The Arctic Cat Blast, introduced as a lightweight and affordable snowmobile, aimed to bridge the gap between youth models and full-sized machines. While praised for its maneuverability and accessibility, the Blast hasn’t been without its share of problems, leaving some owners frustrated and searching for solutions. Understanding these common issues is crucial for prospective buyers and current owners alike, allowing them to make informed decisions and maintain their machines effectively.

Blast From the Past, Or Blast From the Present: What's Going Wrong?

The Arctic Cat Blast, despite its innovative design, has encountered a range of issues, from minor annoyances to more significant mechanical failures. These problems often impact the overall riding experience and can lead to costly repairs if left unaddressed. Let's delve into some of the most frequently reported issues.

Engine Performance Woes:

One of the most common complaints revolves around engine performance, specifically a lack of power and inconsistent running. This can manifest in several ways:

  • Hesitation and Stuttering: Many riders have reported experiencing hesitation or stuttering, particularly at lower RPMs. This can make it difficult to accelerate smoothly and navigate tight trails. The cause can be attributed to a lean fuel condition, or a dirty throttle body.
  • Lack of Top-End Power: While the Blast isn't designed to be a speed demon, some owners feel it lacks sufficient top-end power, especially when riding in deeper snow or with a passenger. This is a common complaint from owners who had a full-sized snowmobile before the Blast.
  • Starting Issues: Cold starting can be problematic, requiring multiple attempts and potentially draining the battery. This can be due to a lean fuel condition or a weak battery.

Suspension Shortcomings:

The Blast's suspension, while adequate for groomed trails, often struggles in more challenging conditions.

  • Rough Ride Quality: The suspension can feel stiff and unforgiving, leading to a harsh ride on bumpy trails. This is especially noticeable for heavier riders.
  • Limited Travel: The suspension travel is relatively limited, which can cause bottoming out on larger bumps and jumps.
  • Shock Performance: The shocks themselves have been known to fade or lose their damping ability over time, further compromising ride quality.

Drivetrain Difficulties:

The drivetrain, responsible for transferring power from the engine to the track, has also presented some challenges.

  • Belt Slippage: Belt slippage is a common issue, especially under heavy load or in deep snow. This reduces power transfer and can lead to premature belt wear.
  • Clutch Problems: The clutches themselves can be prone to issues, such as sticking or not engaging properly. This can affect acceleration and overall performance.
  • Chaincase Issues: Some owners have reported problems with the chaincase, including leaks and bearing failures.

Electrical Gremlins:

Electrical issues, while less frequent, can still be frustrating to diagnose and repair.

  • Gauge Problems: Malfunctioning gauges, such as the speedometer or tachometer, can provide inaccurate readings or fail altogether.
  • Lighting Issues: Headlights or taillights may flicker or fail, compromising visibility and safety.
  • Battery Problems: Weak or failing batteries can lead to starting issues and electrical system malfunctions.

Other Notable Issues:

Beyond the major categories, other issues have been reported:

  • Fit and Finish: Some owners have criticized the overall fit and finish of the Blast, noting loose panels or cheap-feeling components.
  • Fuel Consumption: Fuel consumption can be higher than expected, especially when riding aggressively.

Digging Deeper: Why Are These Problems Happening?

Understanding the root causes of these issues is essential for effective troubleshooting and prevention. Several factors contribute to the problems experienced by Arctic Cat Blast owners.

  • Cost-Cutting Measures: As an entry-level snowmobile, the Blast was designed to be affordable. This likely led to cost-cutting measures in component selection and manufacturing processes, potentially compromising durability and reliability.
  • Engine Design: The single-cylinder engine, while lightweight and fuel-efficient, may be inherently less powerful and smooth than multi-cylinder engines. This can contribute to the hesitation and lack of top-end power experienced by some riders. The single cylinder engines are prone to more vibration than a multi-cylinder engine.
  • Suspension Design: The suspension system, while adequate for basic riding, may not be robust enough to handle more aggressive riding styles or challenging terrain. The spring rates may be too low for heavier riders, leading to bottoming out and a harsh ride.
  • Maintenance Neglect: Like any machine, the Blast requires regular maintenance to ensure optimal performance and longevity. Neglecting maintenance, such as oil changes, clutch cleaning, and belt inspections, can exacerbate existing problems and lead to new ones.
  • Riding Style: Aggressive riding, such as frequent high-speed runs or jumps, can put excessive strain on the engine, suspension, and drivetrain, increasing the risk of component failure.

Taming the Beast: How to Solve and Prevent Blast Problems

While the Arctic Cat Blast may have its share of issues, many can be addressed through proactive maintenance, careful riding, and strategic upgrades.

Addressing Engine Performance Issues:

  • Fuel System Cleaning: Regularly clean the fuel system, including the fuel filter, fuel pump, and fuel injectors, to ensure proper fuel delivery.
  • Throttle Body Cleaning: Clean the throttle body to remove any dirt or debris that may be affecting airflow.
  • Spark Plug Replacement: Replace the spark plug at the recommended intervals to maintain optimal ignition performance.
  • Fuel Octane: Use the correct fuel octane rating as specified in the owner's manual.
  • ECU Tuning: Consider an ECU tune to optimize the fuel and ignition maps for better performance.

Improving Suspension Performance:

  • Shock Upgrades: Upgrade to higher-quality shocks with adjustable damping to improve ride quality and handling.
  • Spring Upgrades: Install stiffer springs to prevent bottoming out and improve stability, especially for heavier riders.
  • Suspension Adjustments: Adjust the suspension settings to match your weight and riding style.

Dealing with Drivetrain Difficulties:

  • Belt Maintenance: Regularly inspect the drive belt for wear and tear, and replace it as needed.
  • Clutch Cleaning and Tuning: Clean and inspect the clutches regularly, and adjust the clutch weights and springs to optimize performance.
  • Chaincase Maintenance: Check the chaincase oil level regularly and change it according to the manufacturer's recommendations.
  • Upgraded Belt: Consider an upgraded belt from a reputable aftermarket manufacturer.

Tackling Electrical Gremlins:

  • Battery Maintenance: Keep the battery charged and in good condition. Replace it if it's weak or failing.
  • Wiring Inspection: Inspect the wiring harness for any loose connections or damaged wires.
  • Fuse Replacement: Replace any blown fuses with the correct amperage rating.

General Maintenance Tips:

  • Regular Inspections: Conduct regular inspections of all components to identify potential problems early on.
  • Lubrication: Lubricate all moving parts regularly to prevent wear and tear.
  • Proper Storage: Store the snowmobile properly during the off-season to prevent corrosion and damage.
  • Follow the Maintenance Schedule: Adhere to the maintenance schedule outlined in the owner's manual.

Riding Responsibly:

  • Avoid Overloading: Avoid overloading the snowmobile with excessive weight.
  • Ride According to Conditions: Adjust your riding style to match the terrain and snow conditions.
  • Warm-Up Properly: Allow the engine to warm up properly before riding aggressively.

Real-World Solutions: Hearing From Blast Owners

Many Arctic Cat Blast owners have found creative solutions to address common problems. Here are a few examples:

  • ECU Flash: "I had my ECU flashed by a local tuner, and it completely transformed the sled. It runs smoother, has more power, and starts much easier."
  • Shock Upgrade: "I upgraded to Fox shocks, and it made a huge difference in ride quality. The sled now handles bumps and jumps much better."
  • Clutch Kit: "I installed a clutch kit to improve acceleration and backshifting. It made the sled much more responsive."
  • Belt Drive Conversion: "I converted to a belt drive system, and it eliminated the belt slippage problems I was having."

Frequently Asked Questions About Arctic Cat Blast Problems

Q: Why does my Arctic Cat Blast hesitate at low RPMs? A: Hesitation can be caused by a lean fuel condition, dirty throttle body, or worn spark plug. Cleaning the throttle body and ensuring proper fuel delivery can often resolve this issue.

Q: My Blast's suspension feels very stiff. What can I do? A: Consider upgrading to aftermarket shocks or adjusting the existing suspension settings. Installing stiffer springs can also improve bottoming resistance for heavier riders.

Q: I keep experiencing belt slippage on my Blast. What's the fix? A: Regularly inspect and replace the drive belt, clean and adjust the clutches, and consider upgrading to a higher-quality aftermarket belt.

Q: My Blast is hard to start in cold weather. Any suggestions? A: Ensure the battery is fully charged and in good condition, check the spark plug, and consider using a fuel stabilizer in the off-season.

Q: How often should I service my Arctic Cat Blast's chaincase? A: Check the chaincase oil level regularly and change it according to the manufacturer's recommendations, typically every season or after a certain number of miles.

The Bottom Line

The Arctic Cat Blast, while an accessible and fun snowmobile, is not without its potential issues. By understanding these problems and implementing preventative maintenance and strategic upgrades, owners can enhance their riding experience and extend the life of their machine. Armed with this knowledge, you can confidently address any challenges and enjoy the Blast for many winters to come.