800 EFI's? 900?s as well.

[Sako7STW]

Been looking at some of the older cats and am curious how the reliability has been on the 800's?

How does the 800 do compared to the 900? Looking for a sled for my wife as her Polaris Edge 800 blew up and I think I am about done with Polaris!

I have heard the 900's have been pretty reliable but what is some common issues they tend to have that I would need to look out for when I go looking to buy?

If you have one of the above for sale, throw me a PM!

 

[Idcatman3]

(I really do have a job, just the nature of it is sporadic...)

IMO, the '02-04 800 Cat is one of the most reliable engines ever made. The 900 is very good also.

That's why you see big bores up to 1200cc on the stock bottom end.

There are a couple threads about chassis issues that need to be watched for, so I won't reiterate them here. The engines.... maybe check crank for twisting/separating if it very high mileage. Other than that, not much I can think of.

 

[Idcatman1]

The only problem I can think of is that your wife won't like pulling the starter rope.

 

[T-Bone]

As an '04 1M 800 EFI cat owner, I think it's a very good engine. The engine and chassis combo lends itself well to whatever riding style your wife (or you) likes. My wife can jump on mine (after I start it) and putt down the trail 25-30 MPH. The EFI has a very easy throttle pull which your wife will thank you for at the end of the day. Then I can get on it and bash through the trees and have fun.

BTW, the 800 cat (mine anyways) runs a lot closer to the 900 than most 900 owners would like to admit....

 

[Funoutfitters.com]

I wouldnt be afraid of either the 800 or 900 engines. Both have been around for quite a while and have proven themselves reliable. Good luck in either one you choose.

Let me know if there is anything I can help you with

Jeff

 

[bullitt]

I have had an 03' 800 since new, no issues with the motor at all. The only thing you really need to watch out for is properly maintained primary clutches as they tend to wear out quickly if not, but I guess that can be said about the entire sled. Nice part about the old 800's which would be good for your wife is that electric start can be added.

 

[CATSLEDMAN1]

800 / 900

kind of a tough sled to manhandle for any one.........so be advised.

stick with the efi engines, the carbed engines run hard but came out of the box too lean.......lean, most with miles on them need pistons and 5000 they have been driven too much with a dry crank........be cautious.

efi more bullet proof while feeling a little sluggish they were and are more.........shall we say lazy tuner proof.

 

[Idcatman1]

The carb versions may be a little lean in the midrange but every one I have ever been around was too rich on the bottom end. I do agree that pistons should be replaced if there is more than about 3000 miles on the engine. Also pay close attention to the drive clutch. The weights should be running straight and in the middle of the rollers. These engines are hard on the bushings in the weights. Running with worn out bushings will take out the rollers also and eventually can change the balance of the clutch and cause crankshaft troubles.

I have a kit that can help with the hard pull of the starter rope. It includes a starter from an M8 or M1000 and an adapter to make it fit the 800 or 900. $160 shipped to the lower 48.