Polaris Discussions about Polaris ATVs.

Break-in period...How long????

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Old 05-13-2000, 11:04 PM
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I have about 230 miles on my 2000 Scrambler400. How many miles should I do (have done) before really letting loose? Since the begining I have tested top speed a lot and pinned the throttle often also. Not for long periods of time though. I like pinning the throttle and then letting off. That's my style of riding. Could this harm my machine? Could mods hurt it also since I have done them so early? I always thought that the manufacturer would have broke it in a bit...like a new car...

Any opinions?????
 
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Old 05-13-2000, 11:46 PM
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You've been broke in for about 200 miles.. HIT IT!!..
 
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Old 05-13-2000, 11:50 PM
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Xplor,

At that mileage I would say that break in is over.

For break-in I add some 2-stroke oil to the first 2 tanks of gas to provide some extra lubriction. I vary the throttle a lot for the first 2 tanks of fuel and avoid full throttle all together. Once these 2 tanks of fuel are gone I get on it a little more but still try to vary the throttle a lot and don't run it full out much.

I changed the oil at 10 hours, then at 20. Now I change it every 50 to 100 hours.

I assume ATV manufacturers are like car manufacturer, they do not do any engine break-in for you. They run the engine on a test bed just long enough to prove it runs and do any required setup, that's it. This is likely under 2 minutes.

DJ
 
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Old 05-14-2000, 01:07 AM
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Thats funny cause my dealer told me to go easy for the first 6 to 8 tanks of gas!!! I thought it sounded quite long. He probably did not want to see me soon after I bought the quad.
 
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Old 05-14-2000, 02:01 PM
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Yesterdays technology and parts used to require plenty of break-in time.... BUT, for the most part, that line of thinking is long gone...
I haqve been spending LOTS of time at the local Caterpillar dealership as part of my last semester in college... The engine room team runs the engines on a dyno just to make sure they are producing the right power, and no leaks.... Then after that initial run-in.. They are deemed ready for FULL Load whenever installed..
Better manufacturing processes and better parts help engines break in sooner, produce more power, better fuel mileage, and last longer...
 
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Old 05-14-2000, 05:57 PM
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The dealer told me that the 1st tank of gas will break in the engine, however, I put some Gold two stroke oil in the second tank also.
These engines aren't like most automotive engines, and the break in procedures aren't as intensive.
 
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Old 05-14-2000, 06:24 PM
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One tank of gas and then let her rip. You did not harm anything the way you broke your bike in.

To the guy that said 6 to 8 tanks of gas find a new dealer the one you have now doesn't know **** about 2 cycle engines.
 
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Old 05-14-2000, 07:07 PM
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Thanks for the input!!
 
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Old 05-14-2000, 07:08 PM
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Thanks for the input!!
 
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Old 05-14-2000, 07:12 PM
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From the day I brought my 2000 SP 500 home, 6 months ago, and 2100 miles later, I've had the 'Pedal to the metal' as often as I could. I know this is not reccommended, nor do I, but yours should be Okay, meaning broke in by now. Have fun scramblin'.
 


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