I just recently purchased a 1994 XLT SKS. I've been out of the sledding scene for a few years now but I came across this sled in my adventures. It is in absolute A1 condition but has 12000 miles on it. Everything is stock and runs and sounds very good. I can't seem to keep the idle at 1800 rpms, it usually drops to 1400 rpms. Now, the carb boots are cracked bad could that be a cause?. I know that 12000 miles is a pile of miles but I was told the bottom end has been done. I really want to put a bit of $$ and effort into this sled to make it last for awhile to come (I've always dreamed about having a xlt sks) so can I get anyones input on how to make my dream sled last for years to come. Upgrades, tune ups, cleaning I'm all ears.

Cracked carb boots will definitely mess up the carburetion of the engine and is a sure-fire recipe for burning the engine down. Get those replaced ASAP.

easy way to tell if your boots are leaking is take a can of starting fluid and spray them down with the sled running....if the engine races your got a leak!! Either way weather checked boots should be taken care of before they take care of you!!

Should check the crank seal as well with the starting fluid. You can get into bearing failure with that as well.

It's very easy for the engine to inhale ether (starting fluid) when testing like that. Be careful that you are getting accurate results.

if i were you i would get a full engine rebuild, you should every 8000 miles.

thanks for the tip. i think i'll just do the regular maintenance this summer ie. filters, lines, clutches, carbs etc.. and see how it runs next year. if all goes well then, after next riding season i'll prolly tear it down and freshen the inside up. how many miles on yours??.

Got 9600 miles on mine now, never been apart. Still have 120 psi compression. At this point, the only way I'll rebuild it is if it takes itself apart first.

i have 8200 without a rebuilt but its happening this summer

those carb boots that you need.... dont get them from polaris, you'll spend wayy to much money (i bought some from polaris for around 50 bucks apiece!). I looked up on denniskirk.com and you can get them for 14.99 apiece. here is the website address

http://denniskirk.com/jsp/tpl/cmn/prodlist...&mmyId=3456

hows the quality of them though? i was told not to buy from Royal Distributing cuz they don't last that long.

Ill be doing mine this summer. It a 96 xlt with around 9500 on it. Lost a cylinder. Doing 4 line oil mod as well as opening up the oil ports. Need it to last a couple more season. Thought i nad bought a new sled but deal fell thought. So im waiting till i sign a new contract in september 09.......MURPH

im pretty srue theyre not any worse than polaris boots but i wouldnt take my word for it

Ive got a set of four OHLINS shocks that fit that sled.
A good up grade from the stock units.

the dennis kirk carb boots are garbage, went through 2 sets in one season on a 1996 indy classic, the heat etc makes the inside layer peel up and then they break and tear around the bolts. id rather repair or replace with oem, then run those pieces of crap again.

two years ago, got new boots from dennis kirk for my 94 xlt and they are still good, no problems.

JS