rgc97

Had a serious bog about 150 km out on first day of 6 day trip. Had filled up with gas about 15 km earlier (used different pump from other 3 riders; they had no problems). Was leading our pack, and stopped for next sled to catch up (engine still idling). When I gave it gas, I immediately noticed no power above 1/3 throttle. After a few kms, engine bogged right down. Stopped & checked/changed plugs (both were fine). On restarting, had power to 1/3 throttle (about 75 kph) but not above. Soon figured out I could ride about 3 km at 1/3 throttle, until engine started bogging, then stop/kill engine/restart immdiately, and I was good for another 3 km. So I rode over 100 km this way (on a twisty trail, so I didn't slow our group down much). The restarting sequence was like giving it a cup of gas; when the cup was empty, the sled bogged down (but I was still restricted to about 1/3 throttle).

Took the sled into the Val D'Or dealer next morning, and their computer showed nothing. They said it could be bad gas, fuel pump, or computer. They had dozens of sleds needing work, and advised me to get new gas, and add fuel stabilizer (bought some from them) and ride to next town/dealer. So I filled up with new gas, added stabilizer, and went back towards our hotel. Once on the trail, the sled worked flawlessly -- the problem had gone away. So we headed out, and I had my old performance back. No further problems on our 1660 km trip.

I've never experienced anything like this before, and have driven more than 50K km of sledding.

Would appreciate suggestions re what was happening.

Just back from 3 1/2 days & 750+ km of riding. Lots of snow and trails good/great.

Used Sportsman Lodge as base (great place). Spent 1.5 days around Sudbury, and did overnight trip up the C to Shining Tree, then 107 to Gowganda and back. Stayed Monday nite at Auld Reekie; enjoyed their outdoor hot tub in -25C (put my bathing suit on a peg afterwards, and it froze in seconds).

Finished off with a speed run around the Chiniguichi loop, just north of Lake Wahnapitae -- didn't see anyone else in the 60 minute run and the trail was freshly groomed. Wahnapitae isn't staked yet, but lots of sleds using it; was told that tree lines would be set up this week and the trails to the Lake would be groomed.

BIG contrast to my home area, where the trails haven't opened yet. Long way to drive, and worth it!