I have recently read about the 400 2 strokes having piston problems with the skirts breaking. does this affect all years? I looked up a 96 piston on the microfiche and a 2002 and the numbers and pictures are different. hopefully a good sign, as I have a 2002 400. thanks

 

I realize I should of posted this in the "ask the expert" category, but anybody else with knowledge is more then welcome to respond!

 

Pistons just changed over the years because of intake and exhaust port changes.Piston skirt breakage isn't the pistons fault,but the owners. Usually a piston will let you know well in advance tha it's worn by all the rattling and racket they make.If you let a 400 or any other atv two stroke piston wear too far skirt breakage can happen along with some atvs like the 400, engine case damage can happen also. If you have any doubts as to the condition of the top end tear it down and inspect. Best replacement pistons are Wiseco which is a good forged piston not a cast piston like the stock one is. They're available in any over size needed.

 

thanks for the respond OPT. I asked because the Kawasaki kdx220 dirtbike model is supposedly well known for the same issue, but with no supposed warning at all

 

I had an old KDX200 myself years ago. You just have to keep an eye out on any two stroke engine as to the way it's running and sounding,plus keep the air filters clean and oiled as that's the life of the engine.

 

https://atvconnection.com/forums/pol...reakage-5.html read rick ritter's responses.. this is the kinda stuff that makes me nervous. I don't want to keep harping on this, but I guess I kinda am it's worth the read, the whole thing actually