Snowmobile Repair: king cat problem, wd 40, chain case oil

Question
I have an 04 kingcat that I bought used and I was out yesterday riding with my girlfriend (combined weight of 330 pounds), and while going uphill on a groomed trail the engine seemed to get stuck in "neutral". the primary and secondary clutches were spinning but would not engage the track. You could spin the secondary (track) clutch by hand. The machine has reverse. I called the guy whom I purchased the machine from and he never had a problem with that. After leaving the sled and using my spare I was able to start the sled and ride it back to the car with no problems. Any feedback would be greatly appreciated.

Answer
Hello Jason,

 That's misfortunate for a 04 Cat. I have yet to see a reverse equipped sled without problems. What I can tell you for sure, is that somewhere in the chain case (drop case), there is a problem. It could be the reverse shifting linkage, but more possible it is inside of the case. In an ideal case scenario, it could just be a sticking lever. Sometimes they get iced and will make the sled stick in a neutral state. Here is what I recommend. Try draining all of the old chain case fluid and adding Arctic Cat Chain Case oil. Next, take WD-40 and spray it carefully using the included red straw. Try and get the WD-40 on all of the linkages on the reverse assembly. Another thing to be sure of, is that the chain is tensioned properly. Another avenue you may want to look at, is that the sled may still be under warranty. Hope this helps you. Let me know if you have any other questions. Good luck with the sled! --Arcticatman