stock '09 RMK, what mods?

[RJF]

I've got a bone stock '09 RMK 800 155 with 256 miles on it. Only thing done so far is a fancy red flame windshield and a Sno Stuff can. I'm curious to find out what mods are worth doing and which aren't. Another question is am I pretty much through the break in period at this point?

I was pretty happy with this '09 after coming off of a highly modded 900RMK, but I do miss the snappy torque my 900 had on the trail. It was geared down a little though.

I am not interested in turbos, twin pipes, internal engine mods, track changes, etc. What are a few simple things worth doing that don't cost a lot? Or should I just leave it stock and put some miles on it?

 

[snowboatboy]

Some sort of boards, the new rsi dumpers look pretty sweet, but whatever you chose that should have that on the upper part of your list. After a fix kit of course, if it doesn't already have one.

 

[RJF]

What is a "fix kit?"

 

[supersmith]

http://www.pmspolaris.com/FIX-KIT-F...l.htm?productId=-405614&catalogId=-3275&fpg=1

 

[Polaris pride]

Fix kit, since its an rmk be sure to change shocks all around. Other than that, your passed the break in.

 

[RJF]

Is this "fix kit" really necessary? I mean, do I really run the risk of my motor blowing up in a couple of thousand miles? I would think if the piston slap issue was that bad, Polaris would have recalled them?

I realized I asked for help, but I am skeptical of some of this stuff because I have heard it before:

My '03 800 Escape, that it was a ticking time bomb of the crank breaking. I still have that sled with 1900 miles, stock, and original crank.

I heard it again with my '05 900, piston problems and crank breaking issues. Traded that sled at 2500miles, no engine problems.

What is wrong with my shocks?

 

[RJF]

I am maybe thinking an SLP single. Through reading some of the stickies, I take it I don't NEED a controller box? That infact the single pipe helps to correct the stock rich ECM tune?

Does anyone have a link to a good source for directions on how to change springs/weights and service the clutches?

 

[TheBCSledder]

I am maybe thinking an SLP single. Through reading some of the stickies, I take it I don't NEED a controller box? That infact the single pipe helps to correct the stock rich ECM tune?

Does anyone have a link to a good source for directions on how to change springs/weights and service the clutches?

The stock ECM mapping is NOT rich. It actually has a lean spot in the mid range, which a lot of guys with these sleds correct with a fuel controller. And yes, it is necessary to put in the fix kit. Polaris did recall these sleds, and put in different cylinders and double ring pistons hoping it would help, but they still blow up frequently (unless you are one of the few lucky ones. And when they do blow up, there is a very good possibility that the broken piston skirt will not only destroy your cylinders, but also the crank shaft and crank case. I think it will save you money in the long run if you just do it. Check out the dedicated thread for these 800s failures on here. Good luck!

 

[RJF]

Just ran my serial and the recall was done before I bought it. ( I bought my '09 in 2011 as "old stock"). I'm going to run it. I have pretty good luck with the old saying "if it's not broke, don't fix it."

 

[force it in]

Don't mean to be rude But when not if your lucky but when you can also research how to get used parts or new and where the best prices are . I really hope you have better luck then 80 percent of us did good luck!!

 

[TheBCSledder]

I still highly recommend the Fix Kit. Anyway, good luck. The IQ chassis is killer!

 

[SaskRMK]

you wont like hearing this but save your money for pistons, cylinders, cranks and cases!

 

[harrysmith500]

you can pay for a 600$ fix kit now, or a 3,000$ motor in a few months.


Doesn't it stand out to you when everyone of us is saying "PUT IN A FIX KIT"????


Or did you not come here to listen to us, the die hards?

 

[tahoermk]

they are not pullin your leg!

I thought I was one of the lucky ones. I put a PC5 on after about 700 miles, and I just grenaded my motor after 1700 miles. Put in the fix kit listed above! You never know when or where, but it will happen. It will grenade, and hopefully you will be close to the truck! Do the fix before and have some peace of mind out there. Your call.

 

[TheBCSledder]

The fix kit also gives you more power (about 5 hp I believe) and you`re sled will also run way smoother.

 

[RJF]

you can pay for a 600$ fix kit now, or a 3,000$ motor in a few months.


Doesn't it stand out to you when everyone of us is saying "PUT IN A FIX KIT"????


Or did you not come here to listen to us, the die hards?

I do appreciate it, really. But it's not a $600 deal. It's just that for the parts, and I've never had a 2 stroke apart, so figure a couple hundred more to have the kit installed.

I just keep going back to....

in the mid 2000's, EVERYONE was breaking the crank on their 800 Escapes.... I was there. You needed this, and you needed that to fix it. All I ever did was ride it. Nothing but gas, oil, one set of plugs, and 2000 miles later it's still running.

Back in 05-06 when EVERYONE was having piston issues, cranks breaking, and blowing belts on their 900's, I was there. I put 2500 miles on my '05 900 with only 2 belts, and original motor.

You can see why I would be naturally skeptical. I have less than 300 miles on my '09 800. I doubt I will pass 600 miles before it's gone and I'm on a Pro anyway.

Wait..... is this a problem in the new Pro sleds too?

 

[TheBCSledder]

I think the Pros are having similar problems. You can still get the Fix Kit for 2013 Pros.

 

[RJF]

If the new Polaris 800 sleds are still having engine troubles, I just might have to look at the new Cats. I'm getting tired of every Polaris I've had being a supposed ticking time bomb.

 

[jeepin270]

Get a fix kit! Buy a spare Vr and ecu. Slap ur self in the face when ur stranded on the trail for not listening to people that know.

 

[Toddstud2003]

Hey guys, I'm getting ready to put new top end in my 08 dragon 800. I see the "fix kit" is the way to go. So it has shim that goes under base gasket? how does making the cylinder taller eliminate the piston slap? Are the pistons different size than stock?