Just putting it out there for discussion. Does anyone have a good trick to get a 4 stroke sled started when it’s below zero? magnetic block heater? A real block heater? Keep a two stroke on backup?

I have never owned a 4 stroke sled. But have a Honda ATV that starts at -20. It seemed to me like ATV's started better then sleds always. You can also get oil pan heaters and battery blankets, besides block heaters. I would think anything that would heat would help.

Synthetic oil
Gas de-icer

We have started ours down to -30 without any issues. Ace 600 and ace 900. If it’s a skidoo you can buy a block heater to install for around $150. We have them now and use them when it’s colder then -10.

My 4 stoke Skidoo Expedition fires right off even in the coldest weather. We've had several days below 0 this year.

First and foremost a good battery. I replace every two years.

People do put block heaters in them, I haven't. It should start down to minus 20 if you are using it regularly.

If you are having problems below 10 below it's time for a new battery. I just unloaded my 1100 Cat this morning off the trailer. It was minus 11 when I started it and hasn't been ran for almost 2 weeks.

I carry a lithium boost pack if there is ever an issue. It fits under my seat or cubby hole.

I've only ran Arctic Cats so can't say about other brands. The Cats don't really turn over as fast as they should, the battery should be a tad bit bigger.

I can't stress it enough, have a good battery.

If you are only running it in oregon you shouldn't be having much trouble.

Steven 49er has it right. A good battery is your first line of offense in starting situations in the cold. Cold cranking amps are rated for a reason

600 and 900 ace, no block heater needed for most uses.

My wife has a 500 four stroke phaser that won't start below -7 Celsius.

I installed an in line coolant heater. A half hr plugged in and no worries

This. My Cats and Polaris no issues down below zero. If it went 20 below or better I would put extra juice connections to the batteries BEFORE the first try, the little extra spun them well. Always good fuel of course.
Disclaimer mine have all been 600 or 500 machines. Not the biggest motors.
In the real cold weather with no extra helper amps I would pull the rope a half dozen times to get things turning. That’s not enough RPMs to start one but after that the starter did fine.

Osky

Thanks. I have the 500 phazer too. That thing takes forever to start in the summer, cranks over for 30-45 seconds. I don’t know why they can’t make them like their ATVs. Thinking it’s time for the ski-doo expedition.

I have an 04 bearcat 660 that has a block heater installed when I picked it up. Helps when it drops down into the-25 and colder. Also have an 04 ski doo 600 rev. That thing is a cold blooded ( bad words). I have cleared the carbs / new fuel lines and filters and its still a tough start. I used those magnetic heater on it when it would drop below -25 and colder. The new expedition would be really nice.

Rope? These things don't have ropes lol.

Hutch 7 degrees Celsius? I'd throw it away if it has a hard time starting beginning at that temp. For the record, mine wouldn't start today. I haven't really driven it for a month and it's been pretty cold. It would turn over at an rpm a guy would think was fast enough but not quite. I shouldn't have to worry about the rest of the year. It will get used enough to keep it charged up

I had an 05 660 B Vat, that thing started pretty good. Don't know if I ever had to jump it, never plugged it in. Didn't try below minus 20.