2004 rmk 800 vertical escape .....issues or problems?

you need to find out if the motor has had the bearing update done or not. other than that they're great sleds.

Any 04 with that few miles probably did not have the crap run out of it. If it was piped, the engine may have ripped the front left engine mount which you should immediately replace. Grab the front of the engine and lift, in order to see if there is any movement around that engine mount. If the skis hit a rock, crinkles develop in the tunnel below the foot wells, which can be heated up and pounded out with a rubber hammer. It's the cracks that require special reinforcement with aluminum angles spanning across the crack. The tunnels may develop heat differential cracks behind the red or yellow plastic trim pieces at the rear storage rack. You might want to check that the main drive axle bearing on the left side, has been greased regularly and is not blown out because they usually need replacement at 3000 miles, and is quite difficult to do. If the speedometer does not work, then that bearing is gone. Same with the rear track idler bearings, but they are a piece of cake to replace. They should be shot by now. The track lugs are probably worn to a point and missing a few pieces. The seat may have tears in it. If it had a gold finger lefty throttle, then the main thumb throttle lever is probably about ready to break. If the kill switch does not work then you are going to have to take apart the connectors and clean any possible corrosion. If coolant drips out of the drain hole below the front of the starter, then you will need to rebuild the water pump which is difficult to do. The VES diaphragms should be closely inspected for cracks around the center bolt. Holes in the pistons should be looked for. Wear on the side of the pistons can be viewed by looking up the exhaust port. If it takes more than one pull to start it from cold, then the fuel pump needs rebuilding. The shocks can easily be shot by now and require removal in order to closely inspect. Usually only the front shocks go. If the engine starts to stutter when it warms up when in powder, the thermostat on top of the engine needs replacement. You have to be able to do the maintenance yourself, otherwise it will cost you a small fortune. $2000 to $2500 is the price range for that sled.

Also, the main crankshaft breaks off from fatigue, outside of the PTO bearing, in as little as 3000 miles.

Lol, probably nothing wrong with it other than some basic maintenance. All depends on who had it and how they cared for it.


I have an 03 vertical edge which has had twin pipes/stretched/drop and roll etc from day one. This sled has been in the mountains and prairies all its life and still is like new.


Dont be afraid of what some people say on here, go look yourself and check it out.

Forget about the main crankshaft breaking off, as being an issue. In my particular case, the previous owner got in some kind of head on collision with a tree, so the engine probably stopped suddenly, that created a crack that grew and grew. Also, the 2004, was the first year of the new improved cooling design that doubled the cooling capability from 2003. Since in later years, they cut out the front tunnel cooler, this model year polaris has one of the best cooling capabilities in their history, especially with the 2" tall track lugs. The 3" tall track lugs are too high about hard snow to kick snow up on the rear tunnel cooler.

Personelly, I wouldbfocus on finding onebin good condition rather than price. But they seem to be listed anywhere form $1,500 to $4,500. I went the cheap route and spent $3,000 on new parts but really like the sled. All new gas lines and oil lines, new exhaust valve kits, new exhaust paint and manifold gaskets. Speedo cable and key. Hand warmers, grips, thumb warmer. Pull cord and handle. Sway bar amd bushings. Paint on swing arms and skid swings, welded a couple cracks on those. New seat cover. New nose pan. Some rivets. Belts. Plugs. Carbs boots and reeds. Chimney seal. Still not done. Needs shocks rebuilt, all new tie rods and steering bushings. Clutch rebuilds. Its a labor of love but youd probably be better off to shop condition instead of price.

Before

After

stephengivensjr said:

Personelly, I wouldbfocus on finding onebin good condition rather than price. But they seem to be listed anywhere form $1,500 to $4,500. I went the cheap route and spent $3,000 on new parts but really like the sled. All new gas lines and oil lines, new exhaust valve kits, new exhaust paint and manifold gaskets. Speedo cable and key. Hand warmers, grips, thumb warmer. Pull cord and handle. Sway bar amd bushings. Paint on swing arms and skid swings, welded a couple cracks on those. New seat cover. New nose pan. Some rivets. Belts. Plugs. Carbs boots and reeds. Chimney seal. Still not done. Needs shocks rebuilt, all new tie rods and steering bushings. Clutch rebuilds. Its a labor of love but youd probably be better off to shop condition instead of price.

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I have never found one where the left front drive axle bearing was not in some stage of failure.. The left front engine mount is also often torn apart. And the bolt that holds the large sprocket in the chaincase always seems to be loose. Lastly, the three rear idler wheels at the back of the track, always seem to have destroyed bearings. I always take the engine apart and replace the two PTO side crankshaft bearings and check to make sure the MAG side bearings are also perfect. Virtually every EDGE out there for sale, is TOTALLED as is, where is. Because so much work needs to be done to keep from killing you 20 miles from the snow park in waste deep snow.