You are here

Performance and Maintenance

Content that relates to vehicle/product maintenance or how-to guides for performance upgrades

Product Test - DEI Radiator Relief

Cooler Heads Prevail!
Written By: 
Pete Bengel
vendor.2015.design-engineering-inc.radiator-relief.atv-riding-through-mud.jpg

HEAT. Sometimes it’s your friend, sometimes it’s your enemy. The line between the two is very fine and often by the time you realize it’s been crossed, your engine has already taken a significant hit. Design Engineering Inc. of Ohio knows all about that line and has an extensive line of products that are designed to keep you firmly planted on the right side. One of those products that we’ve used is called “Radiator Relief”.

What is it?

Tech Tips - Phase Separation and Small Engines

Why Gasoline Additives are Necessary with Ethanol-Blended Fuels
Written By: 
Ed Newman
2014.yamaha.raptor.black.right.riding.on-sand.jpg

Change is the one constant in life. It’s also difficult, because when there is a change – whether in technology or how we do things – there are often unforeseen consequences. One change that affects everyone in power sports is the widespread use of ethanol in gasoline. How you prepare for the effects of high ethanol content gasoline in your engine can leave, or remove, a lot of change from your pocket.

Tech Tips - Busted!

A New Tool and Safety Tips for Tire Changes
Written By: 
Staff
vendor.2014.beadbuster.breaking-tire-seal-on-wheel.jpg

Most riders are also do-it-yourselfers. We would rather take on a job ourselves, whether it’s rebuilding an engine or building a backyard shed, than turn it over to somebody else. One task that can be completely deceiving, though, is changing tires. As anyone who has ever attempted to change ATV or Side x Side tires knows, there is hardly a job that appears simpler, yet has the ability to be so completely frustrating.

Tech Tip - Polaris Power Fix

RM Stator Polaris Ignition Updates
Written By: 
Pete Bengel
vendor.2014.rm-stator.polaris-sportsman.parked.on-trail.jpg

There are millions of older model ATVs and early Side x Sides still on the trail and ready for another decade of action.  Like an older truck, though, after long and faithful service even the best of machines will require a little massaging, and some parts are known to be prone to failure. Ignition and electrical problems always pop up unexpectedly with no warning, they’re often difficult to diagnose, and they’re never cheap to fix.

Product Test - Like a BOSS

Bearing Replacment Made Cheap And Almost Easy
Written By: 
John Arens
2014.honda.fourtrax.red.front.riding.through-mud.jpg

Ride any machine long enough and we guarantee you’ll be replacing bearings.  They’re the most critical parts in making sure your machine rolls smoothly.  Considering the conditions most ATVs and UTVS are regularly put through, whether it’s sand, snow or mud, it’s amazing they last as long as they do.  Despite your best care though, eventually some contaminants will creep in and you’ll be faced with a bearing replacement job.  Here’s how to take it on like a boss!

Tech Tip - Engine Defense

Comparing Filters - Paper, Fabric, & Foam
Written By: 
John Arens
2013.kymco.500mxu.red.front.riding.on-dirt.jpg

Think your truck is tough?  ATVs and Side x Sides are designed to perform in terrain and conditions that would make your truck whimper like a scared puppy, and they can do it year after year with the proper maintenance.  The most critical part of that maintenance is regular air filter cleanings and oil changes.  Neither is particularly difficult, time consuming, or tedious, but both are almost universally despised, especially cleaning a sticky, dust caked air filter. 

Tech Troubleshooter - Polaris Sportsman Ignition Fix

Restoring the Bang for Less Bucks!
Written By: 
Master Mechanic Pete Bengel
2013.poalris.sportsman.red.front-right.riding.through-mud.JPG

The Polaris Sportsman is quite possibly the most popular ATV line ever built.  Since its inception in 1993, Polaris has manufactured well over one MILLION units, making it the best-selling utility ATV platform in the industry.  But as with anything mechanical, there have been some issues that have come to the surface, and there was a run of Sportsman 600’s and 700’s from 2002 to mid-2004 that were plagued with electrical problems and failure of the ignition system was a matter of when, not if.

Engine Tech - Oil Filter Breakdown

Inside your Oil Filter
Written By: 
John Arens
2013.suzuki.ltr450.yellow.left.jumping.in-air.JPG

Part of the fun in ATVs and Side x Sides is spinning wrenches from time to time and installing modifications.  We’ve seen all manner of modifications over the years, from highly modified mud runners, to powerful motocross racers designed to soak up the biggest jumps with ease, to rock crawlers that can climb crab-like over boulders we can’t even walk up.  The owners always love their ride, and they also love to talk about it, but we’ve never heard anybody brag about their oil filter.

Engine Primer - 4-Stroke Rebuild

Master Mechanic Pete Shows Us How to Rebuild a Tired Engine
Written By: 
Staff
2013.suzuki.ltr450.yellow.front-right.riding.on-dirt.jpg

If you’re going to ride, you’re also going to wrench now and then.  Most of the time that means nothing more than changing the oil, cleaning an air filter, or simple adjustments.  Every so often though your mechanical buddy will need a major rebuild, the most common of which is replacing piston rings.  On a two stroke this was no problem; pop the cylinder off, hone the bore, install new rings, and get back to riding, often times in the same afternoon.

Tech Tips - Redneck Workshop

Backwoods Creativity to Get the Job Done!
Written By: 
Pete Bengel
atvillustrated.2013.tech-tip.shop.JPG

Jury-rigging.  Backwoods engineering.  Cobbling.  Call it what you want… at some point we’ve all encountered a situation where we’ve had to improvise and come up with a solution that isn’t exactly ideal.  We’ve had some real doozies that make us practically hear Larry the Cable Guy yelling, “Git-R-Done!”   For moral and legal reasons, we won’t publish some of the real hum-dingers, but here are a few of our favorites that don’t involve explosions or imminent trips to the emergency room.

Pages

Support our site we are a Amazon Affiliate partner.

Advertisement