Today I went riding with my brother,we hit a few trails than came across a stream crossing. I have an 02 500 Automatic 4X4 Cat,he has a 03 Kodiac 450 Automatic 4X4,we started through the stream the water got over the engine but not even close to the seat actually it was several inches below the seat,the crossing was about 25 yards long,all of a sudden my Cat stopped close to the end of the crossing,would not go in any direction the engine was running fine the Cat would start to move a little than stop,needless to say I WAS STUCK!!!! It was pretty embarrassing to be pulled out of a creek by a Kodiac. I let the engine run for a while and it finally after about 5 miniutes the Cat started to move again. His Kodiac never hesitated at all and we both crossed the same place,same depth. My Cat has 55 miles on it if I would have been by myself I would still be sitting there. I like my Cat but can someone tell my what the deal is??? Surely that ain't normal?

 

Sounds like your belt got wet.

 

I can go along with the "belt got wet" thing and have a little slippage,but to completely STOP in the middle of a creek is a little ridiculous and had to get pulled out on top of that. The Kodiac is an auto. and went exactly the same route as I did same depth,same path, same "turtle speed" and no belt slippage. WHAT GIVES??
Anyone else had this problem? This is my first Cat and I really liked it up until today. I keep thinking about me being in the middle of no where by myself if my brother would not have been with me, and no one else around and about 10 miles from the closest county road. I hate to go out and spend $300 on a winch just to cross a 2 foot deep creek.

 

Think about it wet rubber belt smooth metal pully, just like an alternator belt in a car, if it gets wet its gona slip, if it gets real wet, its gone really slip.

 

sounds like you have a bad gasket on the cover that seals off the belt and that is letting water get into the belt. This is not normal. if you had a manual shift you wouldn't have that problem.

 

I've been through water up to the top of the headlights and didn't have even a hint of belt slippage. Better check the sealing and the vent tube. Also check the drain valve and make sure it is shut and tight.

My old Polaris Magnum would have belt slippage, but it took pretty deep water. It wasn't sealed like the AC.

 

To: Peteyz24, If you pay $5500 for an ATV you shouldn't have to worry about getting stranded in a creek that is 2 1/2 foot deep because a pulley or belt gets wet,it should not have gotten wet in the first place in 30 inches of water! So think about that!!!!

To: BobMack, You are right it would not have happened if I had a manual I have an Automatic because of injuries to my left foot and I can't use it like normal people or I would have a manual. But since I don't I have to do what I can with what I got.

To: DanW,Thank you for your advice I will check what you told me to and call the dealer because something DEFINANTLY is not right. When you spend your hard earned money on a "toy" you expect a little trouble but not to get stranded.
Mike

 

I do think you are overeacting a little, but things are going to mess up, no matter what kind of brand it is. I know I was pissed when mine quit on me for 2 weeks because I rode through a small pond [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif[/img] , it was probably just belt slippage, though don't get it in your head now that AC makes a terrible machine compared to the competition. If it screws up next time you go riding, then get pissed. [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-wink.gif[/img]

 

I have an 04 Cat 500 auto, I have crossed water to the top of my seat and never had a problem with the belt slipping, I'm sure your is an isolated occurrence.

 

I have never been around any AC quads but I know they are tough. You definitly have a leak somewhere. All the same, dont be embarrased by being pulled out by a Kodiak, they are tanks ( once you tighten the snorkle connections that are always loose from the factory) [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-wink.gif[/img]