When buying a used sled...

[Wasatch_Oz]

It's been a few decades since I've owned a sled. I finally have a place to store one and have been looking around. I noticed that there are quite a few used sleds in the more popular classifieds, listed with 'x hours after rebuild', or 'new top end'.
Is there any consensus on whether a rebuilt engine / top end is a reasonable consideration? I assume, but don't want to assume that it's similar to a car engine... it all depends on who did the work and the parts that were used. I've never seen anyone say in their ad "rebuilt at such-and-such" shop, which leads me to think that a lot of these rebuilds are DIY. Any thoughts?

 

[jdrmx]

Nothing wrong with a new top end but what scares me about it is why did it fail and did they fix the actual issue on why the top end was replaced to begin with. I actually prefer a sled that hasnt been opened up and runs good. Unless the sled with the new top end is that much cheaper. Ive seen load of sleds "fixed" but not fixed correctly. Anybody can slap parts on but not have a clue as to why it broke.


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[Badv2]

It really depends on how many miles are on the sled. Mountain sleds are going to need rebuilt just as maintenance. I just did my top end pistons looked perfect but replaced because I've seen them fail and that costs much more. I bought a king cat 900 that a shop had rebuilt for the guy I bought from lost a piston skirt within 200 miles. So I would say a new top end with a few hundred proven miles is better than a new top end that hasn't been rode much.

 

[AdrenalineAddict]

Personally I don't have much faith in the process that unknown Billy Bob may have used in replacing his top-end. These machines need a proper top end rebuild a minimum of every 2,000 miles or 100 hours. On the flipside I know several folks who do all their own maintenance and probably have better methods and protocol than many trained technicians, kind of a crapshoot you might say. As a general rule I would ask if a respectable shop performed the rebuild if I did not know the individuals skill-set. PIg-Pen's machine probably got a half-assed rebuild, the guy with his own garage who performs his own work and you can eat off the floor probably did the work properly. There are several ways to gamble you might say. Clutches also need serious maintenance every thousand miles or so, not all who rebuild clutches follow methods either, might want to ask a few technical questions about flyweight bushings, button clearance, pin condition, belt to sheave clearance, spider torque, jam nut torque, and see what kind of answers you receive. If all you get is that he torqued it with that 3 foot cheater in the corner you might way to shy away.

 

[idahoskiguy]

Buying a used sled is always a crap shoot, that said, there are many good low mile mtn sleds out in the market. Be alert for signs of wear and the possibility the sled was running a turbo and converted back to stock to sell. Good luck.

 

[Wasatch_Oz]

Thanks much! I appreciate the input from everybody.
Doing some research, it's *amazing* how far sleds have come.
I see exponential advancements in power/weight/design over the last decade.

 

[Jaynelson]

I'm also a fan of the "factory seal" just because there's less variables, as mentioned. IF a quality rebuild has been completed, it COULD be an advantage, particularly as mileage goes up. Ascertaining the quality of the rebuild is key.