I never had any trouble changing the plug. You can't use a regular socket or anything to do it. You have to use the socket wrench that is in the AC tool kit. I didn't even remove any plastic. I'm thinking that its getting about time to get the K&N filter and jet kit. The filter for sure. I always thought the less discs you ran, the more horsepower you got as well, but I don't know anything about mufflers either.

 

Andy:
No, I didn't have any trouble at all changing out my plugs either. Only reason I took off the middle plastic panel was to get my hands in there easier, and to snoop around a bit, you know. I'm anxious for tomorrow to get here so I can head up to the property for a few days of serious riding, it's about time! Hey, what type of filter do you have on your AC? I've got that new foam one that is similar to the K&N, only you don't use oil on it. My dealer has told me to just stick with the stock AC filter when I buy another one, that it is just as good as the K&N, and less money. Do you think this is true, or is he just selling AC parts? He said if I really wanted the K&N stuff, that he'd get it to me for cost. Not sure what to think.

If you do end up getting the K&N filter and jet kit, let me know what you think. I think you gave a pretty good write-up about your 'Claws, so I'm anxious to hear what you will have to say about the performance kit, should you happen to get it. I'm kind of leary about spending that kind of money on something that "might" give better performance.

Good riding over the 4th!

Mike

 

I may and may not get the filter. If so, I'm in no hurry. It will just be a spur of the moment decision. I don't see any need to ever get another AC filter either. It is completely washable. I took mine off last year and washed the whole thing real good. Not just the foam wrap either. You can wash the filter itself. I let it dry good overnite, and then sprayed it out some more with an air hose from the inside out. I did notice that my AC ran like crap for 5 minutes after I put it back on, but I figure that it was from a bit of moisture getting into the intake after it sat all night with nothing more than a rag stuffed in there where the filter attaches. It stopped that after about 4 miles, and ran like new from then on. It may be about time to wash it again. I have heard people say that you can't wash the filter, but the AC brochure even says you can. Not much of a trick to it at all really.

 

The reason I found it hard to change my plug on my 1999 Arctic Cat 500 Manual was because of 2 things.

1. the threads on the plugs are a mile long
2. there is a water hose right in the way of the spark plug tool, so you have to push it down to use the tool.

 

All I had to do was get it loose and then I just took it on out with my fingers. You must have had some crud down in there with the threads.

 

Boner:
Well, I was forced to come back early from the 4th of July weekend I had originally planned, but oh well, duty calls. My girlfriend and I did put about 77 miles on my 'Cats, with the new NGK CRE8 plugs in them. They seemed to make a difference at first, but I wasn't definately positive about anything so I swapped them out for the old ones for a few miles, then put the 8's back in. Here's what I noticed:

1. Definately seems to run smoother-not sure why, but it does.

2. Faster acceleration.

3. Pulls long hills easier, lower rpm possibly, but smoother running.

4. High range 4wd seems to pull slightly better, while 4wd low range definately crawls up things easier.

Overall, I'd say I'm happy with the new plugs, but I did notice one problem with them. On my dad's 'Cat, the engine now backfires when going over 3/4 throttle, then letting off. The faster you go, then let off immediately, it gets worse. Is this a simple carb problem that could be adjusted, or should I pull the new plug out, and stick with the old one?

Mike