Piston burnout prevention tips - Snowmobile World : Your #1 Snowmobile Forum

burnt · 01-26-2002, 02:36 PM

I wanted to know if anyone knew a few ways to keep your sled at top shape and prevent the burning or destruciton of pistons.

Rocketman · 01-26-2002, 02:42 PM

Well...make sure you are jetted properly -- That is the number one reason a piston will go, aside from oil starvation. Put your sled away for the summer properly, and keep your carbs clean and you should be fine. No more burn downs.

burnt · 01-26-2002, 02:51 PM

Thanks for the help i am thinking of buying a 90 650 indy but it has been sitting for 2 years he said he started it every year but i worry about dried up seals know anything about that

7c Wanna Be · 01-26-2002, 02:54 PM

The majority of pistons replaced at the shop I work at is because of bad gas. Either old or too low octane and good by piston.Clean carbs. fresh gas,and quality oil would put dealers out of a lot of work.

burnt · 01-26-2002, 02:56 PM

That helps me out alot i was planning on cleaning the carbs and now ill drain the old gas. Thanks

Mr Siv · 01-26-2002, 04:05 PM

make sure you run quality oil too... mfg. brand oil, amsoil, klotz, etc. not the cheepest no-name stuff you can find. it helps alot.

- Jason

ballsout1 · 01-26-2002, 04:54 PM

If your just buying *a sled the FIRST thing you doo is find out what your starting with, somebody may of modded an airbox, *or leaned it out maybe to suit their riding style, etc. Heads could be cut real close, timing way far advanced, #$@! , I sell all my sleds like this........but I tell the buyer.. and if they want it stock I will take the afternoon to un dial it... Know what you got, keep it maintaned and happy trails..

DanR · 01-27-2002, 08:15 AM

u guys are forgetting the most important. always let your sled warm up before you ride and drive slow for the 1rst mile or 2 and then your safe to go. if you beat the crap out of it when its cold that where the pistons and cyl. get a beating.

Fast Mach Z · 01-27-2002, 09:09 AM

I agree with DANR, warm up that engine for a few minutes before you start out, then drive slow for about a mile. That will really help with piston life. Also, another big one is to run slightly rich. (Not super rich&#33

Your plugs will not last two years, but your pistons will last a very long time. Also, a good quality oil at around a quart per tank of gas and you will ride for years without any engine problems. I'm on year three on the Mach Z I beat the piss out of the motor by riding at 100mph plus and drag racing it all the time! Looks as good as new. Zero motor problems so far.