I have a 2004 predator, and a couple days ago i took it out to ride it, and I heard a ticking in the engine. It sounds kinda like a lifter tick in a car, and I was wondering if it could be a loose valve? Has anyone else had this problem. I think I'm probably well over my initial oil change interval. Would an oil change possibly take care of that?

 

Not to say you don't have a potential problem, but Polaris engines make a lot of trashy noise. I got over it a while ago, but when it started, I was really worried. My 500 H.O. has a loud engine knock at idle, but it goes away when you hit the throttle. Type a search for "knock", or something similar, and see how many posts you come up with. You'll feel better when you realize they all make noise.

 

The initial oil change is at 1 hour. If you think you are well past you really need to change your oil!!
probably the most important oil change!! [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-shocked.gif[/img]

 

Yeah, if you are past your initial oil change, that is the reason for the knock most likely. The oil that they put in there is lighter, and a "break in" oil. Change it immeadiately.

 

Initial oil change is at *THREE* hours. Read your manuals more carefully. One hour of light throttle (yeah, right) and two hours of careful riding.

 

no it may say 3 hrs, but it is actually 1 hr. Don't ride it for 3 hours. I wouldn't suggest it anyways.

 

Well, I disagree. If the filter is clogged with break-in metal in only 1 hour of running (the only reason you'd want to do only 1 hour), then the motor is no damned good in the first place. Seriously. Even 3 hours is not very much run-in for a motor at all.

 

The point isn't to say the motor is no good, it is to get the very thin oil out. It is only supposed to be used for a short period of time, and then you can put in the real oil and run it for 10 hrs before you change it again. I am correct on this, my dealer told me to do this, so I'm sure it is right.

 

Your dealer is more correct than Polaris engineers... OK then.

(P.S. I've built and burnt-in an awful lot of motors and 1 hr isn't enough, I'd recommend running no more than 10 hours on the second oil change, too)

 

Yep your right, you must know more than me and my dealer from your extensive knowledge of burning in motors. Listen to this guy then, he must be right.

P.S. (I am going to college right now to become a Polaris engineer for quads....and my dealer is Doug Nicholas)