Hey guys and maybe girls lol. I just got a 2002 400ex with the 440 kit in it and i had forgotten about the issues they had when i was buying it, but i was wondering should it be fine for a while with simple maintenance because all i do is trail ride and today i didnt even get out of 3rd on my trails and i dont beat on the wheeler either, but occasionally me and my dad go up the road to the seasonal road and i push it a little more there. But will this engine last me awhile with out me blowing a head gasket or something by just trail riding? Oh and whats a good oil to keep the engine cool? Thanks!

 

It should be fine if it was installed correctly. 440 kits are quite reliable. Everyone knows someone whose friends cousins brothers 440 kit blew up.
That being said they require more oil changes. I would say every 25-30 hours would be safe. Use Rotella T 15w40 diesel oil as its available in 5 gallon pails. Its perfectly safe for wet clutches. Dont use a synthetic as your wasting money with the frequent oil changes. Unless you have a place that can analyze oil stick with the 25-30 hour rule. If you go over it a few hours it wont hurt anything.
I have a 500 kit in mine. I change the oil every 3 rides (10-15 hours sometimes 20 hours) using Rotella T. I am VERY hard on the machine and its still very strong.

 

okay good. and i guess this guy bought the wheeler as a frame and motor and built it himself. im not sure if he installed the kit himself or had it done by a dealer or something but perhaps i'll ask.