Need Some help with new to me XUV Gator

nmu98 · Sep 17, 2008

Gentlemen,

I need some help with a new to me Gator XUV. Its a 2007 Diesel that seems to have many options on it. This was an odd deal since my father picked this up for me and he did not do what I asked. Instead of looking things over and asking questions, then calling me about buying it, he just bought it.

So, I paid 9,000 for this with 50 hours, includes a plow, hydro bed, taillights, offroad lights, bush guard, and some other stuff. Pretty fair deal.. BUT..

This has never had the oil changed. I will do that ASAP. Nothing has been lubed, and nothing has been taken care of. At least not to my standards

So, could you guys clue me in on things I should look for. I have the brake recall, and I dont think I am in that. I heard about a clunking noise, dont hear that... What else should I look for, or change.

Also, when it is at idle, it has a sort of rattle to it, sounds like it could be the clutch? It actually sounds like the muffler insides are loose, but they are not. Also, it seems to need a lot of rpms to move. Might just be me not used to it...

Thanks for any and all help!

kennyd · Sep 17, 2008

That is a very cool machine!

Why not post your questions down in the ATV/UTV forums for better exposure to those that have these?

nmu98 · Sep 18, 2008

I will, its pretty slow in there....

yankeerider · Sep 18, 2008

Nmu98, we bought a new gas HPX Gator back in June, so different but similar to your machine. I'd say you did pretty good on that machine-it's got quite a few $ of accessories.

One thing about these Gators is that they clunk and rattle, and ... it seems to be the nature of the beast. Kind of like riding my '95 Harley Electra-Glide- there's new and different noises all the time, but they just keep running and doing their thing.

The RPM's is the just the nature of the drive train.

nmu98 · Sep 19, 2008

I got to spend some time on the Gator last night. The diesel really likes to send out vibrations, and alot of the machine has some loose tolerances. I went through and added some more washers and made stuff a bit more tight. The parking brake connected to the rear brake was a pertty major issue for my rattles. I have that fixed and it sounds almost like my tractor when you start it now, pretty tight.

I am thinking of fabbing something for the back of the seats that would connect them together. That would defelct alot of engine noise. The plastic cover over our heads does not help with noise either, and I might pull it off. I do not need it for anything. The half windshield probably does not help either.

sunnyside360 · Sep 19, 2008

In general, the roof, windshield, doors, and etc does make a utv much noisier. Friend of mine has a 2008 Ranger XP with full cab and it is extremely noisy compared to my 2008 Ranger XP with no cab, windshield, etc.
Diesel engines are inherently more noisy than gasoline engines so it may be more difficult to mitigate the noise.

nmu98 · Sep 20, 2008

I have almost everything quieted down at this point. Still have the rear guard, roof, and windshield on it. If I could get the clutch to quiet down, I would be in business... It makes that old 1970's smowmobile loose clutch sound