RKTek Drop in

[aebsledder]

Reliable?

Not doubting Kelsey's work (I am looking at a kit myself), but how can anyone make a claim that it's "reliable"? Has Polaris managed to set the bar so low on their engines that if your sled makes it past 500 miles with no issues you have a "reliable" machine? My 2011 Pro has a service record that looks like the Bible. 2 Broken Motor Mounts, 1 Primary Clutch sheared in half (WTF), TPS, Cracked Cylinder Skirt, and a whole host of other issues I probably forgot about. That being said, I am out of warrantyand am trying to find a solution to a problem that seems to exist within the 800 powerplant. Anybody on here have a solid 1500 miles or more with the Drop-In kit? How about 2000? I would consider 2500 miles with no issues "reliable". Yeah, I know, I am crazy.

 

[rotax]

Has Polaris managed to set the bar so low on their engines that if your sled makes it past 500 miles with no issues you have a "reliable" machine?

Yes, that right there is the answer I think. The saddest part being that many think its normal/fine/an acceptable amount of failures, or because the chassis makes up for it. But I find that to be BS, what a sad standard to accept or live by..

All I know is I need something different before I have to buy a new engine out of pocket...

Unfortunately it'll take longer to wait for feedback from enough guys with 1500 miles + that I'll most likely have gone through an engine by then..

 

[JedInUtah]

Not doubting Kelsey's work (I am looking at a kit myself), but how can anyone make a claim that it's "reliable"? Has Polaris managed to set the bar so low on their engines that if your sled makes it past 500 miles with no issues you have a "reliable" machine? My 2011 Pro has a service record that looks like the Bible. 2 Broken Motor Mounts, 1 Primary Clutch sheared in half (WTF), TPS, Cracked Cylinder Skirt, and a whole host of other issues I probably forgot about. That being said, I am out of warrantyand am trying to find a solution to a problem that seems to exist within the 800 powerplant. Anybody on here have a solid 1500 miles or more with the Drop-In kit? How about 2000? I would consider 2500 miles with no issues "reliable". Yeah, I know, I am crazy.

Drop in kit is new for the Polaris powerplant so you guys have to make your own history. I have been using it in my skidoo 800 and have just shy of 1500 miles on it no problem. I know other doo's that have upwards of 3000 on drop in kits and 827/860 BB and still running. Are there a few problems in all those kits out there. Sure, bound to be, but looks like it is having a better track record than the stock motors of late.

Kelsey was testing this all last season before releasing it to production. I would suspect knowing how he rides, that in his 12' he had 1-2000 miles on it.

The key is taking your time and making sure you do a "clean" and "proper" install.

 

[frog]

Those specs are only relevant to factory cast pistons. The forged ones require different clearances.

I think you took my post out of context. I meant the Stock pistons were out of spec right out of the gate. I realize that the forged pistons are set for a different spec by their design.

 

[IceCap]

I run P.A head 13:1 on my 2011 pro with 163" Will the drop in kit work well with this head?

 

[tdblakes]

I run P.A head 13:1 on my 2011 pro with 163" Will the drop in kit work well with this head?

No. RKT's head is part of the drop in kit.

RKT also has pistons that are direct replacements to the OEM pistons, which will work with the PAR head, but there is no claimed performance increase, just the claim of better tollerances

 

[IceCap]

I appreciate the answer.... but I don't understand what is the difference? I know the head he uses is to increase compression, due to the lower compression pistons.

I guess I will have to talk to Kelsey.

 

[Vfrtrader]

I think the kit pistons is a custom piston that is specially for Rtk's head. Which is a different piston than the replacement piston.

 

[seth25]

So there are two different pistons...One set with the drop in kit, which includes the head. Another set of pistons are the direct replacement pistons??

I run a SLP Stage 3. Just wondering what would be best for me? I'm assuming just the direct replacement?

 

[Macattack]

I'm just counting the days ... in the back of my mind I know something bad will happen. The intense vibrations at idle is a sign. One more year of warranty on the 2012.

Anyways, used RKT's DOO drop in kit for 6 years on my 04 Summit. Put on over 6000+ miles with no issues. Over time replaced the pistons twice for wear and rings every year. Ended up going for ported jugs down the road too. The power was night and day over stock. The details in this kit is what makes it work so well. The only issues I had was getting the jetting right but I was new to the process. I rode low elevations at times so 114 octane was needed. Lesson learned, I'll go lower compression next time.

 

[Jer27]

What is everyone using for oil with these kits. All I can find in my area for a non synthetic oil is Yamaha oil.... I wanna pin it this weekend use the Yamaha oil????

 

[shell_guy]

What is everyone using for oil with these kits. All I can find in my area for a non synthetic oil is Yamaha oil.... I wanna pin it this weekend use the Yamaha oil????

Shell Advance non-syn is available at Walmart, most shell gas stations, and most automotive part stores.

 

[mountainhorse]

I do not agree with using the cheapo mineral oils in the our new engines.... in a Doo 800 carbed... or a polaris carbed... or cfi 4...maybe... in your DC-CFI-2 PRO 800/600 engine... no way.

But in these new engines that have a completely dry crankcase except for oil... as well as the high loading of these compact motors... you need a REALLY high quality oil.... not saying synthetic is necessary... but def high quality... Ask Kelsey if he's using Cheapo oil.





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[mountainhorse]

So there are two different pistons...One set with the drop in kit, which includes the head. Another set of pistons are the direct replacement pistons??

I run a SLP Stage 3. Just wondering what would be best for me? I'm assuming just the direct replacement?

"Drop in kit" pistons alter the piston dome height for changes in port timing.... these require a lowered cylinder head dome to maintain the compression ratio.

Replacement pistons maintain the stock piston dome height and therefore do not require a head or other changes.

One has a claimed PERFORMANCE change. ("Drop-In Kit")

The other is simply what the mfg claims as a higher quality piston. (Replacement)




.

 

[akrevrider]

I do not agree with using the cheapo mineral oils in the our new engines.... in a Doo 800 carbed... or a polaris carbed... or cfi 4...maybe... in your DC-CFI-2 PRO 800/600 engine... no way.

But in these new engines that have a completely dry crankcase except for oil... as well as the high loading of these compact motors... you need a REALLY high quality oil.... not saying synthetic is necessary... but def high quality... Ask Kelsey if he's using Cheapo oil.

What about using Polaris Blue semi-synthetic oil?

 

[mountainhorse]

I'd put the Polaris Blue in the lower quality end of the spectrum...

This is my OPINION.


.

 

[akrevrider]

Understand that Polaris Blue oil is not on the highest level of the quality spectrum. My main use for it has been for break in purposes then switching to a high quality synthetic oil after the first tank of oil.

 

[gman086]

What is everyone using for oil with these kits. All I can find in my area for a non synthetic oil is Yamaha oil.... I wanna pin it this weekend use the Yamaha oil????

Yamalube semi-synthetic oil is considered to be a top shelf oil so no worries at all using that. Ask around, you won't hear much negative press from any of the Yamaha additives. I've used 2S for over 30 years in various sleds.

Have FUN!

G MAN

 

[knifedge]

--Yamalube 2S is great bargain -- quality for the price

 

[aebsledder]

We all know what happens when it turns to a "which oil is best" thread.

Just sayin...