Snowmobiles - for a newb

[74 challenge]

I'm looking to, next year or in the off season in between, to purchase a used snowmobile.

I have ridden them in the past and think they are a blast. I'm looking to spend right around 1500 CAD and there is lots of machines available. I'm not looking for a Show queen here - it's going to stay up on the inlaws property, ridden on private land and not insured. So a couple of scrapes, dings or a slightly torn seat is not a big deal. I do loads of research on things before I buy - I'm very mechanically inclined but I know absolutely zero about snowmobiles.

They seem to need engine rebuilds often... why?
IS a liquid cooled engine better than an air cooled engine?
What are some things to look for? Other then track condition.
How do you check the clutches?
Why do a lot of machines not have reverse? is it because it breaks frequently or the machines just don't have a reverse gear?

What else Am I missing? or does anyone have a good resource to read?

Most of the engines in my price range are between 400 and 600 so I hope those are big enough. I will be riding on forested trails mostly so no real open spaces where I can get her up to speed.

I'm not too concerned about making a mistake here it's only 1500 bucks not 15,000.

any ideas/ thoughts/ opinions? Brands to stay away from?

[74 challenge]

I thought I would add one that is for sale near me....

http://www.kijiji.ca/v-snowmobile/ottawa/1994-polaris-indy-440/1142531637?enableSearchNavigationFlag=true

We can use this one as an example of "things to look at" because to me it looks not too bad.

[challengerx]

Do a compression check of course both cylinders should be within 10% of each other. Look for rust in the suspension. Check the chaincase oil. Look for oil around the engine case on the clutch side as this is a sign of bad seals. Look for broken lugs off the track or if it's studded pulled through studs. Look under the tunnel on liquid cooled sleds for damaged heat exchangers. I'm a ski doo guy but in that price range I would look for an older Polaris Indy 500 as they are very reliable machines. Stay away from older ski doo 700 triples. Good luck. You will be hooked

[roadman5312]

         Maybe Brad knows about them.   

[blown motor]

I expect parts are still available for 90s models but you might want to check before you buy. Reverse is usually a moot point because they are a small enough machine that you can turn them around in a very small space. Also they are light enough that you can pick up the back end and through it around.
If you come across a 73 or 74 Ski-Doo TNT Free Air in your search would you please let me know. I'm in the hunt for one.

[jimynick]

Would you consider a not quite so old Arctic Cat El Tigre Murray? I've got one.

[blown motor]

Always loved the look of the free air. Thought it was a cool with the block sticking out of the hood. It's really all I'm interested in.

[moprr]

We have had really good luck with any skidoo we had they were all twins ranging from the 470 583 670 and 700's  we beat them hard put them away after winter then beat them again the next year and we never had one blow up yet.  these sleds were all from the 90's to to early 2000's. 

[74 challenge]

Do a compression check of course both cylinders should be within 10% of each other. Look for rust in the suspension. Check the chaincase oil. Look for oil around the engine case on the clutch side as this is a sign of bad seals. Look for broken lugs off the track or if it's studded pulled through studs. Look under the tunnel on liquid cooled sleds for damaged heat exchangers. I'm a ski doo guy but in that price range I would look for an older Polaris Indy 500 as they are very reliable machines. Stay away from older ski doo 700 triples. Good luck. You will be hooked

My google search was saying that I should look for an Indy as they were reliable and work horses. I'm not looking for a triple anything. This is just for me to screw around with and when it dies I will likely send it off to the junkyard.

Rust in the suspension I assume you mean like a car in the mounting points etc...

I didn't know about the heat exchangers I will look into that.

What does a track replacement cost? and can it be done by a hobbyist in the garage with fairly basic tools? I have lots of tools but they are at my house not in the country.

[jordan]

older sleds will have sacked out suspension.  Find an older Indy with fox shox and have them rebuilt.  About $150 for all 4.  Reverse would be nice.  Sleds are not as light as stated, and reverse is much easier to deal with than dragging and lifting them.  I don't have it and would love it.  Check the ski bottoms for damage.  Worn out skags will cause handling problems.  Plan on a $100 for those.  Steering through the trees is a good thing instead of plowing through the corners.  Liquid cooled sleds usually make more HP, and can last longer.  Air and fan cooled are usually low line sleds, but cheaper and less complicated.  I prefer liquid cooled.  I don't know much about visually inspecting clutches.  They should have a little light lube on the weights.  When riding, once you get up to speed, you should feel it "shift" and drop the revs just a little  I do NOT enjoy working on sleds.  Seems like the hardware is always a PITA to get too, rusted, or impossible to remove.  Driving off road really beats them up and they do need maintenance.  Inspect the frame and suspension pieces for rust and broken tubing.  It will be possible to find a low milage sled.  The snow fall has been very low these past couple of years, and people just can use them.  Newer evolved sleds ride, steer, and are more comfortable than the vintage stuff.  They are super fun though.  And usually stupid fast!!  Good luck. 

[74 challenge]

older sleds will have sacked out suspension.  Find an older Indy with fox shox and have them rebuilt.  About $150 for all 4.  Reverse would be nice.  Sleds are not as light as stated, and reverse is much easier to deal with than dragging and lifting them.  I don't have it and would love it.  Check the ski bottoms for damage.  Worn out skags will cause handling problems.  Plan on a $100 for those.  Steering through the trees is a good thing instead of plowing through the corners.  Liquid cooled sleds usually make more HP, and can last longer.  Air and fan cooled are usually low line sleds, but cheaper and less complicated.  I prefer liquid cooled.  I don't know much about visually inspecting clutches.  They should have a little light lube on the weights.  When riding, once you get up to speed, you should feel it "shift" and drop the revs just a little  I do NOT enjoy working on sleds.  Seems like the hardware is always a PITA to get too, rusted, or impossible to remove.  Driving off road really beats them up and they do need maintenance.  Inspect the frame and suspension pieces for rust and broken tubing.  It will be possible to find a low milage sled.  The snow fall has been very low these past couple of years, and people just can use them.  Newer evolved sleds ride, steer, and are more comfortable than the vintage stuff.  They are super fun though.  And usually stupid fast!!  Good luck.

Thanks!

I am not too concerned about speed, I took a ride a couple years ago on a sled designed for racing and it was terrifying.

Something old that will do 50-60mph and I am happy.