Break-In Worries

AC400TX · 07-30-2008, 02:29 AM

When I bought my Arctic Cat last month, I asked the tech that was going over it with me about break-in.

He said it wasn't necessary to worry about it, because the engines went through a break-in at the factory.

I took his word for it, and have put about 60 miles on it so far.

I haven't abused it, but I've had it wide open 3-4 times, and have pulled my 5x10 trailer around the yard a little.

The manual says a 10 hour (100 mile) break-in is necessary, and that during this time, you should stay below 1/2 throttle and not tow a trailer.

It's running just fine, but I'm worried that I may have damaged something.

Any thoughts, experience, etc. on this topic?

outlander560 · 07-30-2008, 02:49 AM

the factory doesnt break it in they just test and see if all the components are working... if the engine is running fine then ur ok.. u can tow the trailer thats not going to be a real load for ur cat... the reason why the manuel says that is so u dont blow anything because ur putting the atv through stress it has never been through before all the things ur doing is ok and it wont harm ur atv but u do not want to push ur atv to much like pulling anything over 500 pounds until theres 100 to 150 miles on ur speedo... try not to put the gas on all the way cause the engine has never done that before and the chance of blowing a gasket increases

*Stoopidbot1* · 07-30-2008, 06:12 AM

Outlander is absolutely correct. I know several people who have bought quads brand new and took them straight to the track and raced them. The main thing with breaking in a motor is varying your RPM's. You can open the motor up all the way just don't hold it there. The break in time is mainly away for Artic Cat to void a warranty on a brand new machine. If something goes wrong in that time they can blame it on the user.

GrizzlyRider · 07-30-2008, 08:26 AM

I would change the oil after the 100 miles and don't gun it during the first 100 miles or so. Nice even RPM accelerations.

SunLrider · 07-30-2008, 09:55 AM

mine was never broken in even by the original owners who really never rode it and i blew a gasket going around the yard cause i was beating on it