after a particularly wet run through deep puddles my 2001 kodiak began slipping like a bad car transmission. I was told there is a drain plug in the CVT case, can anyone tell me if there is one and where.Do I have to take the case apart and clean it. I suppose it is possible that the v belt needs replacing but was not having trouble before the run.

 

It is located under the bike, it is a 12 mm bolt, there should be a hole in the skids to let u get a socket on it, You should be able to tell that it is connected to the belt housing. I think about 6 inch from the oil drain.

Hope this helps

 

The clutch can get wet a few times before it needs a cleaning. If you have your normal top-end then it should be ok, if you are lacking top-end then u gatta clean it ( easy but very messy) All the yamaha clutchs are very similar so if you can find a video it will help alot. do a search here or other forums and will find several videos.
I have a copy of the service manual for a 2000 or 2001 kodiak i can e-mail it to you if you like. ( timrrr@hotmail.com)
The first time cleaning the clutch the bolts are like a gorrilla put them on lol. I have to clean mine about every 2-3 years depending on my riding.
Good luck!!

 

I'm wondering, Thought I read somewhere that u can snorkel the CVT case! Is there an air intake to cool the v-belt that can be retrofitted to raise it higher to prevent water from going in when going through deep puddles?

 

Yes you can snorkle the cvt intake. cvt out, and the carb in. The carb in is a good one as it will elimate the engine sputter when you hit a deep puddle and the steam gets sucked into the carb making the bike cough and sputter. ( for the 700's most use 2--- 1.5 inch snorkles for the carb(?) in) I don't know how important the cvt out is, if the engine is running it will push any water out ( like your exhaust does) If you want your bike to be a submarine then you gotta include all your diff vents, carb vent, pvc etc.
If you look around there are alot of opinions on how to snorkle, I am planning on using the flex hose myself. ( like on a shop vac)
That stupid cvt drain plug is a PITA and is one reason I up graded to a newer machine. ( that ol kodiak was indestructable and very nice on the tight trails.)
On the Kodiak's you should keep and eye on where the vents leave the cvt. I had to customize one of mine with a car rad hose ( don't remember if it was the in or out but they are known to be a trouble spot as they separate from the cvt's)
Good luck!!