2019 alpha issues

[ippielb]

Well first trip of the season basically done, snow was less then stellar off the start but got better mid way through. I noticed when the snow got heavy my sled was trenching so badly in comparison to the Polaris I was riding with, doing uphills he could be in way more control while I was so far forward on my sled with the rear shock in lockout that I was hitting the kill switch.

i took the sled in last December to get looked through because I had back surgery and the shop didn’t find anything wrong with the sled at all. I never rode it since, and figured Maybe it would be better after adjusting air pressures.

I read through the forums and adjusted the pressures to what everyone was recommending. But it didn’t help, I still have problems with ski lift on climbs, it’a WAY harder to turn then the Polaris.

another issue I found is ever since I got the update from cat back in March 2019 it has never been able to rev out like it use to, 7,850 is about all I can get for RPM, sled has 1,450 miles on it.

 

[ndfb35]

154 or 165? Also, you might as well get a flash because the Cat tune is actually a detune.

 

[ippielb]

154 or 165? Also, you might as well get a flash because the Cat tune is actually a detune.

It’s a 154”, I was actually thinking about sending the ECU away to get flashed

 

[TrivanovicRobert]

It’s a 154”, I was actually thinking about sending the ECU away to get flashed

I have the 154 alpha, it has a very playful front end, for me I love it like that. But compared to a polaris is will always be way more playful and way more ski lift. I came off a 17 axys 155 3" turbo and the stock alpha is way more playful in the front end even then the turbo was. You could try adjusting your limiter strap? What are your shock pressures you have? Straight up and down is where the alpha struggles the most in my opinion because all your weight is on the skid it likes to wander side to side a lot. I doubt theres anything wrong with your sled, its just a completely different style of riding then a polaris, a lot more wild.

 

[ippielb]

I have the 154 alpha, it has a very playful front end, for me I love it like that. But compared to a polaris is will always be way more playful and way more ski lift. I came off a 17 axys 155 3" turbo and the stock alpha is way more playful in the front end even then the turbo was. You could try adjusting your limiter strap? What are your shock pressures you have? Straight up and down is where the alpha struggles the most in my opinion because all your weight is on the skid it likes to wander side to side a lot. I doubt theres anything wrong with your sled, its just a completely different style of riding then a polaris, a lot more wild.

That’s the issue I feel, trying to do a steep climb up onto a ridge with only one way up going across others tracks the sled just absolutely wanders and is a chore to get up. Skidoo’s just go right up. Took other guys 2-4 tries each, and I was down there for half hour making 30 pulls to finally get it. Truth be told they are better riders then me but still, it’s like riding a bucking bronco.

Front shocks 70psi
Front skid shock 60psi
Rear skid shock 140psi

Limiter strap is on stock location, rear skid is in stock location as well.


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[sno*jet]

need to get RPMs up. power might be ok that low on a dyno, but you arent getting the track speed you should i bet, so basically its riding like its about to get stuck. did you buy it from a dealer at sea level and then take it to mountains? sounds like you need lighter weights for that, or adjustable weights like CPC. Suck the front limiter in a notch if its too wild for ya.

 

[Cinno]

That’s the issue I feel, trying to do a steep climb up onto a ridge with only one way up going across others tracks the sled just absolutely wanders and is a chore to get up. Skidoo’s just go right up. Took other guys 2-4 tries each, and I was down there for half hour making 30 pulls to finally get it. Truth be told they are better riders then me but still, it’s like riding a bucking bronco.

Front shocks 70psi
Front skid shock 60psi
Rear skid shock 140psi

Limiter strap is on stock location, rear skid is in stock location as well.


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Increase front to 90 psi, lower FTS to 35psi and shorten length of limiter one hole. Increased stability occurs when you plant the front and rear and decrease transfer by shortening limiter. I always start with higher shock preloads in deep fluffy snow then back off when the snow gets less deep and more dense. Also be advised that depending on density and depth of snow going to high on FTS will just plow snow and not allow skid to get on top of the snow. Some are concerned about rail breakage at 35psi but I am not.

I agree the alpha does not like to follow other tracks. Its the nature of the one rail alpha design. Check and maintain your track tension, it needs to be on the tight side but not to much. You can get a tension tool from arctic cat to aid in setting, I have adjusted mine several times already and i have only ridden 400 hundred miles.

 

[ippielb]

need to get RPMs up. power might be ok that low on a dyno, but you arent getting the track speed you should i bet, so basically its riding like its about to get stuck. did you buy it from a dealer at sea level and then take it to mountains? sounds like you need lighter weights for that, or adjustable weights like CPC. Suck the front limiter in a notch if its too wild for ya.

Sled was pulling 8,200 rpm before I got the reflash tune in March of 2019. After that the sled has never been the same. I have let a friend ride the sled before and after and he said the same thing.

Sled purchased in Fernie BC, set up to ride and it worked great.

With 1,500 miles on it now I’m assuming primary clutch spring needs to be changed out. I’ve purchased a billet cover for the clutch and some lightweight parts/belt drive. I’m going to put it all on with a clutch kit at the same time. So hopefully I get the RPM back.

Only modifications are a Munster finger throttle, diamond s can, I checked the throttle cable adjustment and it’s opening 100%.


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[ippielb]

Increase front to 90 psi, lower FTS to 35psi and shorten length of limiter one hole. Increased stability occurs when you plant the front and rear and decrease transfer by shortening limiter. I always start with higher shock preloads in deep fluffy snow then back off when the snow gets less deep and more dense. Also be advised that depending on density and depth of snow going to high on FTS will just plow snow and not allow skid to get on top of the snow. Some are concerned about rail breakage at 35psi but I am not.

I agree the alpha does not like to follow other tracks. Its the nature of the one rail alpha design.

I had the front track shock at 45 psi and noticed that I had contacted the front of the rail, so I increased the pressure this last trip.

Snow at the end of my trip was heavy dense snow, and it always seemed like it was fighting to get on top, always trenching while other sleds I was with could stay on top.


Another issue I had, thermostat stuck open, was on a steep sidehill above a decent cliff face, tried to gain some elevation and the sled bogged so hard so I had to drop down and make a hard turn back, I got stuck, rolled the sled over and when I started it back up the sled was cold, giving me a low temperature warning. Checked coolant level, was fine, felt the bottle it was luke warm. Sat there for 10 minutes for it to get enough temperature to turn off the warning. But proceeded to trench like a monster and get stuck immediately after, got a ski pull and the sled was cold again, tried to get out of the hole I was in and the sled definitely thought it was cold. Stuttering like it hit rev limiter. So I had to sit there and baby the sled to get it to get temperature to try and get out.


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[Cinno]

I had the front track shock at 45 psi and noticed that I had contacted the front of the rail, so I increased the pressure this last trip.

Snow at the end of my trip was heavy dense snow, and it always seemed like it was fighting to get on top, always trenching while other sleds I was with could stay on top.


Another issue I had, thermostat stuck open, was on a steep sidehill above a decent cliff face, tried to gain some elevation and the sled bogged so hard so I had to drop down and make a hard turn back, I got stuck, rolled the sled over and when I started it back up the sled was cold, giving me a low temperature warning. Checked coolant level, was fine, felt the bottle it was luke warm. Sat there for 10 minutes for it to get enough temperature to turn off the warning. But proceeded to trench like a monster and get stuck immediately after, got a ski pull and the sled was cold again, tried to get out of the hole I was in and the sled definitely thought it was cold. Stuttering like it hit rev limiter. So I had to sit there and baby the sled to get it to get temperature to try and get out.


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Theres a new rubber bumper available from Acrtic Cat that came out late spring 2020. The bumper replaced the washer under the head of the bolt that holds the limiter strap on the top front cross brace. search "BUMPER,RUBBER-MOLDED #2623-302" on country cat.com website. You may also be interested in reading the snowest thread https://www.snowest.com/forum/threads/alpha-rail-brace-and-rear-scissor-bolt-update-kits.454444/ It talks about two other mods that Arctic cat came out with at the end of 2020 to address rear rail breakage. It talks about a rail re-enforcing brace and a new thru bolt. I have order all of these recently from countrycat

Sorry I can't help with the temp issues. Others have mentioned bogging related to snow ingestion. Have you removed your hood to see is you have any water in the intake area?

Cinno

 

[ippielb]

Theres a new rubber bumper available from Acrtic Cat that came out late spring 2020. The bumper replaced the washer under the head of the bolt that holds the limiter strap on the top front cross brace. search "BUMPER,RUBBER-MOLDED #2623-302" on country cat.com website. You may also be interested in reading the snowest thread https://www.snowest.com/forum/threads/alpha-rail-brace-and-rear-scissor-bolt-update-kits.454444/ It talks about two other mods that Arctic cat came out with at the end of 2020 to address rear rail breakage. It talks about a rail re-enforcing brace and a new thru bolt. I have order all of these recently from countrycat

Sorry I can't help with the temp issues. Others have mentioned bogging related to snow ingestion. Have you removed your hood to see is you have any water in the intake area?

Cinno

Thank you for those part numbers, I lost 3 bolts this trip from the rear swing arm. I couldn’t keep them in there anymore. So I was going to drill the threads out and put a through bolt from ZRP.

I’m going to be purchasing those pieces tomorrow

I haven’t had any issue with the rail cracking yet but I’m going to look into the braces.

I had the hood off before and sealed the intake with silicone, and on the hill I checked the connection to make sure there was no moisture penetrated in.

Thank you again.


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[zimmy44]

One of the best things I did to my 19 alpha was take the shocks off and sent them in to be revalved. In my opinion, it rides far more predictable now.

I also do not recommended using that lockout feature, and mine is a 154 with a turbo. Some how it bounced into that setting and it made the sled ride so unbelievably hard. Made it trench worse than ever before. I couldn’t climb anything. I believe its just a marketing gimmick. It doesnt allow the front end to generate enough lift, so it will push snow and the track trenches.

 

[Octanee]

I also got my sled from fernie..., ghost riders?...

What's your weight? These alpha tracks are one of the best out there for traction, they do a lot of power wheelies and the 154 is very playful but that makes it harder when climbing... I got the 165 and it's not too bad, I'm with gear about 200-210, run 85 front track and rear 125 psi.

 

[ippielb]

One of the best things I did to my 19 alpha was take the shocks off and sent them in to be revalved. In my opinion, it rides far more predictable now.

I also do not recommended using that lockout feature, and mine is a 154 with a turbo. Some how it bounced into that setting and it made the sled ride so unbelievably hard. Made it trench worse than ever before. I couldn’t climb anything. I believe its just a marketing gimmick. It doesnt allow the front end to generate enough lift, so it will push snow and the track trenches.

Where did you get them revalved? I feel my front left ski shock is weaker. It doesn’t hold going through the corners on the trail like the right side. What exactly did they do?

I found the same thing with lockout. I had my pressure lower and used lockout one day, and then raised my rear skid shock and left it in setting 2 and it felt like it may have been more manageable. Even with it in lockout I was getting way too much ski lift. Conditions and the hill steepness were definitely part to play though


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[ippielb]

I also got my sled from fernie..., ghost riders?...

What's your weight? These alpha tracks are one of the best out there for traction, they do a lot of power wheelies and the 154 is very playful but that makes it harder when climbing... I got the 165 and it's not too bad, I'm with gear about 200-210, run 85 front track and rear 125 psi.

Yes I purchased from ghost riders new in January 2019. I might be a little heavier then you with gear. I was worried about the front track shock pressure because I read that the new manual for the 21’s say maximum pressure is 60psi.


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[Octanee]

Yes I purchased from ghost riders new in January 2019. I might be a little heavier then you with gear. I was worried about the front track shock pressure because I read that the new manual for the 21’s say maximum pressure is 60psi.


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I think there's a happy medium in fts pressure, from what I've gathered, if your too light which for my 60# was, it can bottom out and cause it to hit the bolt up top and chip/crack the front? And again too much and guys have cracked it. It's worked good for me over the past season and a half. Then the rear shock, if you bottom out and hit that stupid cap it'll crack, so again so far for me the pressure works ok with out it being too stiff like.

One thing you could try, I don't have my sled near me but the rear drop brackets off the tunnel, if there's a lower hole you could put it in that, it'll lift the rear and maybe help with keeping the front end more "heavy"

 

[ippielb]

I think there's a happy medium in fts pressure, from what I've gathered, if your too light which for my 60# was, it can bottom out and cause it to hit the bolt up top and chip/crack the front? And again too much and guys have cracked it. It's worked good for me over the past season and a half. Then the rear shock, if you bottom out and hit that stupid cap it'll crack, so again so far for me the pressure works ok with out it being too stiff like.

One thing you could try, I don't have my sled near me but the rear drop brackets off the tunnel, if there's a lower hole you could put it in that, it'll lift the rear and maybe help with keeping the front end more "heavy"

I’ll try your shock pressures and see how I like it, I’m willing to try anything to make this sled a little more manageable. Thank you for the info.

It’s embarrassing trying to climb stuff that isn’t even that difficult, but I’m just getting bucked absolutely everywhere every time I go over a little track. I feel like it’s me but everyone keeps telling me it’s nature of the monorail. Coming off of a season not riding I figured I must’ve forgotten how to ride lol


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[Old & slow]

I’ll try your shock pressures and see how I like it, I’m willing to try anything to make this sled a little more manageable. Thank you for the info.

It’s embarrassing trying to climb stuff that isn’t even that difficult, but I’m just getting bucked absolutely everywhere every time I go over a little track. I feel like it’s me but everyone keeps telling me it’s nature of the monorail. Coming off of a season not riding I figured I must’ve forgotten how to ride lol


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Its not the mono rail, set up is key. I am not sure how much you have played with the air shocks but a few psi can make a big difference. First off write down the pressures you are trying then adjust and record the new pressures take notes of what your feeling with the adjustments. This will help you in getting the sled the way you want it. Always adjust the pressure with no load on the shock this is critical. I usually start with 5 psi adjustments until I am close then i get to the smaller adjustments. These sleds work good when set up or not so good when they aren't. Good luck

 

[Octanee]

The monorail does take a bit to get used to, I had to reduce my "weight" and input otherwise you'll get squirly quick and do some fast 180's. But as far as the wheelies and all, as mentioned too, you've got a lot of traction and good power, people that want the front end up buy the 155, I find my 165 pretty darn playful still but it's manageable

 

[Old & slow]

Couldn't agree more there is a learning curve to the Alpha. I have watched good rider come off a doo and face plat in the the first few feet just simply over riding it. I demoed a 154 and found it to squirrely and went with the 165. But as far as trenching i did not have that once set up properly. The 154 required very little input for heavier riders and foot position was very important, I did not mess with the demo much but with added rear pressure you should be able to keep the skis down abit.