A good oil will work in all machines, the manufacturer doesn't matter. I'm all for a quality full synthetic, especially for motors with exhaust valves (the mineral oil always seems to gum these up). If you are comfortable with your current oil, I see no reason to change.
The only difference in the rear skid between a 153 and 162 is the length of the rails. You can swap new 162 rails in, or get extensions. Either method will work.
It depends on your sled, some vent better than others. The motors for the most part can take a lot of work, it is the clutching you need to worry about. If your clutches get too hot performance and belt life will suffer. Usually with mountain riding its the long, repetitive climbs in quick...
Yes,high temp silicone (the copper stuff from Cdn Tire) works. I find that it doesn't last forever though. On any sled I had to use it on I had to re-apply a couple of times a year.
If you're finding the silicone doesn't work, you might have to replace the donut and see if you can get a...
Absolutely. All M-seats interchange. 2005-2009 had the first style seat (lower and longer). 2010-2011 had the newer seat (higher and shorter). You have to change the rear mounting pins to switch between the older style and newer style, but that does not apply in your case.
The clutch tools have a lot more thread on them, I don't know if the clutch bolt would be able to compress into the threading enough. Can't see how an attempt would hurt though, give it a shot
I think we can all agree that joining a local club is beneficial, both locally and provincially.
What doesn't help is having two BC based snowmobile federations (BCSF & ABC). This weakens our position to lobby the government, two smaller groups instead of one.
I'm not voting for one...
If the movement in the secondary is slightly left to right, and not up/down, or front/back, this is normal. The secondary is designed to float a little to ensure it is always in line with the primary.
Haven't been to the microwave or sinclairs in a while, but hit the Onion a week ago. Spring "hero" snow is in full effect out there, getting pretty hard. Still lots to ride though. You might find some softer snow up the Sinclair.
I would say to stick with the stock steering post-you don't want anything TOO tough in there, because when you hit something instead of bending your post you'll likely rip the steering post off of the bulkhead.