Polaris Discussions about Polaris ATVs.

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

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old May 13, 2000 | 11:04 PM
  #1  
Xplor's Avatar
Thread Starter
|
Pro Rider
Joined: Mar 2000
Posts: 2,002
Likes: 0
Default

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?????
 
Reply
Old May 13, 2000 | 11:46 PM
  #2  
mudmachine's Avatar
Pro Rider
Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 920
Likes: 0
Default

You've been broke in for about 200 miles.. HIT IT!!..
 
Reply
Old May 13, 2000 | 11:50 PM
  #3  
Deej's Avatar
Pro Rider
Joined: Jan 2000
Posts: 459
Likes: 0
Default

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
 
Reply
Old May 14, 2000 | 01:07 AM
  #4  
Xplor's Avatar
Thread Starter
|
Pro Rider
Joined: Mar 2000
Posts: 2,002
Likes: 0
Default

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.
 
Reply
Old May 14, 2000 | 02:01 PM
  #5  
mudmachine's Avatar
Pro Rider
Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 920
Likes: 0
Default

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...
 
Reply
Old May 14, 2000 | 05:57 PM
  #6  
CaptNemo's Avatar
Pro Rider
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 778
Likes: 0
Default

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.
 
Reply
Old May 14, 2000 | 06:24 PM
  #7  
Odin's Avatar
Pro Rider
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 289
Likes: 0
Default

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.
 
Reply
Old May 14, 2000 | 07:07 PM
  #8  
Xplor's Avatar
Thread Starter
|
Pro Rider
Joined: Mar 2000
Posts: 2,002
Likes: 0
Default

Thanks for the input!!
 
Reply
Old May 14, 2000 | 07:08 PM
  #9  
Xplor's Avatar
Thread Starter
|
Pro Rider
Joined: Mar 2000
Posts: 2,002
Likes: 0
Default

Thanks for the input!!
 
Reply
Old May 14, 2000 | 07:12 PM
  #10  
SWAC1's Avatar
Pro Rider
Joined: Feb 2000
Posts: 400
Likes: 0
Default

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'.
 
Reply



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 04:06 PM.