Ski Pylon Won't Go Down

[kuldaddy]

After towing a 2-person tube this weekend the Ski Pylon will no longer go down. It does not appear to be bent in any way. Unfortunately when the pylon is up I cannot open the engine compartment and therefore cannot access the base of the pylon.

There are 3 screws on the top, where the pylon goes in to the engine compartment, if I take those out will I be able to remove the top plate and access the pylon latching mechanism? I think they have lock-tite on them and I will probably need to heat them and/or use an impact wrench.

Any ideas?

Thanks,
Eric

 

[rookie101]

Looking at the parts diagram it looks as though if you remove the three bolts from the top the pylon should lift out. Click on the parts link it the top right of this page and have a look (it only goes to 07, but they should be the same).

I'm surprised your dealer did not mention that the pylon can not be used for towing a tube. You have to use the tow eye above the swim platform. They say you can use the pylon for skiing, but from what I have read it's really too weak to be of much use for anything. Check with member scooper77515, he built a stainless steel replacement for his and I believe he was willing to sell copies of it.

Aaron:cheers:

 

[kenm]

Really? You can't tow a tube with the ski pylon on a Sportster? I've been towing 2 and 3 people around the lake all summer! Eeek! Where are we supposed to hook up the tube??

 

[rookie101]

Really? You can't tow a tube with the ski pylon on a Sportster? I've been towing 2 and 3 people around the lake all summer! Eeek! Where are we supposed to hook up the tube??

On your Sportster, you have no choice in the matter. The only attachment point you have is the pylon, where the 230 has a tow point built into the rear grab handle. If you get a few bigger riders behind the boat. you may find the pylon will bend, but there's nothing you can do about it unless you want to replace it.

Give scooper77515 a shout, and he may be able to hook you up with a stronger stainless steel one.

Aaron

 

[ablackway]

Dang... I've got that on my 98 Challenger and I used it this past weekend to pull a tuber. I don't like the location of the hook on the back because I'm too worried I'll suck in the line somehow. I've heard horror story after horror story about people sucking the rope into the impeller and I don't wanna be that guy... That sucks though. Why put it on there if it's not strong enough to support what it's there for? That's like putting on a motor that doesn't have enough power to get your boat up on plane...

 

[catesj]

Bent my post and replaced it

I too have bent my tow post.
Even if it doesn't look bent, if it won't go down its bent for sure.
I think that on mine I had to have access to the underside because the three bolts had nuts on them. I actually had to cut my post off with a hack saw in order to gain access to my storage and engine compartment.
I too made a replacement post out of solid stainless.It looks beautiful......totally useless, but beautiful. The problem now is that its too heavy to stay up on its own using the little rubber band clip found underneath.
If I want to use it now I bring along a gear clamp to put on my stainless post to keep it from sliding down while towing.
Oh well.....I've always wanted a Roswell tower anyway.:hurray:

 

[ACABThomas]

Looks like replacement pylons can be ordered here

http://www.worldofpowersports.com

I found a replacement pylon for my 2006 Sportster here.

I also bent my pylon towing tubers, had no idea you weren't supposed to do that. Makes it much less useful.

I haven't replaced mine yet, but wanted to post the info in case anyone is looking for one.