Start and idle for break-in?

[Jrmay]

It's way too cold, at least for me, to get my new Super 8 150 out of the garage.  Since it's only got 50 miles on it, should I start and let it run for a few minutes every few days?

[CROSSBOLT]

NO! Get a battery tender or an automatic charger that has a low amperage setting and keep the battery up until it gets warmer. You could disconnect and remove the battery to the warmer house for the cold weather duration. Start and idle produces really bad stuff in the crankcase that normally evaporates with heat of operation when we ride somewhere. Idle does not recharge the battery what it takes to start the engine so the battery steadily goes down. It is tough to allow a new scoot to just sit there!

Karl

[MaryK]

Before you pull the battery, be sure to add Sta-Bil or other gasoline stabilizer to the gas:
Buy Sta-Bil
Read the scooter manual to see how much gas the tank holds and how much Sta-Bil to add to a full tank
Add the proper amount of Sta-Bil for a full tank and then fill the gas tank with gas.
Make sure the stabilizer mixes with the gas
 and run the engine long enough to refill the Float Bowl on the carb.  or drain the Float Bowl.

Then either pull the battery and store it in the warm or set up to connect a battery maintainer monthly or weekly.

Plug the exhaust with a rag or stopper to keep out moisture and pests.

Happy New Year

[blue]

I beleave in just going out and leting it run for a few that way your running the oil threw the scoot to help keep things fresh. same as the gas going threw the carb and the gear oil. thinks wont sit a rust up on ya. I have a 07 agilty and never took the battery out. Just throw a charger on it ounce in a while and im all good.

[Jrmay]

Thanks for all the advise.  I keep my garage heated to 60* during the winter and never needed a trickle charger on my mower battery but I suppose I can pick one up and throw on it.  Already added Stabil so I should be ok there.  Come on already Mr. Spring .

[MaryK]

A trickle charger is not what you need but a battery maintainer is.
Trickle chargers will overcharge a battery if left connected too long.
A battery maintainer will reduce it output when the battery is charged and resume charging when/if the battery voltage drops.
Sears & Walmart sell maintainers for about $20.

Like this: http://www.amazon.com/Schumacher-SEM-1562A-Speed-Charge-Maintainer/dp/B0009IBJAS/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1356878458&sr=8-1&keywords=Schumacher+Battery+Charger

Glad to hear you use Sta-Bil.
 I contacted the company when I saw how many products they sell now and they recommend the std red Sta-bil for my use.


Happy New Year

[CROSSBOLT]

I think Mary is right about the trickle charge is right in that it could do too much charge if left on too long. A trickler would require periodic attention where the maintainer would not. A garage at 60 deg F or more would be the best insurance against a low battery freezing. You already put Stabil in the gas so you should be covered for when it warms up.

Karl

[streido]

If you can just ride it up and down the driveway or street a few times once a week, that way everything gets to move and wojt sieze up. If you cant do that then trickle the battery and dont store it on the tyres, if poss lift it off the ground on blocks to stop flatspots on them if its going to be sitting for a while.

[wordslinger]

you can just ride it up and down the driveway or street a few times once a week

                   


                                               

[blue]

you can just ride it up and down the driveway or street a few times once a week

                   


                                               

  x2 keeping your scoot moveing is the best thing for it.

[MotoRandy123]

 If you cannot ride for at least 1/2 hour you'll do more harm than good starting it.

 Short commutes will kill your muffler at least and there's not enough time for the
water to boil out of your oil so you'll get water into your bearings.

 A sitting bike will mostly rust in the cylinder (especially if it stops with a valve open) thus
removing the plug and spraying fogging oil is recommended if stored in a cold area.

[MaryK]

If you cannot ride for at least 1/2 hour you'll do more harm than good starting it.

 Short commutes will kill your muffler at least and there's not enough time for the
water to boil out or your oil so you'll get water into your bearings.

 A sitting bike will mostly rust in the cylinder (especially if it stops with a valve open) thus
removing the plug and spraying fogging oil is recommended if stored in a cold area.

My DH & I agree.

Happy New Year

[wordslinger]

time for the water to boil out of your oil so you'll get water into your bearings.



..water in your oil??

[MotoRandy123]

Yes a parked vehicle will have condensation on metal surfaces when the temperature changes.
It's the same as dew. This causes rust inside the cylinder as well as water in the oil. It's not a lot
a teaspoon or so but enough to cause problems.

[wordslinger]

..i've never seen water in my oil when i drain the crankcase...

..the water should drain out first, and i've never seen a drop...