a reputation for reliability.

The cylinder is nicasil lined. The cylinder can be repaired, there are a bunch of good places to get that done. I have used Millenium Technology, US Chrome also has a great rep. Expect to pay about 1/2 the cost of a new cylinder to get yours replated. If you send the cylinder in with a new piston, they will fit the piston to the cylinder, saving you having to do it.

__________________
2007 RMK 700 155", 2008 RMK 600 155", 2006 RMK 600 144", 95 Prowler 550 2-up, 1990 Indy 650

RIP, destroyed by fire 1-22-2008
04 RMK 800, 05 RMK 600, 02 RMK 800, 97 RMK 700

http://www.avalanche.org/accidents.php

Enticed

Thanks a bunch for the info. Maybe I'll have a closer look to make sure the sled is otherwise in decent shape and maybe buy it.