10 Tips for Snowmobiling at Night / Solving Fouling plugs '05 MXZ 600 SDI

[@MyOldSled]

Taking a break from shovelling to put together a few tips on riding at night....but first I'll have to solve my problem with spark plug fouling.

[@lucasquipp4453]

My Old Sled ya and the freezing rain is tarable but it may give us a base for some trail ridding

[@user-gp1og6fn8k]

I recently bought a 2005 gsx 600 sdi HO and I was fouling a lot of plugs. Then I switched to BR9EIX and I've been on the same plugs for over a month now, sled now runs better, faster and no fouling

[@Paisteboy]

I don't ride at night very much anymore either but when I do I find that you can see the terrain much better. You can actually seeing the dips and moguls sooner, helping you avoid them or giving you more time to alter your riding stance when approaching them. Great video Dave!

[@MyOldSled]

Hey PB! Thanks. Hope you’re getting better weather than us. We are getting g rain and freeing rain.

[@Paisteboy]

@@MyOldSled Same here! Locally, all of our snow is gone and we are going to have to start from scratch. In Old Forge it's holding up better but they took a bit of a hit too. Not enough to end riding but enough to lose some snow.

[@johnnycash7803]

An you can see people coming the opposite way

[@jbanga3836]

on a sdi turn the idle speed up on the rack and adjust the oil pump check to make sure the oil pump is returning they are know to wear out bushings and hang up .installing a soft carb spring will make sure it returns

[@MyOldSled]

You’re talking about the oil pump arm, right? It’s not sticking. And Idles fine. It was just the plugs. All good now.

[@MyOldSled]

There’s a whole section in the service manual on adjusting the injection system. I’ll take it all apart when the seasons done but it’s not going through oil, and the fouling issues ok now. Appreciate the feedback though!

[@jbanga3836]

if you fouled a plug odds are it will again it did sound like it went to fast idle on start( maybe it wasn't cold) you may want to cut the oil pump back a little also if you hold the throttle open and crank the engine sdi's dont fire to clean out the engine if its flooded. The oi[ pumps are know not to return on thier own when they have miles on them make sure you check if the arm is returning all the way on its own with a soft release of the throttle the -5 plugs with a smaller gap dont foul as quick a great sled lost mine in a garage fire the 8's help but it should't foul with 9's when everythings right

[@itsonlymoney2931]

Hello Dave, just recently subscribed to your channel, What a wide range of content, you have a great library on everything that every rider should understand about the sport. Not an easy job finding good and informative content about our sport. Hint's ,tip's and suggestion's, Just wanted to drop by and say enjoying your channel. Looking forward to what you come up with next. Great Job.

[@MyOldSled]

Hey Money...wow. Thanks, what a nice comment. Thanks for watching.

[@robandrews4925]

The outtakes at the end are always funny!

[@MyOldSled]

Glad you like. Just trying to come up with something a little different, and I was cutting some stuff in editing and I though what the heck.

[@67697072]

All good advice....thanks for sharing.

[@lucasquipp4453]

Nice video it really help.😲😲. The snow is really nice

[@MyOldSled]

Hi Lucas. Thanks for watching. The snow was amazing...and then...it rained :(

[@lucasquipp4453]

Have you ever riden around Stratford Ontario

[@ArcticJeff]

I can't believe how much snow you have!! So jealous. Enjoy it while it lasts. Sometimes I feel like I live in the "rain belt", here in south eastern ON.

[@MyOldSled]

Well we had a lot of rain so a lot of its gone and it's pretty icy underneath. I was out for a bit today for a new video and it was pretty slippery on the road.

[@ArcticJeff]

@@MyOldSled time to stud your track. I stud all of my tracks just for the added traction for starting and stopping. I prefer to run on the light side of studding. 96 studs in my 800 and 48 studs in my 580. No more slipping and spinning on ice.

[@MyOldSled]

I may yet, the minimum I can get away with. It should be one stud per hp. Like everything there are pros and cons to studding. I’m still mulling it over..

[@ArcticJeff]

Yes its recommended to do 1 stud per HP, but in my experience I find it a bit much for a trail sled. Great for lake running though. If you go with the 1 per HP recommendation, then you need a more aggressive carbide, which makes steering heavier. But do your research. Lots of opinions out there.

[@MyOldSled]

Hi J. Yeah for sure. A video is typically a week or so of research. For traction relation questions, I usually reach out to Woodys. They really know their stuff. I also talk to Dale Fett. He’s the North American distributor for Composit, and he’s also an experienced racer, so I trust his opinion. I don’t like studding, but am doing a lot more road running these days.

[@wdreiling]

Great timing on this! I am planning a night ride next week. Helps me to get organized and make sure I am not missing anything on my list!

[@MyOldSled]

Oh glad to hear. Keep an eye on the thread in case there was anything I didn't think of, but I think it's really all about visibility. Thanks for watching.

[@deamer22]

Great vid once again 👍

[@MyOldSled]

Thanks dreamer. Glad you enjoyed it. I'm going to try and get another one out this week.

[@MBTUE]

While riding at night it's extremely easy to go off a Lake Trail and end up in open water.(Almost happened to me) Over riding your headlights is the most common cause of night time crashes (my friend crashed into a tree). Always, Always ride with someone at night. Like Dave said, when your sled is shut off it's really really dark out there ! Candles are a great light source when your batteries die.Riding at night can be an amazing experience . Thanks for this great Video Dave.

[@MyOldSled]

Hi Mark. I would only ride on ice in the dark if I absolutely had no other choice. Thanks for the comment!

[@MBTUE]

@@MyOldSled Smart. This was an eye opener for me !

[@maxsmotorsports8094]

Great video..Great to see you growing faster..You are a great inspiration to me to keep uploading videos!

[@TheGreatBeard]

It's amazing how fast you can get in trouble at night if you're not careful :)

[@MyOldSled]

Yep, things come up pretty fast.

[@conradbevan2624]

Good vids but would definitely be nice to see a riding vid

[@MyOldSled]

Well right now we’re having rain so....

[@MyOldSled]

Supposed to have snow starting tomorrow, it with the winter we’ve had so far I’m not promising anything...

[@conradbevan2624]

My Old Sled all good I’m from Kindersley Saskatchewan love the videos very informative and we’ve had hardly any snow until just recently but it’s been about -50 with the wind chill every night haha

[@marcopolozx11]

Another great and informative video David. Making sure that you have spare plugs and a belt is generally a given, but most people forget about this. Also, before you go out, open the hood or access panels and make sure mice haven't taken up residency.

[@MyOldSled]

Thanks Mark. Sound tips.

[@markimbesi4791]

I'm really enjoying your videos, I'm thinking about buying a portable shed like yours, how long have you had it, any repairs?

[@MyOldSled]

Hi Mark sorry for the delay. I think mine is a shelter logic. There's a number on the inside that I call for replacements. They are relatively inexpensive.

[@milkman2591]

I do a majority of my riding at night after work. One of the biggest benefits is you know when there are oncoming sleds around blind corners unlike during the daytime.

[@MyOldSled]

Hey F. Where do you ride? Thanks for watching and subscribing.

[@milkman2591]

@@MyOldSled Im in upstate NY, in Southern Hamilton county- Wells/speculator/lake pleasant I genuinely enjoy your channel, I too owned an old 99' ZR 600 and now own a 16' and 17' ZR and they are a great time and stress reducer

[@MyOldSled]

Thanks! So glad you enjoy it. Hope you're getting lots of snow.

[@marcopolozx11]

Same with me firedcannon twofour. My time to ride is usually after work, during the evening. Be safe and try and get someone to ride with.

[@bushcraftnorthof6012]

Here in the Northwest Territories, the majority of my riding is at night. I work long hours and the days are short. I pack stuff to keep me cozy for the night, tools to process firewood, and multiple lights. You never know. Leave a trip itinerary with someone, too!

[@MyOldSled]

Another place I'd love to see. I should do that one year, travel from place to place, rent a sled and shoot a video.

[@bushcraftnorthof6012]

My Old Sled you’re always welcome here! Yellowknife has the Long John Jamboree usually around Easter. Snow castle, music, food, art, plane and helicopter rides, dog sled races, animal calling and tea boiling competitions, etc. Usually a few vintage sleds around for that. I’d show ya around the trails, if you like. Could go ice fishing and watch Aurora as well. Take care.

[@damonsnisarenko2937]

Great video. My mxz 670 recently blew the top end so now I’m getting new parts :(

[@MyOldSled]

Oh no. :(Top end stuff should still be easy to find.

[@MyOldSled]

Was there a cause for the top end?

[@damonsnisarenko2937]

My Old Sled both the rave valves broke in half and the corner of the valves had a little piece come off and went down into the piston and did some damage in their. Their hardly wasn’t any scoring so that’s good. I just ordered some spi pistons. Should be good

[@MyOldSled]

Oh no! Had you ever cleaned them? Sorry that happened to you my friend. Hope you're back on the snow fast!

[@damonsnisarenko2937]

My Old Sled I haven’t cleaned them probably the cause right their. Enjoy your snow as well. Thanks!

[@joelbodder9671]

Great video

[@MyOldSled]

Thanks Joel.

[@James-xo4uv]

I have a question, what would be the best way to keep a spare bulb or two in a Snowmobile, without ot breaking, I'm thinking of wrapping in bubble wrap

[@MyOldSled]

Great question. I would say thats a good idea...Mine are rolled in a rag, but I've never given it much thought.

[@FrenchLeprechaun99]

That sdi mxz motor is bullet proof! My buddy had an 08 with an sdi and it lastet 25,000kms with no issues or rebuilds!

[@MyOldSled]

That’s what happens like to hear. SDI seems intimidating, but it’s not really that complicated. Then again, I was out with a friend on my old 670 and it’s pretty bullet proof as well. Thanks for watching!

[@HeidiNJames]

thanks dave, another good video. can you maybe do a chassis comparison for an old guy that rides a 2002 mxz? thanks for the time and effort you always put in every video!

[@MyOldSled]

Keep watching...

[@farmark457]

Had the same issue on a newTNT 600 a few yrs back. Had the same 9 plugs in it and fouled one up north in the woods on a trail. Popped in a used 8 as i had a spare pair and drove on for another 10k and the other side fouled too. Those two 9 plugs are still in the woods as far they could be thrown in a slight bit of frustration lol. Been good since. Thx

[@MyOldSled]

I was out in the woods a few years back, and I got hit with some spark plugs .....;)

[@stevew5212]

Glad you got your sled running. You haven't made a video of you riding your new sled have you? I have not seen it if you have. Im new to sledding and I have not experienced night time riding yet. Thanks for giving me some tips of how to do it safely. How are you liking that new sled you got?

[@MyOldSled]

We had lots of snow last week...I did a little riding with a friend of mine, a night ride for this video...and then it rained.

[@stevew5212]

@@MyOldSled rain in the winter is a miserable thing. I look forward to the next subject you pick to talk about for sledding.

[@raymondburelle3425]

I love scuba diving at night as well thats when the fish come out

[@sashaguitargoddessgraves5516]

Sometimes I can’t see so I keep my helmet visor up- I ride your “new sled” and the weather is crazy where I live- you ever see this? Btw your gap is .18 and it’s a ngk br9esc plug

[@MyOldSled]

I do the same when the weather is bad. This sled originally shipped with BR9ECS but the following year, Skidoo changed that in a service bulletin to BR8ECS, which is a slightly hotter plug.

[@kohlbyhimelrick1297]

Can you do a video on what you do every season to get your sleds ready

[@MyOldSled]

Here you go. I also put fresh plugs in. kzbin.info/www/bejne/pWicYaWMp56gbrc

[@pinittowinit8481]

Ok, I'll ride fast at night with no buddies, no headlights, and no spare parts

[@syb3r2o0th6]

Seems legit

[@kyleberg9206]

What if your track comes off on the trail

[@MyOldSled]

You’re getting towed back.

[@daleru3793]

Thanks don t feel so bad now frist timer had had time like you but no 15 min lol

[@lucahoganyt4435]

I ride almost all at night just because here in Québec it gets dark at 5PM and I only get home at around 4:45PM. But I live on 100 acres of backcountry riding so I don't ride public trails. That definitely takes out the hitting other people factor. But there's also the added risk of breaking down in 7 foot deep snow in the woods where everything looks the same 😂

[@jbanga3836]

I had an SDI that fouled plugs you should turn up the idle speed up (That helped the most) and check the oil pump is returning they would wear out the bushing and stick open .You can add a soft spring to have it return until you have it repaired. Last I had good luck using the shorter Gap NGKs md

[@mtbalot]

what should i do when i meet a moose? every weekend i have a stand off with one, Sled and dirtbike. Someone got attacked last weekend in town by mother with calfs, and hurt. Just learning to ride in Prince George BC. Thanks for the videos, appreciate it.

[@MyOldSled]

Thanks for my most interesting question yet! A family member of mine lived in Wawa Ontario for a while and they have issues with Moose up there as well. To be honest thats not my area of expertise. I do work with Elk and I imagine they both get aggressive if they feel threatened. Most animals are aggressive when they are with babies, but I thought babies were born in the spring... I'd say try and give them a wide berth. If you see one, don't move up for a closer look. Other than that, there are lots of online resources that will probably give you a better idea of what to do. They're big animals and can do a lot of damage, so if you've run into them, it will probably pay to do some research.

[@davidharry253]

Do a video on skis

[@MyOldSled]

Will mark it down. I have to replace some ski bushings anyway.

[@markgamble8377]

Good tips

[@carolinadave774]

We use BRP helmets and they have light in the back. When riding at night we turn on the light for better visibility. I'm sure other brands of helmets also off the rear light. Great tip on carrying the head lamp with the band. I also carry one

[@James-xo4uv]

What do you use for headlight bulbs

[@MyOldSled]

Stock 60/55W Halogen bulbs.

[@Jacks36100]

Long time watcher! Wondering if you could do a video on switching to LED headlights on the Rev, I’ve got the same one and almost always ride at night, thanks!

[@MyOldSled]

I have a couple of ideas, but I have a few other things I need to get to first. If you drive a car, and you've ever had one of these people come at you with these ridiculously bright lighting packages on their car...don't be that guy ;) Thanks for watching, I'll see what I can come up with.

[@Mat253]

Update: I’ve been experimenting with both BR9ECS plugs and the BR8ECS plugs in my 07 Mach Z 1000 SDI. I was running the 9’s for a while, but kept getting flooding issues in the PTO cylinder. So I tried using the 8’s for about 100km then back to the 9’s for 100km. I found I only saw plug fouling with the 9’s. I had no issues when using the BR8ECS’s....my guess is, because it’s a “hotter” plug, it might be burning the fuel a bit better at cold engine temps. Just a thought I figured I’d pass along.

[@MyOldSled]

Your sled is suppose to run BR8ECS. They’d changed them by 06

[@Mat253]

@@MyOldSled Yes, but funny story...the dealer insists I run 9's 🙄

[@MyOldSled]

That makes no sense at all.

[@Mat253]

@@MyOldSled Agreed! I'm gonna see if they'll swap the 9's for 8's. Likely not, but I'll give 'er a go 😋

[@joelbodder9671]

Mr.Clarke you should find someone who has a really old sled

[@MyOldSled]

“Old” is a relative term..I am young compared to some of the trees up here ;) I focus on classics like my ‘97 to newer stuff...anything much older is more vintage. I might go that route eventually.

[@joelbodder9671]

Ok cool I like classics too

[@KevinMurano]

Funny you made this video I just went through this in New Hampshire two weeks ago 05gsx sdi, 06 mxz sdi . Fouled out 3 times and switched to the 8 ecs. No issues since. If you care to watch my video small section I talk about it Kevin Murano thanks for the video!!!!!

[@Drake.b00]

My sled is revving very low at idle but everything seems to be fine when I start driving. Not sure what the problem could be.

[@MyOldSled]

What kind of sled?

[@Drake.b00]

@@MyOldSled 99 mxz 700

[@MyOldSled]

If it’s carved, Idle jet maybe? Have you cleaned the carbs?

[@Drake.b00]

@@MyOldSled not yet just bought it a little while ago so I'll have to give that a shot

[@Drake.b00]

@@MyOldSled thanks for the help

[@mattv4228]

Really simple and shouldn't need to be said but almost half the people I pass don't turn high beams off.

[@MyOldSled]

Yeah, that happens a lot on the roads up here with cars too. A lot more people seem to use high beams up here than I did in the city, I guess just because its darker and theres more wildlife.

[@just-passin-thru]

I've always had what I call a "spotter", meaning letting a friend or family member know exactly where you'll be riding and what trail system your using.

[@MyOldSled]

When I say spotter, I mean the guy strapped to the front of the sled keeping an eye out...but yours is good too ;)

[@just-passin-thru]

@@MyOldSled LMAO! right

[@fly1273]

Why do you prefer skidoo over other brands like Polaris and such? Just a question

[@MyOldSled]

Hi Fly. Well, I think all of the major brands make a good product, and if you're enjoying your sled, its a great sled. Personally, I love Skidoo. My older brother rode a Skidoo, which probably influenced me, the aesthetics of the skidoo product appeals to me...(as long as its black and yellow) and the two I have are good solid runners. The Rotax engines are so reliable they are often used in ultralight aircraft. If I'm honest, a lot of it is just a gut thing...

[@Mat253]

Just had the same issue on my 07 mach z 1000.....

[@MyOldSled]

Really? Huh, the 07 should already run 8s?

[@Mat253]

@@MyOldSled it had 8's in it. And I had the flooding issue. Those SDI setups are annoying to clear when flooded. I pulled the 10amp fuel pump fuse, cranked it for 5 secs with plugs out. Used a lighter to remove any remaining residue, and installed 9's. Runs great now!

[@MaxxieTheShyProto]

hey dave i know a tip for you. I know it sounds dumb but try it Put a hairdryer on a engine for 30 mins if temp is 30-40 celsius

[@brycetaylor1633]

Thank you have been wanting this one for a while

[@MyOldSled]

Hi Bryce. No worries. Thanks for the suggestion

[@twadam5218]

I prefer riding at night, it's easier to see the rough terrain, and on coming sleds, blind turns/hills. I use a flashing light on my helmet. It is way too easy to outrun your lights. Best to be familiar with the trails and slow it down a touch. We also flash our tail lights to warn people in my group behind us, either for water holes, ice patches, rocks, etc.

[@MyOldSled]

Thanks for watching and commenting T.

[@maxsmotorsports8094]

I like the end lol

[@MyOldSled]

Thx for watching.

[@tackdriverCA]

Best way to end fouling plugs is to buy a modern fuel injected sled👌 same goes for carbureted cars, there trash don’t bother 😂

[@MyOldSled]

The last carbureted car was manufactured 30 years ago, so if you have a car with a carb you’re probably into classic cars. A newer 2 stroke is also going to foul plugs, but even if not, there’s a lot of guys with older sleds, “buy a new sled” isn’t really practical advice for problem solving an issue.

[@tackdriverCA]

Well I disagree slightly, I’ve had a carbureted car which apparently wasn’t tuned just right(ran fine in warm weather but in the winter (I also live in Ontario) was a major pain in my ass, could t get rid of that pos fast enough, now only drive fuel injected, zero problems starting every time.

[@MyOldSled]

Not sure what you disagree with. As I said by the mid 90s all passenger cars had some form of electronic fuel injection. Its not really a consideration in cars anymore.

[@matthewhiller5961]

Also let someone know your trip plans and return time.

[@MyOldSled]

Hi Matthew. Always a good idea when you go riding. I mentioned that one in my tips for riding alone. Thanks for watching.