I have been racing my Predator for the past 8 months or so and I run it pretty hard. I am wondering if and when you should change the piston to keep it running good and keep to it from tearing up and having to rebuild the engine? I thought I read somewhere that every 50 hours or so you should change it if you run it hard. And how hard is it to put a new piston in? Do you need any special tools or what? Thanks for any input on this subject.

 

I changed mine out when I had it apart........its not too hard to do if you have some mechanical ability, and have access to these forums(I can help)......If you want to run a mix between race fuel(110) and premuim(92) I'd go with a Wiseco high compression 12.5 piston. If not, you could see if wiseco makes a smaller compression piston, or you'll have to go with a JE.....

 

As long as the compression is good and it doesnt burn oil, I wouldnt worry about it untill the engine has 100 hours on it.
Cap'n

 

I'm almost positive that it has over a hundred hours on it and I do think it is burning a little bit of oil. It seems as if the performance has dropped a little bit like its loosing a little compression. So I think I will go ahead and change it when I get a good chance to. I do want to go with a higher compression piston but not sure how high yet. So are there any special tools that I will need to pick up to do this job or is it just your basic tools? Thanks for the info guys I appriciate it.

 

It probably definately needs new rings......decide on a compression and go with a route like I told you......

you'll need a ring compressor, torque wrench, timing chain tensioner key(get at polaris dealership)......and some general knowledge.....

 

Cool thanks Brad.