Question:
Dear Motorhead,
I would like to know what you think about ringing a 2006 Ski-Doo 600 SDI.
The machine has 5200 miles on it, but runs great. I’ve been told they can get 7500 or better.
What do you think?
Thanks Bob
Response:
Thanks for your email!
Great question. Here’s how I would proceed. First, do a compression test on the engine. If you are within the recommended range for both cylinders (less than a five percent variance between the two cylinders as long as both are within OE recommended tolerance) and are satisfied with the engine’s performance I would be reluctant to tear the mill down and re-ring.
However, I can understand with the miles you obviously ride – you don’t want to be faced with a tear-down mid-season and miss some good riding.
Here’s my take. These engines are less likely to need rings than they are a crank. I would check the bottom end of the motor carefully by examining the PTO and mag end seals.
If there’s any weeping there, take it apart and re-bearing the crank. This would be the best place to apply your efforts.
A well maintained engine with the kind of klicks you’ve got is not likley to all-of-a-sudden break a ring or wear out at a rate any more quickly than it has thus far.
A catastrophic failure – like a bearing issue – has the potential to mess up your day in a way far greater than the rings.
While not a profound problem, we have had feedback from readers on high mileage SDI 600’s with a hunger for crank bearings.
Hope this helps.
Motorhead Mark
