Doug

What happens is the outer filter material gets restricted and collapses the sock basically closing off the flow of fuel from both sides. The 2022 sock was even worst and having issues with as little as 500 miles. Guys were cutting it open and putting a spring inside so you wouldn't collapse it and lock it down. Polaris changed the sock in 2023 to a lower micron. Polaris is conservative on these socks to protect the pump and injectors. If your getting fuel from some of these off the beaten path gas stops the sock and whiney pumps are more of an issue.

Did some training with a new operator and groomer is in the shop to be thawed out and checked over. Time to ride the sled tomorrow.

It will quite down more when you have more fuel in it and the pump is submerged

That's normal

Pressure regulator

There is or was a gray inner liner. It's been a while since I cut one apart.

The sock is almost white when new and I don't know what micron it is but I'm sure it high. Cutting it open will show the inside very clean. This sock was plugged and I tried to clean it. Lasted about 100 miles and the pump was whining again. New sock fixed it.

That's you problem

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Overall yes but it does have some drawbacks. The size is the biggest drawback we had to do a lot of brushing primarily overhead because of the height and some of the sharp corners needed brushing. For me backing up with the drag on and being an articulating tractor has been a learning experience. We sold a Cat Challenger 45 which did a fine job for grooming but I don't miss the long nose on that and road crossing. Some of the ditches coming up to road crossings you needed to make sure the nose didn't dig in or when dropping down take it slow so your not banging the weight bar off the road. For us we don't always get enough snow to groom so for income we've been selectively renting them out during the off season to get some income for the club. That's what pushed us to sell the one Challenger as the guy that had been renting more made an offer to buy it. With the Quadtrac we have more opportunities and a higher rate to rent it out. We already have some things lined up for the spring and fall.

When I got back it was 2 deg. Trails are freezing down nice

Spent a little time this morning grooming time for a break

Depends on the area. Some areas is noise retardant other areas around the exhaust is for heat and noise.

Pizza break and back to home base

If the sled is performing good but you have heat build up lightly scuff up your clutch surface with 220 or 400 to see if it drops the temps

Topped off the groomer with fuel 280 gallons 😬. Heard a sled coming down the field just screaming like it was really hauling the mail. Looked and it was 2 kids on an old trail Indy. Good time 👍

Drag is hooked up now but getting windy and nasty out. Going to park it and go out tomorrow after the storm and wind dies down.