Tore my track this weekend, just discovered it, Run it or ???

[94fordguy]

Just unloaded the 9 to tend to a couple things and discovered this tear where a paddle used to be... It tore through the outer layer about an inch from the edge leaving about 3/4" near the window and the bottom layer of cord is undisturbed. Considering trimming the loose piece and running it, what do you think? Sled and track have 4,722 miles

 

[Z-Man]

given the direction that chunk is pealing off I think it will probably continue to tear more.

 

[sled-fiend]

Epoxy it and keep riding. That's what I did on my camo extreme. Under boost I might add with no issues.

 

[Cerialsledder]

Depends how far from home you are riding... I would say no just for the fact that you've already torn the kevlar under it.... If you are hammering on it then no, if you are going to baby it and run it on the trails then maybe.... Your sled, your choice

 

[sled-fiend]

Hmm, looking at the pics on my phone it doesn't look like its torn all the way through like the above poster mentioned. But if it is I'd keep a close eye on it.

 

[letsgosleddin]

I'd say replace it, that next paddle over looks torn bad too. If you tear your track on the mountain, talk about a a lot of work. Esp if your in the back country. Had a buddy who had to replace his track way up baker.

 

[Chris the sled guy]

Check with Phil Snow with the Sno Jammers club he might have a decent spare for ya. IMO I wouldn't go to deep in the hills with that bomb...

 

[TriumphoverU]

From the picture, it does not appear to be torn all the way through, so I would take a razor blade and cut off the loose piece, then take a propane bottle torch and melt the exposed cords so they don't continue to fray. When cutting off the loose section, I would try to bevel the cut so its a smooth transition from one side to the other, Then run it! All that happened was an outside paddle tore off, likely from hitting a rock or stump under the snow.

 

[SnoBusMan]

the fact that it is torn right on the rod and from the picture it looks like it ripped almost to the rod is not a good sign, here is my question, do you really want to risk swinging that rod around inside your tunnel? it will get expensive fast! I wouldnt run it.

 

[94fordguy]

Thanks for the opinions guys Regarding the paddle right next to it that is cracked, that paddle was already torn before I bought the sled 4 years ago, I thought it would come off immediately but to my surprise, it never has.

I'm just about done with the 900 for this season as we are rapidly entering the spring concrete season and am switching over to my 09 700 now. I may get another ride or 2 on the 900 this year but it looks like my goal of getting it to 5,000 miles this season is slipping away with all the rain we have gotten lately. For the moment I think I'm going to trim it and run it cautiously and monitor it closely, one of my favorite riding areas has the advantage of being all downhill all the way back to the truck, so the possibility of a tow out due to a failure wouldn't be a big deal.

To be honest I am not even sure when the incident occurred, I don't recall mowing down anything of concern recently I'll probably look for a good, cheap, used 166 this summer and swap it out, it's just hard to swallow a big $$$ replacement with this many miles logged on the sled, but it's also way too good of a sled to park now.

 

[Cerialsledder]

ebay or the swap meet....

 

[MORSNO]

94fordguy, try an old trick that used to be talked about all the time on here (you may find a few of the old posts with a search). Pick up a tube of E6000 Adhesive Craft Glue from Walmart or just about any store with a craft department. It has held tracks together for years and only costs about $4-$5 dollars a tube. On the part of track that is tearing back just apply the adhesive and clamp with a few pieces of wood and wood clamps until set. It may work on the torn paddle too. Good luck, and let us know if it works for you.

 

[guidoxpress]

^^i would do this also, I have run these with the same issue and has not gotten worse, I ride with a cat 162 track thats worse then that and he made it all season no problems to date

 

[94fordguy]

Thanks for that idea, I'll try and locate some of that this week and give it a try!

 

[Z-Man]

Just don't run the sled wide open at high speed on the trails.

 

[94fordguy]

Just don't run the sled wide open at high speed on the trails.

It's a pretty rare occasion when my 900 sees over 50-55mph on the trail, I typically average 40-45 when riding the trails to and from the good stuff.

Do you think I would be able to find that E-6000 at Lowes?

 

[SnoBusMan]

I looked at Lowes.com and there was nothing, Michaels Crafts, Target, Walmart and JoAnn Fabrics seem to be the most common unless you can wait for delivery from a close online seller? E6000 is kinda hard to find.

 

[xc_rider08]

e6000 is the chit!!! works awesome, cldnt hurt to try!

but be careful of what u put it on, once its on its there and not coming off. lol

 

[94fordguy]

I was able to locate a tube of the E6000 today at Jo Ann Fabrics for about $5, going to give it a try tomorrow after I get home from work!

 

[Snow Junkie]

Works Great

I have used E6000 on a few spots where I have lost lugs. It has helped it from fraying or wearing the exposed core further.