The Arctic Cat Wildcat 700 is a great UTV due to its durability, performance, and affordability with excellent reliability. This UTV is a perfect choice for both beginners and experienced riders who want to test trials and off-road tracks on a smooth UTV.
Besides many features, the Arctic Cat Wildcat 700 Problems are also not hidden.
The common Arctic Cat Wildcat 700 problems are looseness of connecting rod bolts, bogging, and clicking noises with an issue with the CVT belt.
The other problems have its limited cabin, issues with its cylinder bearings, the engine running out, battery issues, and the headlight getting dead.
Let’s explore a few major problems in this article, along with the solution to each.
Arctic Cat Wildcat 700 Problems
These are both common and uncommon problems of Arctic Cat Wildcat 700.
1. Wrong Cylinder Bearing
Let’s start with the common issues first.
The issue is placing the wrong size bearing in one of the cylinders in its engine. A seriously common issue in these models, causing several issues including play in the connecting rod and pistons.
The UTV typically has this issue after 2000 miles or more.
Many users got this problem in the 700 Wildcat from 2014 to 2017 and the Arctic Cat had to recall those models for a proper fix. The recall was not just due to this issue or a particular model.
Instead, it was a general recall for the models with the most issues, including this one.
Because, the bearing does not properly fit the connecting rod and the crank, leaving some play. This play then leads to a “serious play” and wear and tear that can ultimately damage the engine and components.
Opening and closing valves, cylinder heads, pistons, and a rod may break even.
If that happens, you may need to rebuild the complete engine which is a huge cost and an effort.
However, if the knocking isn’t the worst, replacing its connecting rod and adding the appropriate bearing will let you go. Also, add a layer of bearing grease to avoid wear and tear in the future.
2. Loose Bolts & Clicking Noises
Arctic Wildcat 700 is a nice UTV for off-road terrains and muddy tracks, only if you maintain it rightly.
However, there has been an issue of loose bolts in the connecting rod and potentially damaging either the engine case or crank.
This happens due to low lubrication or not doing it all. Since the bolt is a type of fastener, it needs lubrication to work in the long run. And, if the oil passage is unclear or too small, it will run short of oil causing it to lose effectiveness and grip over time.
A little more serious problem with the Arctic Cat Wildcat 700 is a clicking noise from the engine. When you hear any clicking noise, it’s a symptom of a failing engine or any of its components leaving it unreliable.
If you are compromising on an oil change or not using proper oil, it is the cause and it can seriously damage the engine unit as well.
And for a damaged engine, you would need to even get an entirely separate engine as a replacement. When you hear a clicking sound from an engine, the opening or closing valves, bearings, or oil pump is at risk of damage.
Failure to provide support to these components can fail to get the great performance or an inability for machines to run. So, conducting a regular and professional maintenance schedule is the key.
3. Engine Running Out
Not a common but a problem that has happened before. The Arctic Cat Wildcat 700 owners face this problem when the engine starts idling perfectly but dies when you throttle.
The kill switch sometimes interferes with the throttle body. A proper cleaning could be helpful to clean any issue and even a throttle cable that is not working properly.
However, if you are not using any kind of a kill switch but it feels like it, you might need to go for a thorough check-up.
Start by looking at the fuel pump, filters, and lines to ensure the engine is getting a continuous fuel supply.
The carb and spark plug can also contribute to the damage of fuel injectors stopping a smooth flow of gas when you hit the throttle. If everything is okay, take a close-up look at the ignition.
If the spark plug is malfunctioning, the ignition would not perform and the engine could no longer respond.
Try using an Iridium Spark plug that is more durable and has better workability.
Also, make sure the battery is charged enough and passes enough voltage with safety. Identifying electric problems this way and fixing them rightly can solve this engine running out the problem.
4. CVT Belt Issues and A Noisy Machine
Failure of the transmission belt is a common problem in Arctic Wildcat 700. In this UTV, the transmission belt fails and wears out frequently.
To fix this, you will need to use a high-quality CVT belt featuring a durable build and less wear or tear.
If your Arctic Fox belongs to 2013 to 2019 models, CVT belts like this can be a perfect match that fits and performs outstandingly.
You need to make sure its tightness and proper oiling schedule to let it go beyond your expectations.
Keep CVT transmission belts clean, lubricated, and unnecessary tension to prevent frequent failures.
Belts may never stop breaking, but you can slow down the process and extend the lifespan through proper maintenance and care.
5. Limited Cabin Size
Technically not a fault but a bit of a problem for people with a height of 6 feet or above.
Arctic Cat Wildcat has enough cabin space for females or a person up to 5’8 or less. However, the cabin space becomes limited and compromised for a person anything above 6’, especially in terms of legroom.
You may still get into the machine and even ride, but it will not get you a nice experience for offroading and trail riding.
Frequently Asked Questions
What engine is in an Arctic Cat 700?
684 cc 4 Stroke, two-cylinder, eight-valve engine.
How fast does a Wildcat 700 go?
The top speed of an Arctic Cat Wildcat 700 is 70 MPH.
How much horsepower does an Arctic Cat 700 have?
Around 60 horsepower.
How long is a Wildcat Trail 700?
Arctic Cat Wildcat 700 is a 50 inches Wide and 110.5 inches long machine.
How much does an Arctic Cat 700 weigh?
The Arctic Cat 700 weighs 809 lbs.
Is Arctic Cat WildCat 700 Worth Buying?
With a smooth suspension, durable chassis, nicest ground clearance, a powerful engine, and attractive plastics, the Arctic Cat Wildcat 700 is a worthy UTV machine for off-road enthusiasts.
The engine is durable and capable enough to last forever if you regulate oil changes and maintenance. Its suspension and seating comfort let you pass through a series of tracks with ease.
With its 60hp 4-stroke engine, you can push this machine for up to 70 MPH.
Sources:
Textron Recalls Arctic Cat Wildcat Trail & Sport UTVs
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