Fan cooled: reliability?

[Vincent Charron]

I just finished reading over 100+ posts archived on Google.com with respect
to the arguments of owning/operating a liquid cooled sled vs fan cooled. I
do not wish to re-open the debate in any way - but it it does, what the
heck!:-). It is however, quite conclusive, that liquids have been designed
and built to closer tolerances and on average put out more HP for the
displacement and operate at a more consistent/stable operat. temperature.
Liquids as fans have their drawbacks and pros - that's a given.

It did appear abvious in a few posts is that Ski-Doo (Bombardier)/Rotax
engines appear to receive a higher grade on reliability and performance than
all other recent production fans.

Don't let the fact I own a Formula SL F/C 500 bias your response. I'm just
curious if perhaps the "better" fan cooled engines on the last few years
have been in the 'Doos, i.e Rotax 503 etc...

Vince
96 Formula SL

--
=========================
Vincent Charron
Orléans, Ontario, Canada
ch...@ottawa.com
or
elainela...@rogers.com
=========================

[Karl Shoemaker]

Have a single fan (very reliable) and a twin water (reliable as well).
Like them both, but would like to test out a f/c late modle,
since I like fewer parts.
Karl
--
for info and email click on:
http://www.dalek.org/srg

[Dave]

I can't comment on Doo's fan engine reliability,but you you would be hard
pressed to find a MORE reliable leaf blower than a Polaris 488 as used in the
Trail Indy and SuperSport into the late 90's. Dave

[CrnySKIDOO]

Vince;

Most definately not. Probably Polaris has done the most updating of
their fans and are very reliable and at least as fast if not faster than the
Doo's. SUper sport 550 and XCF 440 both went to cylinder reed induction giving
better performance and increased fuel economy while Ski-doo has stayed with
their 12/13 year old 503 and the 377. Both are great motors have been very
strong and reliable, the 503 starting iin the 1979 Blizzard and the 377 in the
1980 Citation 4500 and SS.
The Doo's I would assume now that Cat has also gone cylinder reed , will be
coming out with an updated or new 500 fan in the next while, ( I was hoping
this year)
Not to say the Doo is way behind in performance, but it ain't the leader
either.
Fans are very reliable if you are using them for there intended purpose, if
you buy a 500 fan and run wide open all day long trying to keep up with your
buds on 800's, it's going to grenade itself, otherwise, it is a simple, easy
and cheap to repair and light sled.
If you never need to ride over 75/80 mph you can save some money buying a fan
cooled sled.......and they don't overheat when the snow goes hard :-)

Kevin.......
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
>Subject: Fan cooled: reliability?
>From: "Vincent Charron" ch...@ottawa.com
>Date: 11/24/01 7:00 PM Pacific Standard Time
>Message-id: <_8ZL7.846$12d...@news2.bloor.is>

[Fx199]

>I can't comment on Doo's fan engine reliability,but you you would be hard
>pressed to find a MORE reliable leaf blower than a Polaris 488 as used in the
>Trail Indy and SuperSport into the late 90's. Dave

How about the Yamaha Phazer 485 that has been around with only slight changes
for years? The sled does 80 mph. Of course you will never have the power of
liquid.

FXman

[Vincent Charron]

Thanks Dave, I should have mentionned the 488 as it does come up often for
it's reliability.
"Leaf blower" - that's funny.

Vince

"Dave" <sca...@prodigy.net> wrote in message
news:3C0104E1...@prodigy.net...

[Vincent Charron]

Kevin,

Insightful post. Thanks. My 500 fan should 'Doo just fine on the trails that
I ride around here. I'm not really into speed but I like picking a
destination and just going on a trip- even if it isn't too far.

Vince
96 Formula SL

"CrnySKIDOO" <crnys...@aol.com> wrote in message
news:20011125114543...@mb-cm.aol.com...

[Peter C]

Yes definitaly fan cooled is reliable. They may not have as much pwer to
them but if it is your fist sled it's a good idea. As for the 96 SL i had a
95 and that thing was nothing but trouble for me. They are usually a bullit
prof litle sled but i am damn sure i got a dud. I had that hunk of shit for
two years and sunk over two grand in it and sold it with a blowen up motor.
Good Luck!!!

[YamahaSX700]

Dont forget Fxman, that FC are much much lighter that LC.
Personally I like LC myself for many reasons, but the weight factor
sucks..

"Fx199" <fx...@aol.com> wrote in message
news:20011125131509...@mb-mb.aol.com...

[Fx199]

>Dont forget Fxman, that FC are much much lighter that LC.
>Personally I like LC myself for many reasons, but the weight factor
>sucks..

Don't get me wrong, I love my Phazer, I just wish they could get a little more
power out of it. My point was they didn;t even consider it a candidate, and
later we heard about a fan cooled skidoo that cost someone 2 grand.

FXman

[CLG414S]

My 1981 SRV had over 10000 miles on it when I traided in on a new Exciter
(years ago) The year I sold it I did a 100mile race on a river, 100miles WFO.
The motor never missed a beat as a matter of fact that motor NEVER had the
heads off for any reason. Needless to say I have bean diehard Yamaha ever since
and have never regretted it. And yes I did own 9 ski doos before that srv.
Dave 700sx