2 stroke engine problems all brands

[Chad9063]

Here it is in a nut shell, all sleds that are on the market today have their individual issues some can be addressed early and some are sneaky. That being said, I have seen all different years and brands grenade their mills, a 2-stroke motor by design is a time bomb if that is a problem for you then find a different pastime. If you own a sled, pwc, dirt bike or quad be prepared for greasy hands and grief plus an angry wallet. Now, let's diagnose 95% of motor failures.
1. Have you let your sled properly break in?
2. Every time you go out and start it up do you let it warm up to 100-110 degrees?
3. Are you running the correct oil?
4. Are you running high enough octane to stop detonation?
5. Are you running a plug with the proper heat range?
6. Have you modified your engine in anyway beyond oem spec?
7. Are you not varying your speed across the band?
8. Are you pinning the throttle for extended periods of time?
If any of these describe you than there is a chance that the problem is not the sled it most likely is the operator. These machines have limitations. Not to say that the companys building them have it all perfect, they don't. News flash that's why improvements are always on the way.

 

[GRD]

Here it is in a nut shell, all sleds that are on the market today have their individual issues some can be addressed early and some are sneaky. That being said, I have seen all different years and brands grenade their mills, a 2-stroke motor by design is a time bomb if that is a problem for you then find a different pastime. If you own a sled, pwc, dirt bike or quad be prepared for greasy hands and grief plus an angry wallet. Now, let's diagnose 95% of motor failures.
1. Have you let your sled properly break in?
2. Every time you go out a start it up do you let it warm up to 100-110 degrees?
3. Are you running the correct oil?
4. Are you running high enough octane to stop detonation?
5. Are you running a plug with the proper heat range?
6. Have you modified your engine in anyway beyond oem spec?
7. Are you not varying your speed across the band?
8. Are you pinning the throttle for extended periods of time?
If any of these describe you than there is a chance that the problem is not the sled it most likely is the operator. These machines have limitations. Not to say that the companys building them have it all perfect, they don't. News flash that's why improvements are always on the way.

Welcome to the site! Great first post to dive in with!

 

[Chad9063]

Thanks, just sick of brand bashing I have owned all different kinds. I have blown a few up and it was always my fault. If people think that these company's would be in business after all of these years if they made crap products your wrong. Stop pasting the buck! If you jumped into your car and redlined it for 2 minutes down road the motor will blow a sled is no different. Just say'n!!!

 

[gdhillon]

I feel like every dealer should go over that list with you when you go out to buy your first new sled

 

[Chad9063]

Absolutely, it should be a list that all OEM's issue to all salesman and/or service pros. It's really a no brainer. Your machine will only give back what you give it. I have an 2014 800 Pro R and it is powerful, great handling and comfy. Just because it may go past the C-note does mean it has to the whole time I'm riding, have some respect for it and down the road it will still be there for you. I can't afford a new sled every year, it just makes sense.

 

[maxwell]

maybe if we all took care of our chit sled prices may come down?

 

[gdhillon]

Absolutely, it should be a list that all OEM's issue to all salesman and/or service pros. It's really a no brainer. Your machine will only give back what you give it.

The salesman at cyclenorth actually took the time to go over pretty much your entire list with me.
In the same breath there Chad, some stealerships prob dont give a crap and want us to break our sleds so we will keep the service depart busy

I myself like to think I was an informed consumer b/c I did do tons of research on forums before I bought my pro, and like you said they all have issues no matter what brand

 

[Chad9063]

Just like medicine it's based on treatment, not the cure!!!

 

[JMCX]

Some good points there. I have never done much for break-in personally, once I'm up the trail it's broke in. Some old carbed sleds you had to vary the throttle or pay a price in scuffed pistons but with fuel injection that is (or should be) a thing of the past. Some guys ride around like their right thumb is epileptic. That has to be hard on things too. Knock sensors have done a lot to protect our engines from purposeful and accidental abuse. Four strokes take cold start abuse surprisingly well. Have you seen the EcoBoost torture test vid?

 

[Chad9063]

Also the OEMs don't want their product to seem inferior, but it almost false advertisement. Don't get me wrong I like to go to limit also but, put a limit on your limitless behavior. The guys that we all see on TV don't pay for those sleds and they are paid to hammer them. Have you ever seen a truck commercial, a ton of bricks dumped into the bed does do damage!!!!!

 

[Chad9063]

I do agree, but a little babying goes a long way.

 

[Chad9063]

Some good points there. I have never done much for break-in personally, once I'm up the trail it's broke in. Some old carbed sleds you had to vary the throttle or pay a price in scuffed pistons but with fuel injection that is (or should be) a thing of the past. Some guys ride around like their right thumb is epileptic. That has to be hard on things too. Knock sensors have done a lot to protect our engines from purposeful and accidental abuse. Four strokes take cold start abuse surprisingly well. Have you seen the EcoBoost torture test vid?

Yeah, some guys are erratic with the throttle that would cause damage to sensors, premature wear on all movable parts on your throttlebody. I understand that too. Varying throttle just means don't keep your speed constant why you're in the band the whole time!

 

[KatMan]

Are you pinning the throttle for extended periods of time?

this is tricky one to manage when climbing, but i try to blip it every 8 seconds or so when i have it to the bar.

still amazed what the engines today can withstand, and generally still hold together ride after ride.