Chatter/Squeak from Gator CX

[cwilliams2000]

I got a used gator with about 70 hours on it in great conditon, I changed the fuel filter, plug, engine oil, and tranny oil and loosened and tigted the belt cover bolts, and I get a persistent squeak that comes and goes at idle in N and while in drive, varying the rpms seems to eliminate it, but it sounds like it is coming in from the clutch or belt. Is there anything there I can take apart, lube or check, I am not sure where its from, but other than this noise the little CX is good for me for now. Thank yuo

 

[SpudHauler]

Have not seen a Gator CX system, but they are essentially snowmobile drive systems adapted to ATV/UTV.

So, that said, I would look at cleaning the faces of both the drive and driven pulleys and install a new belt.
We have used very fine sandpaper to remove marks or belt burns and then something like lacquer thinner to remove any possibility of grease, oil or other material to get a nice clean surface on both pulleys before installing the belt.
Belts should always be installed in the same direction, so if you are always able to read any writing on the belt it assures you are reinstalling the new belt every time the same way.
Hope this helps!

 

[cwilliams2000]

I looked at it more and used the good old engine stehetscope, but it looks like the noise is actually the buffer or inside the muffler or how the pipe goes into it. I think my plan is to take the muffer and pipe off and check out what I can see inside, I can't imagine such a new machine has a bad muffler, but the noise isnt right. When you give it quick throttle or reach a certain rpm something starts vibrating, an it sounds bad. any other ideas?

 

[SpudHauler]

Try high temp silicone sealant on the joint. It's good for 350 degrees of heat. Maybe it just a leak between the pipes causing the squeak.

 

[cwilliams2000]

I guess I was on the right track. I used a product that I have had for a long time called chamber seal, designed for gap sealing for exhaust manifolds. I sanded the rust off the pipe and inlet, cleaned it, and applied this stuff, its sort of like two sided tape but claims it works. Its too late to take it out, but I will post my results in the am, I really hope thats all it is.
Thank you

 

[beenthere]

Hope that works for you.
Looked up the muffler, and there are two depending on the s/n

 

[cwilliams2000]

Not 100% sure, but just went out for a spin and it sounds quieter and I don't hear any noises any longer. I really appreciate that pic, I am going to look at a new one at the dealer, I think that they must have changed the design. There is no good way a simple slip exhaust could hold up, it needs some type of seal. The cost of a new pipe and muffler is crazy so I think that if my sealant doesn't hold up, I will weld the pipe in the muffler, and to aid later dissasembly I will cut the pipe itself and add a pipe with a slit and a clamp. Glad it wasn't the tranny which was my worry.

 

[cwilliams2000]

That definitely was it, not a good design at all must be why they changed it, my space age putty seems to be holding so I will leave it for now but will weld it and do some stuff it it breaks again. thanks for the help and pics!