Summit 800 2003 Chain Case Oil Change

Dag19 · Dec 23, 2009

Hey guys!
I just bought an 03 Summit 800 and I would like to change the case oil. What is the best way to do this and also what oil do you recommend using since I am not sure of what the previous owner used? Thanks for all your input.

rhino · Dec 23, 2009

there is a small hole in the belly directly below the chain case. you can get an allen wrench up through it and loosen the drain plug. Let it run out into whatever you put under it. You might also want to take the case cover off once it's drained to inspect the chain and make sure the chain tensioner bolt is nice and tight. As far as lube goes you're going to get a hundred different suggestions on here. Use anything you want as long as it is synthetic to protect the seals.

MaineSled · Dec 24, 2009

I'll be first to make a suggestion as to fluid, I use the cheapest full synthetic motor oil in the 0-30/0-40 I can find, I also have quite a few friends who use auto transmission fluid.

rmkrazi · Dec 24, 2009

How much oil does the chain case take or need? Does the chain tension bolt need to be tight tight or tight then backed off a half turn or so?

mannix · Dec 24, 2009

Seconding the recommendation to take the chaincase cover off; on my 03 700, the allen-headed bolt that holds the chain-tensioner-roller in place has been loose each time I've changed the oil, despite using blue Loctite, blasting the hole and bolt with brake cleaner & retightening.

I use either Redline Shockproof gear oil or synthetic ATF, change it annually. No problems beyond that bolt coming loose. I don't bother with the allen drain screw on the bottom, I just take the case off and let it drain.

Iain

Dag19 · Dec 24, 2009

Thanks a lot. I was able to find everything that you guys had spoke about. When I took off the case cover everything looked good in there. I went ahead and sprayed it clean with brake parts cleaner and re-added 8oz of oil. It should work out great. Thanks again for your help!

clearlakeusa · Dec 25, 2009

Sounds like you figured it out. The Ski Doo shop sells synthetic oil in a jug that is the right amount, just dump it in and go. Or consult the dipstick if using other oil.

onlyrotax · Dec 25, 2009

Just a thought, next time you have that chaincase cover off, lay a straight edge across both gears and see if they are aligned, more than likely you need to shim behind one or the other, I have owned a lot of skidoos and I have yet to find one that the gears were perfectly aligned.

Motley Doo · Dec 25, 2009

onlyrotax said:
Just a thought, next time you have that chaincase cover off, lay a straight edge across both gears and see if they are aligned, more than likely you need to shim behind one or the other, I have owned a lot of skidoos and I have yet to find one that the gears were perfectly aligned.

I never thought about this....I'll look at mine since the chaincase is out of it now!

onlyrotax · Dec 26, 2009

Motley Doo said:
I never thought about this....I'll look at mine since the chaincase is out of it now!

Having the gears aligned obviously saves wear and tear on the gears and chain but it also reduces friction and rolling resistance. We have an old STX (583 F-chassis) I had to replace the chaincase because of an impact that cracked it, while I was at it I squared the chaincase with the chassis and squared the rear suspension with the chassis and the drive axle with the chaincase. Now with the track suspended and the engine at idle the track rotates at about 15 mph, massive reduction in friction. That little sled will run with any 700 and most 800's and the motor is stock, it simply rolls with very little resistance and will run over 100 mph on hardpack at 6000 ft altitude.

JustinB · Dec 26, 2009

mannix said:
Seconding the recommendation to take the chaincase cover off; on my 03 700, the allen-headed bolt that holds the chain-tensioner-roller in place has been loose each time I've changed the oil, despite using blue Loctite, blasting the hole and bolt with brake cleaner & retightening.

I use either Redline Shockproof gear oil or synthetic ATF, change it annually. No problems beyond that bolt coming loose. I don't bother with the allen drain screw on the bottom, I just take the case off and let it drain.

Iain

This is how I do it I just put yamalube in my case today cause I have tonz of it from my mx racing days and before that I used polaris cause thats what my grandpa had in his garage

As for the gears I wish i would have read this thread about 20 minuets ago.

good hint

rmkrazi · Dec 28, 2009

onlyrotax said:
Just a thought, next time you have that chaincase cover off, lay a straight edge across both gears and see if they are aligned, more than likely you need to shim behind one or the other, I have owned a lot of skidoos and I have yet to find one that the gears were perfectly aligned.

Can I shim the top gear, and if I do will it matter if the gear is sticking out away from spline shaft a little? Thanks for the tip by the way... the top sprocket in my chaincase sits in about 1/8"-1/4" than the bottom.

onlyrotax · Dec 28, 2009

rmkrazi said:
Can I shim the top gear, and if I do will it matter if the gear is sticking out away from spline shaft a little? Thanks for the tip by the way... the top sprocket in my chaincase sits in about 1/8"-1/4" than the bottom.

If there is a spacer behind the bottum sprocket I would look for a thinner one to replace it if possible to get things aligned. When you shim that top sprocket out you take a chance of something hitting the chaincase cover, otherwise go ahead and shim the top sprocket and be sure to check for clearance when you put the cover on. I find my shims at hardware stores or an auto parts store, you can use various combinations of thin and thick washers (shims) to get what you need.

Search

Summit 800 2003 Chain Case Oil Change

Dag19

Free Member

rhino

Active member

MaineSled

Free Member

rmkrazi

Free Member

mannix

ACCOUNT CLOSED

Dag19

Free Member

clearlakeusa

Free Member

onlyrotax

Free Member

Motley Doo

Free Member

onlyrotax

Free Member

JustinB

Well-known member

rmkrazi

Free Member

onlyrotax

Free Member

Similar threads