Arctic Chat

JustinB · 02-07-2011, 09:40 AM

Hey guys,
I'm new to this forum and to snowmobiling in general. I'm looking at fixing up a '95 ZR 580 EFI that a guy is trying to sell. From what he has explained it will not start.

He has been nice enough to allow me to "work" on it before I buy it, so I found the stator to be bad on the low coil (370 ohms).

Assuming this would be all that it takes, would this thing be worth $150??? That's all he wants for it, it's not at all been beat up, just has some rust on the skis for sitting a while.

Any information is greatly appreciated.

Thanks in Advance

94ZR580 · 02-07-2011, 02:14 PM

It will cost you more than $150, with all the regular maintenance, and probably a few years of neglected maintenance. That would apply to any older, used sled, so should not be unexpected. The old EFI's were also very sensitive to battery condition, so plan on a new battery on a regular basis.

ilive4snow700 · 02-07-2011, 04:17 PM

for $150 you cant go wrong. the 580s are good solid sleds with regular maintenance, my dads original 95 580efi has over 10,000 miles on it now and still runs good.

Doug580Cat · 02-07-2011, 04:20 PM

For $150 you can't go wrong. These sleds were the best of the 90s. During the 90s I was riding Polarises. While I spent thousands getting cranks rebuilt, my buddies on 580s rode thousands of miles trouble free. The comet clutches on the early to mid 90s cats needed a lot of maintenance. Unless you keep a close eye on them and replace the worn bushings and weights they will give you trouble. The 9 post arctco clutch that came out around 1997 was much better. I have 2 580s right now. a 1996 EXT 580 EFI mtn cat with almost 8000 miles, and a 1997 Powder Special carbed with just over 2000 miles. I have helped my friends looking for older good used sleds find 2 more like these. When compared to what else was available in the 90s, these sleds have the best suspension, and the most reliable motors. Some people say to watch for piston skirts that break off. That may be true but I have not seen it. My experience has been nothing but positive. Keep an eye on the clutches and keep a fully charged battery in it. Around 95 HP and the longtrack versions are a little heavy at 530 lbs. GREAT SLEDS!

JustinB · 02-07-2011, 06:17 PM

Well, I took the stator off a week ago and used that for a little project at school for shop class. I rewound it today, checked everything out and it seemed to ohm good and everything.

I put it all back together, and gave her a pull. Well okay 2 pulls to be exact but she runs good. Seems to smoke an awful lot at low rpms. Smells just like my chainsaws so I'm assuming it's getting enough oil.

I'm hoping to take it for a little cruise around the fields near hear to give a little test before going down the open trail.

I think, as long as the short ride goes well, I'm going to pay the $150 and take my chances.

Is there anything else I should know?

Thanks Again