Hi all, I'm currently looking for an older arctic cat running or not as I enjoy working on stuff and will use eventually on the farm to carry around my chainsaw in the winter. I came across an add for a 91 ac cheetah not running, and wondering on your thoughts. It also comes with a 89 cougar also not running which I don't really need but sold as a pair. the gentleman is asking 500. I don't know but that seems a bit high since it could need some work?. Sleds look as if they were sitting out for awhile with light surface rust on some of the parts. Everything seems to be there except the cougar has no seat/windscreen and the cheetah is missing the recoil and key switch maybe, in the picture. I don't mind get something that I have to work on but I just don't want a headache and to have to put tons of work into to get working. I've seen other snowmobiles in the area for sale of the same era running for 600 and in better shape. I just like the long track with storage for breaking my own trails, fan cooled and easy to fix as we typically don't have much snow during the winter sometimes. I have been looking for an older bearcat but none has come up for sale recently and just think the older cats kinda look cool. I am planning on looking at them this coming weekend, Your thoughts are appreciated.
Posts by Commander
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Thanks for the replies. I'll have to see if the tracks are ok if I look at them.
Has anyone heard that the ac 500 motor had any problems? Reliable? Both sleds have them. I once bought a 1980 ac Pantera 500 and burnt out the cdi. Paid 900 for it and was only 11 years old but it was a great fun sled.
I have currently been using my buddies sled last couple of years, a 97 sd grand touring liquid. Its ok and goes good but too fast for me, not my type of machine but letting me use it. Actually he has been trying to get me to buy it and he just replaced the track last year with a new one, wants 1500 and in good condition. But if I was going to spend that kind of money I would rather get something of my choice like a fan cooled machine I can ride more on low snow days. An 97 ac bearcat 340 just came up for sale 1500 also in good running condition, too much? That would be better for me but has no reverse, nice to be able to drive in the barn and back out but not a necessity. Question is do I try to save a cool vintage sled for less money instead of going for parts maybe or wherever or spend more and get something running with almost no problems?
I don't ride too much so it doesn't matter to me if it's old or not, just a few times a year doesn't seem like I should spend more but I do use for work too. That's why I think getting something to fix up is ok and I'm not in any rush to buy anything. Will look though. I have options
Has anyone heard that the ac 500 motor had any problems? Reliable? Both sleds have them. I once bought a 1980 ac Pantera 500 and burnt out the cdi. Paid 900 for it and was only 11 years old but it was a great fun sled.
I have currently been using my buddies sled last couple of years, a 97 sd grand touring liquid. Its ok and goes good but too fast for me, not my type of machine but letting me use it. Actually he has been trying to get me to buy it and he just replaced the track last year with a new one, wants 1500 and in good condition. But if I was going to spend that kind of money I would rather get something of my choice like a fan cooled machine I can ride more on low snow days. An 97 ac bearcat 340 just came up for sale 1500 also in good running condition, too much? That would be better for me but has no reverse, nice to be able to drive in the barn and back out but not a necessity. Question is do I try to save a cool vintage sled for less money instead of going for parts maybe or wherever or spend more and get something running with almost no problems?
I don't ride too much so it doesn't matter to me if it's old or not, just a few times a year doesn't seem like I should spend more but I do use for work too. That's why I think getting something to fix up is ok and I'm not in any rush to buy anything. Will look though. I have options
Thanks Dan, I'll keep that in mind
I still haven't gone to see the sleds yet, the weather hasn't been good and with my busy work schedule. I have a question if someone can help, I noticed in one of the pictures the air silencer boots are missing on the cheetah. Question is do I need them? and where would I find new ones in case the seller doesn't have them. Part #1670-386. Checked some of the parts warehouse's and they are not available. Seen some sleds with them missing.
Update on the sled search!!!
I decided to go and check out the 97 ac bearcat 340 first and see it this past weekend because it was already running, so I made an offer and picked it up. Guy was originally asking 1200 but I talked him down to a 1000. I don't know if it was a deal or not but who knows. Overall its pretty good, not very much rust at all, looks like it sat for a while maybe outside since the hood is a little faded but I'm surprised at some of the parts and the track is really still pretty nice. I see only the secondary drive shaft inside is rusty for some reason. I really wanted to get something with reverse but had to make a sacrifice for now since winter is right around the corner. I was planning on going to look at the other cats too and make an offer but seem to have my hands full now. It needs a few things like there is a small hole in the top of the gas tank that was fixed with some rubbery stuff, I might try to do something better. He said an a chipmunk or something chewed on it. Hand warmers look disconnected and the kill switch also disconnected. The guy apparently bought it not running, about a year ago, put on a new carb, (he said the old one was junk), put on some new fuel lines and a really nice seat cover. Speedo doesn't work either but I think it could be something small as it shows very low miles like under a couple hundred?.
I guess the first thing to do now is clean the carb? since it's been sitting since last year, guy started it on the third pull with old gas, (ran pretty good as we just got a couple of inches of snow and i was able to run down the field with it and back, but didn't idle too great), clean the clutches? and look it over with a fine comb and Try to fix a few minor things. I'll have more time to look into it soon and clean it as I brought it indoors in the shop. Lots of acorns in the bottom so I assume a critter was in there at some point. 🤔
I decided to go and check out the 97 ac bearcat 340 first and see it this past weekend because it was already running, so I made an offer and picked it up. Guy was originally asking 1200 but I talked him down to a 1000. I don't know if it was a deal or not but who knows. Overall its pretty good, not very much rust at all, looks like it sat for a while maybe outside since the hood is a little faded but I'm surprised at some of the parts and the track is really still pretty nice. I see only the secondary drive shaft inside is rusty for some reason. I really wanted to get something with reverse but had to make a sacrifice for now since winter is right around the corner. I was planning on going to look at the other cats too and make an offer but seem to have my hands full now. It needs a few things like there is a small hole in the top of the gas tank that was fixed with some rubbery stuff, I might try to do something better. He said an a chipmunk or something chewed on it. Hand warmers look disconnected and the kill switch also disconnected. The guy apparently bought it not running, about a year ago, put on a new carb, (he said the old one was junk), put on some new fuel lines and a really nice seat cover. Speedo doesn't work either but I think it could be something small as it shows very low miles like under a couple hundred?.
I guess the first thing to do now is clean the carb? since it's been sitting since last year, guy started it on the third pull with old gas, (ran pretty good as we just got a couple of inches of snow and i was able to run down the field with it and back, but didn't idle too great), clean the clutches? and look it over with a fine comb and Try to fix a few minor things. I'll have more time to look into it soon and clean it as I brought it indoors in the shop. Lots of acorns in the bottom so I assume a critter was in there at some point. 🤔
Thanks guys, the boggies looked and felt solid but I'll inspect them closer. I was going to just buy the universal key for the speedo and see if that was it but I will look into it more and get back to you. I hope it's not the bearing, and you mean the track bearings by that?
Also does cleaning the carb seem like a good idea since it was recently replaced, I was thinking maybe just drain all the old gas out and not bother it this year.
Also does cleaning the carb seem like a good idea since it was recently replaced, I was thinking maybe just drain all the old gas out and not bother it this year.
Thanks kc
I tore into the snowmobile, Found a mouse nest in the air box( the carb boot wasn't even attached), a kinked line by the pump, and the locking collar inside by the track shaft bearing loose. Guess I may try to put it on for now. changing the bearings are probably needed, (how big job is it?)don't know how long and what it takes? Didn't get to look into the speedo cable but will soon. Pulled the carb ready for cleaning, vacuumed out all the critter stuff and siphoned most of the old gas out. The guy looked like he did a hack job to get running, used 1/4 in clear tubing which was hard already and the primer pump wasn't even hooked up, no T for it anywhere and no in-line filter. Mouse looked like it chewed on the ends of the handwarmer wiring so will have to figure out that one eventually. Anyone know what size fuel lines are the proper size?
I tore into the snowmobile, Found a mouse nest in the air box( the carb boot wasn't even attached), a kinked line by the pump, and the locking collar inside by the track shaft bearing loose. Guess I may try to put it on for now. changing the bearings are probably needed, (how big job is it?)don't know how long and what it takes? Didn't get to look into the speedo cable but will soon. Pulled the carb ready for cleaning, vacuumed out all the critter stuff and siphoned most of the old gas out. The guy looked like he did a hack job to get running, used 1/4 in clear tubing which was hard already and the primer pump wasn't even hooked up, no T for it anywhere and no in-line filter. Mouse looked like it chewed on the ends of the handwarmer wiring so will have to figure out that one eventually. Anyone know what size fuel lines are the proper size?
Thanks, that's funny kc. Yea the mouse ate right through the plastic mesh on the other side, I will change that. I actually ordered and received both parts and shop manuals on ebay just after I got it and came in in a couple of days, brand new, But that info looks really helpful too coolhand thanks.
The guy said he put new fuel line in the tank with a weight, so I checked out of curiosity and he did with one of the weighted filter ends but he used that cheap clear stuff and it wasn't even at the bottom, I had to move it around with a coat hanger. I'll try see if I can find some tygon fuel line online, looks hard to find though, found some on ebay.
I'm also not even sure how the oil pump is hooked up on that sled cause he had the primer line going to the intake manifold? (And The other side of the primer line was not hooked up at all. I will probably just order a whole new setup online cause the plastic T's aren't available) and I still didn't see yet where the oil delivery line goes.
My next thing to do is clean the carb I guess. It was actually a used one he put on from the dealer, cause the sticker said $100. Probably just better.
The guy said he put new fuel line in the tank with a weight, so I checked out of curiosity and he did with one of the weighted filter ends but he used that cheap clear stuff and it wasn't even at the bottom, I had to move it around with a coat hanger. I'll try see if I can find some tygon fuel line online, looks hard to find though, found some on ebay.
I'm also not even sure how the oil pump is hooked up on that sled cause he had the primer line going to the intake manifold? (And The other side of the primer line was not hooked up at all. I will probably just order a whole new setup online cause the plastic T's aren't available) and I still didn't see yet where the oil delivery line goes.
My next thing to do is clean the carb I guess. It was actually a used one he put on from the dealer, cause the sticker said $100. Probably just better.
Thanks kc, I ordered a new plunger with 3 ft of 1/8 hose and plastic T for 1/4 ($12) I didn't remember I could get a brass T which is better, I may return it. The end of the original primer hose had a broken off piece of the plastic T.
Still working on the snowmobile, found what I needed on eBay so far. Was wondering where the T goes for the primer, after the fuel filter coming out of the tank or after the pump, nothing in the manual shows it. I also took apart the speedo adapter and found a sheered off piece of key, I'm thinking the adapter got seized up a bit from sitting cause I can't get the speedo cable out of it. Bearing looks ok , greese is in there, how would I know if the bearing is bad? looks to be in good shape though. But the other side of the key is apparently stuck in the drive shaft.
Thanks guys,
The key was twisted looking and the speedometer cable was frozen in the adapter but got it out with Marvel MO. Also got the key in the driveshaft out with a pick. What I found is the adapter is seized. Will have to find another one if I want my speedometer to work, haven't been able to free it up yet with a square drill bit, but speedometer cable is working fine.
I can get a new key and bearings if needed from MFG, but I think the bearing is okay for now.
The key was twisted looking and the speedometer cable was frozen in the adapter but got it out with Marvel MO. Also got the key in the driveshaft out with a pick. What I found is the adapter is seized. Will have to find another one if I want my speedometer to work, haven't been able to free it up yet with a square drill bit, but speedometer cable is working fine.
I can get a new key and bearings if needed from MFG, but I think the bearing is okay for now.
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Thanks, also have another issue that I would like to resolve since we have no snow in my area and hardly any in the forecast, where is winter so far? Have a 2x1/2 inch hole in the top of the gas tank that a critter chewed out. Guy before me put on some rubber like patch stuff which is breaking up already so I have been looking for a better alternative like a patch kit with some material. Anyone know what is best for that?
Yeah I was thinking about that too kc, I found something called Gator patch for fixing kayaks and stuff, may try that but I would like to check out the local salvage yard. I've seen on they're add they posted pics of a few 90's sleds for parts, what to do you think a tank should cost from the salvage yard? Would any tank from a two up sled from the late 90's work? The tank is connected to the seat it looks like, don't know if some of the models are the same or different. Will take a pic next time I'm by the sled.
Pretty cheap, if I'm lucky I'll get a tank nearby.
I am going to try get the snowmobile up and running this weekend, snow is on the way. have all new lines, crimps and a few things to put together. Wasn't able to fix a couple of things yet but it will still go. Was still wondering if if the 'T' for the primer goes before the pump or after. No mention of it in the manual. I'm assuming it goes before but it could also go after.
Good at fixing things, just don't have a ton of experience with these yet.
I am going to try get the snowmobile up and running this weekend, snow is on the way. have all new lines, crimps and a few things to put together. Wasn't able to fix a couple of things yet but it will still go. Was still wondering if if the 'T' for the primer goes before the pump or after. No mention of it in the manual. I'm assuming it goes before but it could also go after.
Good at fixing things, just don't have a ton of experience with these yet.
Well I'm at the point now where the snowmobile is sitting in the garage and I'm trying to start it but I got air in the lines and I'm trying to figure out how to get it out. I put gas down the cylinders (fires right up but then dies) to try and prime it but still having trouble getting started, any thoughts? Not sure if the primer ( maybe lines backwards?) is working maybe it needs gas in the line to work? I tried sucking on the gas line going to the carburetor but it keeps getting air bubbles and hard to get the air out. We got snow now..
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I haven't been able to get gas into the carb at all yet!. When I put gas down the cylinders it fired right up and started to pull gas through the lines but not enough to get to the carb. I pulled it over several times too but wasn't pulling enough gas into the carb. I sent a pic of how I setup the 't' and the filter. Wondering now if some air maybe leaking in the joints. the primer doesn't seem to do anything but have a new one if I need to replace. Wondering if the lines are backwards to the primer too. Isn't the primer supposed pull gas through?
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