503 - Back from the dead

[tweivoda]

The 503 which had been causing us fits trying to figure out why it wouldn't run is now running. I took the engine out and took it to the old school motorycyle/vintage snowmobile engine repair shop on Monday and picked it up tonight. It seems as though the ignition coil was the problem. Bruce has sent me home from Antigo with a used ignition "plate" hoping that is would be a simple fix. It turns out it was as I just needed to borrow the coil. It jumped to life immediately but I didn't have time to take it out for some fine tuning. That is the plan for tomorrow.

So everything appears to have worked out. I was about ready to put it out by the highway with a "haul it away" sign. Kidding of course but it was getting a little frustrating. On the up side I'm getting pretty good and removing and installing the engine. I think this is the fourth time its been out. It has to come out at least one more time as I didn't have time to paint the engine. That is a project for the summer.

Thanks Bruce for all your help. I will post some pictures of the this weekend.

[tweivoda]

I took the 503 out this afternoon for about an 8 mile ride. I played with the carb a bit and got it running pretty well again. While it is no rocket in the deeper snow I was pretty impressed with what it can go through. I was down at the neighbors with it and continue to be amazed at the response people have. Even one of the younger guys thought it was fun to drive. Of course it lacks the speed of his 150 hp Ski Doo but it didn't cost $10,000 either.

I got it back in the garage and checked everything over. No missing pieces and all of the bolts seem tight. It was a successful run.

I don't think it is fast as Randy's 502 that I drove at Antigo but so far so good.

[Go Go Diablo]

I think Randy and Bob have something special hidden in that Diablo that they are not telling us about.