Track Ratcheting Issues 07 M8

[Tombo2007]

Hope someone can help. 07 M8 153.
This thing has major track ratcheting issues. The only way I can get it to stop is to adjust my track really tight.
Were talking no slack at all when you pick up the rear (OK, maybe 1/2 an inch tops).
My brother has an 06 M7 153 and he can run his track super loose compared to mine.

Anybody heard of this or got any insight?

Appreciate any input.

 

[F7arcticcat]

My 07 M8 does the same thing when I'm going across a deep meadow and my track speed gets above 40-45. I've tried running the track loose and tight. It seems better whens its tight, but I don't think this is the issue. I think its in the clutches possibly slipping.

 

[89sandman]

i've heard some peeps having trouble with the drivers not quite being thin enough to go directly into the lugs and catch on the side of the clips of the track. maybe take a look at the drivers and see if they are all scared up from hitting the clips... would also check the alignment of the skid and see if it is tweaked to one side a little bit.

 

[Tombo2007]

Never thought bout that. I'll check it out.
I have looked at the track. Being clipped every other hole, I can see the non-clipped spots getting chunked out.
I have heard that the newer tracks are only single ply to save on weight. I was thinking it might be track stretch. It feels like a bit of a reach.
I do need a new track anyways. Anybody have any recommendations besides stock?

 

[cat rider]

I had the same thing happening on a 07 m8 I found out there was a broken roller in my secondary clutch. NOT GOOD!!!

 

[Tombo2007]

No kidding not good!
I bought my sled used after a year of hard riding from the previous owner. Secondary rollers were wasted. I installed the rock roller kit. Bullet proof so far.
I also have the trunnion bearing kit.

My issues definitely seems to be track ratchet.
I notice it the worst when climbing in heavy wet snow.
Hit a small roller going up, bury the track and it just chunks out big time.
Bad enough that it actually effects engine RPM a bit. Let out for a split sec, hit it, and about 75% if the time the track will hold until the next roller.
I have thought about clutching. My sled will hold at 7790 all day long. Looking at power curves though, I should be at 7850 to 7900 stock.
From what I understand from the previous owner, this sled has acted this way from day one.

 

[smoothdawg]

Like Sandman said. I'd be looking at the plastic drivers for any issues. Lift the back of the sled way up with an engine hoist or a strap hanging from the rafters and run it to see what's going on. Perhaps you have a bent drive shaft. Just throwing ideas out, hope it helps.

 

[diggerdown]

Also check out your front skid shock. If it is bad, it will let the front of the skid collapse and the track goes loose.

 

[PCDOC]

My 08 M8 is having the same issue as Tombo. Even when I run the track really tight it will ratchet when I compress the front of the skid on a bump. I have tried about everything.

anti-ratchet kit installed
New hifax (if they are worn, the track nubs will hit the lower front shock shaft)
Installed the roller kit for the lower front shock shaft from Hi performance
Had a two wheel kit and thought maybe the track was stretching too much so I put the 4 wheels back in
Had scratcher on, but removed them and put all stock idler wheels back in place.

NOTHING has worked!!!!

I will look closer at the drive lugs to see if sandman is correct, but I've spent HOURS on this already. I plan on getting the dual stage front spring from Holz. Hopefully Digger is right and the front spring is shot (it's too soft anyway)

 

[clutch]

Tombo, if your sled is stock it does not want to turn 7850-7900. The 07 pulls much much harder at say 7650.

 

[colorado_matt]

You might also check that your rails aren't slightly bent.

 

[Vern]

thers lots of good suggestions here to check. heres another that i dont think was mentioned, are your drivers aligned properly with the track? my track dont ratchet on my m7 but i know one of the drivers is off a bit from the other one, like it spun a bit on the shaft, been that way since i bought it. just another thought

 

[m8ditchrider]

just went riding today on my m8. ratcheted whenever i went over an aproach or in the meadows. slipped over 3 times . very annoying !! but i have the track super tight . everything looks fine ! shouldnt happen !