hey guys my names is mike 1st post on the forum......im new to the atv world just made a purchase of a brand new 2009 atric cat 550 h1 efi...and have a few questions mabey someone on here can help..!!!!!

1) how should i break in this particualr atv....or dont u have to?

2) is there anything to watch out for with this model

any feedback and info would be amazing.......thanks

 

Break In Secrets--How To Break In New Motorcycle and Car Engines For More Power i like this technique. even though i never keep the rpm's the same for longer then a few seconds for the first 200 miles, but i always break my motor's in hard and i have had great sucess.

 

First off WELCOME TO THE FORUM and congrats of getting your new AC! You'll find a great bunch here to answer any questions you may have. There are NO stupid questions, so feel free to "let loose" on any questions you may have on yer new 550!

Now that being, I'm not sure how much of a "newb" you may be when it comes to ATVS....but if you have a basic mechanical know-how I must implore you to give your new machine a COMPLETE once-over!! Just cause it's "dealer-prepped"doesn't mean that something isn't overlooked, and it's NEVER a good idea to just hop on and ride it! I've seen MANY a post about machines that are trashed because of a poor pre-check/prep.

The TOP 4:
- Engine oil level
- Differential fluid level(s)
- Coolant level
- Over-oiled air filter

YES!!! All new machines require a "break-in" period to set the piston rings and to get all the moving parts to mesh together properly thru WEAR. Follow our AC manual for specific tips/hints on the proper procedure(s) to ensure everything is working as it should. This includes what's called BURNISHING the brake pads to ensure they seat properly against your brake rotors.

After the 100mile "break-in" period/ride (too many IMHP) all fluids need to be changed - ENGINE/DIFFS with the AC compatible oil of your choice - I prefer AMSOIL myself.

Your air filter is an "oil-soak" filter and will need to be washed/cleaned & re-oiled.

I own a '09 550 and have had NP in 500+ miles of trail riding. It's proven to be a VERY reliable machine. You'll find you'll most likey have to "tinker" with the tire psi and shock pre-load(s) to get the ride/performance you want. It's a teadious but worth-while process.

One thing you will notice immediately is the LOW-END lag when you jam the throttle. This is by design in the clutch set-up. You'll also notice a significant WHINE in the transmission when decelerating - again normal - due to AC putting a newer straight cut bevel gear in vs. older model H1 engines.

You'll find posts about the front diff(s) on these machines "imploding" due to a bad weld on the ring gear pin. Basically the weld breaks and the pin flys out and destroys the entire front diff assembly. It cover pretty much every machine from late '07 to early '09 with 3.1" or 3.6" gears. (the '08's are the worst) There's really no set of variables as to why/when/how/if they blow.

My '08 TRV had 1500 miles w/np...but with 4.0 gearing.

But others have blown theirs backing it off the trailer??? It's a crap-shoot unfortunately.

AC is VERY aware of this problem w/o a recall, and as of late will replace any blown diff outside the standard warranty period if it's shown you didn't mod-the-crap out of your machine thus speeding up the process.

PREVENTATIVE maintenance is the key to the longentivity of your machine. I'm practically religious about it on all 3 of my AC machines. Diff fluids are replace twice a yr regardless of mileage, and engine every 750 miles, or once a yr minimum. I'm constantly checking for anyting loose or strange noises. Most of all I pay VERY close attention to just HOW my machine(s) are behaving/riding and go from there. If something "feels" wrong.....then I find out what it is ASAP.

Hope some of this helps. Hope I din't scare ya off. I luv all 3 of my AC machines, and will continue to buy CAT. All brands have issues, & being aware IMHP make you that much more prepared.

Good luck and enjoy yer 550!

 

thanks for the replys..... im not to savy in mechanics....but i do know some people that can help out......... the dealer told me oil change after 1st 250 miles........also said he just rides them as he normally would said no need to baby them but dont go full boar for at least first 10hrs..... would u agree with this? has anyone tried the new computer for the ecu?(i think thats what it is)

 

Short bursts of WOT (wide open throttle) when the motor is at operating temp while over the course of normal riding conditions (10-30mph range) will help the "break-in" proceedure. - don't try burn-outs - The key to a sucessfull break-in is moderation, that covers all ranges of throttle for the 1st 10 hrs.
I myself lean a little heavier on the short burst WOT, side and have broken all 3 machines in accordingly. (& a new motor in a previous 1/2 ton pick-up) All run perfectly with no decernable loss in oil between changes. Power is plenty acceptable IMHP too.

It's called an ECM. As far as I know there isn't an aftermarket programmable performance ECM made yet for the 550's. Not sure it would work to your advantage though, unless your doing a primary/secondary clutch mod or your planning to snorkel it & change the gearing up for mudd'n.

Check your sparkplug. If it's a CHAMPION chuck it in the garbage. Get an NGK (CPR8E) or some like the new IR (iridium) plugs.

Good luck! Oh...."man-law".....post some pics of yer new 550!

MINE/WIFEY'S: