I recently purchased a 2001 AC 400 4X4. This is my first ATV and I have no prior experience with them. The machine has approx. 50 miles on it. After a recent ride, I noticed that the rear differential was leaking from the access bolt. Someone suggested that this condition may be normal. I don't think it is so I tightend the bolt SLIGHTLY to see if it corrects the problems. I'll be riding tomorrow so I'll keep an eye on it. In the meantime, I was wondering whether anyone had any input.

Also, while brousing other posts, I've noticed that other riders with the same machine are able to get a top speed of around 50mph. I've only been able to get around 35mph. Do I need to really let it whine in 5th gear for a time to reach this speed? What am I doing wrong?

Thanks for the help.

 

Hi Count,and welcome. Are you in LOW RANGE in stead of high.
Jim

 

Thanks, Jim, for the response. The same thought occurred to me but the hi/lo gear selector appears to be in the high position. I must have looked at it 10 times because the machine does feel very sluggish.

 

I had a diff. leak also. It was a seal in the rear but it re-sealed its self and hasn't leaked since. I get a top speed of around 50mph. It doesn't take only a few seconds to get there on level ground. You should easily get over 35MPH. It does sound like you are in low range but you have already checked that.... If you just bought it call your dealer and see what they have to say....Good Luck

 

If you're only getting 35 in high range, then something is definitely wrong with it. That or the speedometer is totally off, but thats a wide margin to be off. I don't think it would hit 35 in low anyway. Might think about taking that in and getting it looked at.

 

25 is about the fastest in low range I could get my 500, but the 400 might rev higher with it's shorter stroke.

I would not recomend testing the top speed with only 50 mile on it tho. Wait till after your 100 mile check up then you can test the top speed.

If you still can't get the speed you expect, try adjusting the throttle limiter that is on the thumb throttle. But ONLY do it after your break in.

 

I HAVE A 2001 AUTO AND I HAVE ABOUT 200 MILES ON MINE....IT SEEMS THE MORE I RIDE IT OR BREAK IT IN THE BETTER IT GOES. WHEN I WENT ON MY FIRST RIDE IT WAS A LITTLE SLUGISH....BUT NOW IT GOES PRETTY GOOD...50MPH IS NOT A PROBLEM I HAD A LEAK IN MY DIFF. SEAL..I AM GETTING IT WARRANTEED.GOOD LUCK DAVE





2001 500 ARTIC CAT AUTO

 

What type of gas are you using? If you are using Super Unleaded you will not get near the amount of power out of you Cat as compaired to Regular 89 Oct Unleaded. The Cat motors do not have the compression required for Super Unleaded so the burn is less complete than regular unleaded.
I hope this helps.
-Charles Cromwell

 

Thanks for the help guys. I am using Super Unleaded based on my dealers recommendation. I am going to switch to Regular as indicated in the owner's manual. Also, I'm going to try and be patient and wait until I reach 100 miles to re-evaluate.

Rob

 

Cromwell,

Not to **** you off or anything but what the hell??

I know FOR SURE that you get more power with super unleaded 93 octane fuel in cats (AROUND HERE) than you do with the 87 octane. The 9:1 compression ratio on all 2001 and older cats is more than enough to go with higher than normal (87 octane to me)octane gas. And even if it wasn't I've never heard of loosing power by going to a higher octane than you needed (of course there are limits to this-- don't run 114 octane fuel in a stock 502 motor that has a 6.5:1 compression ratio), it only wasit your money by spending the extra money for too high of an octane than you need.

But I can tell you that when I use 93 octane over my normal 87 octane fuel I notice a noticeable power increase, but also a heat increase. But heat is what makes Horsepower, too much heat takes it away tho. So it's a fine line you have to balance.