MPI Apex sitting for 2 years...maintenance.

[347strokin]

Hey guys,

So I've got a Stage 2 MPI Apex MTX which has been sitting for two years. I've fired it up here and there but haven't had it out for a run.

I'm heading up to the mountains to remember what boost feels like again...lol

I've done a blower and engine oil change, the blower belt is new, and I've greased all the zerks on the sled.

What else would you guys check before heading out for 3 days?

Thanks!

 

[mtnxr]

Sounds simple but good fresh fuel for sure.

 

[powdermuncher]

If you have a air fuel gauge calibrate it and make sure the gem is dialed to cut down on messing with it on your trip. looks like you have everything else covered.

 

[347strokin]

Thanks guys. I'm running an RB3 so I should be good on tuning. Good call on the fuel and AFR.

 

[stingray719]

I have worked with alot of vehicles that have sat for extended periods. On all those (mine included) I put STA-BIL in the fuel at double the recommended dose and try to run the fuel down as far as possible before filling with fresh. This should clean any varnish or crud from lines and injectors.

I know others may disagree, but this has worked well for me.

 

[powdermuncher]

Done that before as well and it usually does work.

 

[philsummers21]

On a side note If you know its going to sit for awhile Sea foam works great. Also works good if its been sitting awhile. Put a can or 2 in the fuel.

 

[obile]

On a side note If you know its going to sit for awhile Sea foam works great. Also works good if its been sitting awhile. Put a can or 2 in the fuel.

agree on this ! 50/50 chance of sta bil working. been using seafoam for 10 or so years and has never let me down. drain tank mix seafoam to 1 gal of gas run through sled. let it sit all summer top it off with fresh fuel and ride.never have to tear a carb apart and clean after using this.

 

[347strokin]

Thanks for the info guys!

 

[kinger9]

I would put it on a stand and run it with the track spinning and make sure all the driveline bearings are free and spinning easily with no heat. Before you start spinning with the engine try it with just your hands if its hard to turn you know the bearings may need a shot of grease. The two I'm thinking of is the clutch drive shaft and jack shaft bearings. They are sealed but pop the covers off with a small prick tool and make sure they are good.

 

[347strokin]

I would put it on a stand and run it with the track spinning and make sure all the driveline bearings are free and spinning easily with no heat. Before you start spinning with the engine try it with just your hands if its hard to turn you know the bearings may need a shot of grease. The two I'm thinking of is the clutch drive shaft and jack shaft bearings. They are sealed but pop the covers off with a small prick tool and make sure they are good.

Kinger, are there grease zerks under there or are you just using a needle style tip to grease them?
I wonder what kind of shape they're in. I've never checked them out. Only have 1700 kms on the old girl.

 

[red]

Thats the problem, there is no grease zerks on either of those brgs behind & below the secondary clutch. No idea why yamaha couldnt have had the bearing mfg make them greaseable. They seem to fail whenever. Buddy got an apex from wa. state, 400miles on it. Lower brg died out the first day. Changed it out that nite in the trailer. When I used to ride alot, I replace them before the season started each yr. There cheap, but take some time to do. Im not a really a fan of repacking them, as there is no way to see all sides of the balls or all of the race. But thats me, I know there is lots of people that try to clean them out & put new grease in. Good for you, I dont have that type of luck.

 

[347strokin]

Thanks for the info Red.
What's the easiest way to determine if that bearing is toast? More play on the secondary?
Is it easier to just remove the secondary to get some grease on these bearings?

 

[kinger9]

Freewheeling the track by hand will tell you. If they need some grease you will be able to tell. Mine get a little stiff sitting over summer, once i pop the seal and spray clean with brake kleen then blow out throughly with air, grease about 1/3-1/2 of the bearing like the pict below. I can really tell a difference when I go to spin the track afterwards.

Here is the bearing cleaned (do this for both jackshaft and driveshaft)

Here is the packing, DO NOT pack the entire bearing it will blow the grease out at high speed. Do it this way then spin it by hand and make sure it gets circulated before putting the seal on.

If you fill it full of grease it will look like this which you dont want:

Finished bearings, this is of course if yoru bearings are in good shape. Which you can tell if it rolls nice and easy afterwards, if it doesn't time for a swap which is a PITA

 

[347strokin]

Thanks a million Kinger. I'd read about those bearings but couldn't picture the process.
I've kept up on your sleds progress over the years. Good to see a SC Apex going strong. Hope you get your gearing figured back out.