Tip The breakdown Curve

ivantherussian03

Veteran Member
I first heard about the breakdown curve maybe 20 years now, reading a Nick Janes book. It is the idea that older or perhaps used machines require work, which is not rocket science I suppose.

I am little bit of freak about machine maintaince at times. I have to find balance between the costs and reality. Yet I am falling behind, all my machines are down at the moment: two honda atv and one snowmobile. The one Honda just needs the tires replaced, one just won't hold air. The other waiting for me to finish installing the engine. That project is held up on 7 dollars worth of parts. The snow mobile I think has major problems requiring the engine to be pulled, the problem identifyed , parts & tools ordered , then repaired . It is all a process I suppose.

Someone said just buy new,but I scoffed.

New machines require cash and payments, or both. Either way there is no free ride.
I will change out tires from the older Honda to the newer one . Then continue waiting for my 7 dollars worth of parts, maybe look at what can do to finish with out them. Engines have a lot things connected. Get that one running. At the same times look at the snow go and get the parts ordered, and start the ball rolling.
 

Crawlingtoy

Veteran Member
Older isn't always better, but I'm a fan of it. I'd rather tinker and learn how it works. I assume that's your problem too. At any given time I have four or more "projects" going and if I don't I kinda freak out.

You're not alone.
 

ivantherussian03

Veteran Member
Good news... I called in a doctor for second opinion. The snow go pull start is acting up, making pulling it very difficult. Pistons and crank are fine. Last, I pulled that engine already to prevent just issue. A broken off bolt head that drains the bottom of the engine of oil and extra gas was leaking . The leaking would ultimately shorten the life of the engine.
 

ivantherussian03

Veteran Member
I am a fan of older machines. They simpler to work on. EFI machines are much more expensive to repair and in many cases require dealer expertise. I have taken out my older Honda engine several times , each time is easier and faster. It is a good feeling to know your equipment.
 

Jackpine Savage

Veteran Member
I hear you. My ATV is a 1993 Polaris. It has been remarkably reliable but during deer hunting it started smoking like crazy and doesn't have any power. I haven't yet dug into it, ATVs have to be the worst thing to work on, you practically have to disassemble the whole machine to get at anything. Green slime solved my tire problems.
 

ivantherussian03

Veteran Member
I worked on my honda two days in a row, as much as my back let me. All considered it looked like I knew what I was doing. I hung exhaust on hand tightening the bolts till all pieces were connected. I did the same for the motor mounts, as I took one mount apart three times in order to them all correctly placed on and installed. I connected the carb, air filter, and gas tank. I primed the carb. At that point I had to start it, one pull, and it hummed. It sounded good so I ran it 15 minutes. I installed the body parts and odds and ends.

Tomorrow I finish and trade out the honda for my Polaris snowgo. I need to clean the fuel pump of water, before that is a problem. That is an hour job .
 

ivantherussian03

Veteran Member
This morning I found a starter rebuild kit in my parts supply, and figured I might as well install it. Just as well, the old one used up and full of carbon. I struggled with it some, but eventually got it put together, and working. So now everything is new on this engine. I had my 2nd opinion doctor come over and trouble shoot my work. He listened to the engine and suggested I checked the oil, which I had. But now with the engine running and oil circulating it dropped the oil level and it was not full any more. I was lucky I called him as I would not have thought of that. I test drove the Honda several miles. I am very pleased. 2 of the three machines are running. I might tackle the third one tomorrow.

I put the snow go in the shop and intend to go up and work on it.
 

ivantherussian03

Veteran Member
I have been hesitant to work on the 3rd machine outside. I am hoping the temperature warms up, maybe to at least 20, and the wind could stop blowing too, that would help.
 

Crawlingtoy

Veteran Member
I'm glad you are getting some stuff fixed, doesn't it feel good?

I wouldn't work outside in those conditions either unless I was broke down away from a shop.
 

ivantherussian03

Veteran Member
I think it is problematic when they all go kaput at the same time. Going to the store, PO, and work, etc all become more difficult. They all been running fine, although I have parked the 4 wheelers during the cold winter, even though it has been a mild winter. Spring might be upon us were getting long stretches of sunny days. I have been wondering when I will park the snowmobile . It won't happen till the melt.

The weather has been nice. I did check the differential on the newer machine and it was bone dry, so I ordered enough for all the differentials; they probably all need oil. They are amazingly tough machines, but oil is essential.

I have kept the snow go gas tank fuel to cut down or stop the condensation of H2O, which is problematic.
 

Jackpine Savage

Veteran Member
We got up to 50 degrees yesterday, a record in some parts of MN, so I decided to work on the 4 wheeler. After thinking about it for a couple months it dawned on me that the ATV, mower, and Dr trimmer ALL started running like crap at about the same time, right after I added stabilizer. So I drained everything, put in fresh gas and the ATV and mower started right up and ran great. Haven't tried the trimmer yet. So either the gas went bad (out of the bulk tank), or the Stabil was bad. It was a relief to get them running without major repairs.
 

ivantherussian03

Veteran Member
Tell tell signs of spring

I am seeing the signs of early spring. I rode my trap line. The cliffs are melting. Clear sunny days leaves exposed items in snow to warm and melt the snow. A log I got stuck on two weeks ago, is more exposed now. The road is turning to mud.

Anyways, it will be time to pull out the Honda soon.
 

ivantherussian03

Veteran Member
The road is mostly gravel, at least the part I drive. I have started driving my Honda. It started right up and the fuel tank was still full of fuel. Honda is running great. I filled the back differential. I need to change the engine oil and repair a stripped oil plug in the shop. I was waiting to do that in the shop. The previous owner was not a mechanic.
 

ivantherussian03

Veteran Member
I started rebuilding an atv engine by tearing down an old engine . I have two spare engines. I am finding YouTube to be useful in a educational sense. I have never rebuilt an engine but figure it is better to learn on my schedule. I am sure this will take some time.
 
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