Hi everyone
just bought my first ATV two weeks ago 400 AC AUTO love it my questions are
should i change my diff fluid after break in?
what should i use to clean my air filter?
what kind of oil do you guys use?
thanks in advance1

 

I wouldn't worry about the diff fluid, but if it makes you feel better go ahead and change it. You may want to check it to make sure it is filled properly. Use a foam airfilter cleaner or hot soapy water(no gas or harsh solvents) and let it dry then apply a filter oil to it before you put it back on. After mine was broke in I switched to the A/C synthetic, you can go 1000 miles or one year till you have to change it. Go to the dealer and check this oil out.

 

i didn't change my diff fluid and now I sit here with no quad for the last 2 weeks because the diff went CRUNCH!! I will definetly change mine after it breaks in, better safe then sorry. Also my dealer said NEVER NEVER NEVER use water to clean an air filter, especially SOAPY WATER, USE GAS!! it is all I have ever used and all I ever will use. After cleaning it in the gas I use the arctic cat motor oil on it. Put in in a bag spash about 3 tablespoons of oil in there and work it into the filter, and you are done. if you don't want to use gas I would buy air filter cleaner, but just don't use water! Same exact way that my dealer recommends. Personal prefenece but I do what my dealer says (most of the time). I also use the arctic cat oil in my quad. Glad to hear that you bought an AC, you will love it.

 

thanks for the replies I think I will change the diff. fluid for the piece of mind
as far as the air filter goes gas seems to make more sense
the owners manual says non flamable solvent I didnt know
if they were just being cautious or if the gas would eat the filter
Thanks

 

Sorry, but gas causes the filter to seperate from the base and causes the filter elements to break down. The same goes for using motor oil to oil the filter!!! There is no problem using soapy water as long as you let the air filter dry out completely!!. 24-48 hours. Then Apply a light coating of oil. The AC Filter is a dual stage foam filter much like the Twin Air and UNI Filters. Your best bet is to use a cleaner made to clean these types of filters. It will thoroughly clean the filter at the same time not cause any break down in the filter or cause the base to seperate from the foam. Also use a special oil that is designed for foam filters. I personally like and use the UNI products. Just clean the filter, let it dry out, and then add the oil.

I would also recomment on getting two filters. This way one can be on the machine and one can be left as a spare. Always keep your spare oiled cleaner in a zip lock bag to keep it clean while not being used.

 

i use the arctic cat filter cleaner and it work's great. and also my dealers macanic said if i ride in alot of dust and dirt not to oil the filter because it clogs the filter and slows down the preformance. only oil it if you dont do alot of dirt rideing.just use the ac filter cleaner and install dry. just check it often and clean it as needed.thats what i do and i've had no problum'sthe ac filter cleaner is the best thing to use. and if your still not sure ask you local cat dealer how to clean it. hope this help's [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif[/img]

 

i'm going with ttaylor on the air filter maint.. i would'nt worry about the diff fluid, just go with the manual recommendation. i buy the ac oil change kits, it comes with the filter and a gallon of oil. there probly more expensive than a fram or something but no more than you have to change it, i think the cost is negligible. if you really want to get down to the brass tacks, you could probly ride the thing for 3000 miles like it sits and never have a problem.

 

It sounds like luvthemud's dealer is old school and needs to catch up with the times on air filter maint. And the reason mudblaster's air filter doesn't plug is the dirt is going straight through the engine since there is no oil to catch the fine particles of dust. Just read the owners manual or do what ttaylor said for your filter maint. and be happy you didn't buy your machine from the same place as these other two clowns

 

onw word: WARRENTY

 

my dealer said never use water unless you have the time to let it dry completely. 24-48 hours is too long, so he said if you need to clean and go, use gas, just make sure to use an air compressor and blow all the excess gas out of it before running it. Everyone does things different i guess. Best bet would be to do what ttaylor said and keep a spare in a bag, that way you can put the new one in and take the time to let the dirty one dry completely.