Does 2014 Spyder RT Need to be started Periodicly when Storing in Cold Garage
Hi Fellow Spyder Lovers - We are new to owning a Spyder and we are storing the Spyder for the winter in the garage (last couple days near zero F). We have a trickle charger to keep the battery charge topped off and for a while every two weeks we would go and start the Spyder up- just to warm up and lubricate all the parts. But a few weeks back we started thinking that it might not be necessary with the newer bikes. Any thoughts pro or con? Thanks a bunch! I can't wait for the warmer weather to start puttering the Spyder around!!!
Thanks! Any Recommendations on Battery Maintainer or Stabilzer for Fuel
Hi-- We can stop at the auto parts store tomorrow. Any recommendations on Battery Maintainer or Fuel Stabilizer, Our dealer sold us the trickle charger. Many Thanks!!!!
NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO O
Quote:
Originally Posted by
SpyderFun
Not at all....provided you 1.) added fuel stabilizer and ran you bike for about 5-10 mins to make sure it made its way to your injectors. And 2.) have it connected to a battery tender to keep your battery fully charged! I have a 2010 and have never had an issue starting it up in the spring and have the OEM battery still in it.
If you do not have a battery tender, you may want to start it up every now and then. Only problem is it takes a lot out of the battery to initialize the start and if you do not allow sufficient time for the battery to "recharge" itself from starting, it may cause you a problem later on down the road.
Hope this helps!
DO NOT FOLLOW THE ABOVE ADVICE IT'S INCORRECT.......IT WILL CAUSE MOISTURE IN ALL THE WRONG PLACES ..................AND OTHERS HERE WILL AGREE......Mike :thumbup:
Fuel stabilizer and batt maintainer
On the 14 RT real easy access to the battery in the drunk. Attach the quick disconnect leads of the maintainer and you're good to go next winter too.
Corrosion Theory Not Supported by BRP Documentation
Quote:
Originally Posted by
BLUEKNIGHT911
DO NOT FOLLOW THE ABOVE ADVICE IT'S INCORRECT.......IT WILL CAUSE MOISTURE IN ALL THE WRONG PLACES ..................AND OTHERS HERE WILL AGREE......Mike :thumbup:
This is only a personal opinion and is not based in any BRP documentation as being a fact as applied to the BRP Spyder and its engine. Without documentation by the manufacturer, the only way left to support this opinion is to do exactly what is claimed you should not due and then look for supporting evidence of this belief.
In other words, start and stop your engine during winterization. Then come springtime disassemble the engine and visually inspect it for the claimed corrosion that starting and stopping causes during said period of storage. Finally, mic out the engine to check for excessive wear resulting from the starting and stopping during storage. This has, to my knowledge, never been done by any owner - but I remain open-minded. If there is no evidence to support the opinion, then the claim is proven false by lack of evidence. Its a simple as that.
The common practice and belief of “…not letting your engine get above operating idle temp causes corrosion…” comes from old school engines that used old school oil and PCV valves. The BRP engine is a hi-tech engine made with superior manufacturing process and materials that uses hi-tech oil which eliminates this old school theory. Can the engine become corrode? Sure, but not the way warned about.
Let’s Put “My Opinion” To a Test…..
MY OPINION: Starting and stopping your engine causes a “net charge loss” of your battery because the 998 engine uses a PMG for its charging system (FYI... PMG explained: http://www.electrosport.com/technica...g-system-works).
Owner Complaints: Initial Spyder owners were complaining of experiencing a “dead battery” even after periods of operation (do a site search on this topic). Why? Likely caused by operating the Spyder at a low RPM - an RPM that they were likely use to operating their previous rides at (i.e. less than 4k) and not regularly using a battery tender.
BRP Supportive Evidence: The 998 engine uses a PMG which, if the above article was read, is not efficient at charging during operation at low RPMs - like idle. The Maintenance Manual for the 2010 - 2011 states (ref: Electrical System - Charging System - Inspection - “Charging System Output (DC Voltage Output Test)”) that to test the electrical charging system is to initially test the battery has a static charge of 12.6vdc (also ref: “Battery Voltage Test (No Load)”). Then check for 13 - 14 vdc and 10A at 4k RPM. The “Battery Load Test (While Cranking)” states the battery should not drop below 10vdc.
"My Opinion" Proved: Simply put, 13vdc @ 4k RPM is higher than the static of 12.6 making a positive charge on the battery at ~10A. Any RPM less than 4k does not guarantee a positive charge back to the battery to replenish the loss occurred during starting which could lead to a “net charge loss” on your battery - especially if farkles have been added. This is why the routine use of a battery tender is strongly suggested by other owners and myself.
"Corrosion" Opinion Disproved by BRP:
BRP DOES NOT STATE, "THAT STARTING AND STOPPING THE ENGINE DURING PERIODS OF STORAGE CAN OR WILL CAUSE CORROSION" (ref: Maintenance - “Storage Procedure (Winterization)”)
In summary, personal opinions are fine as long as they can be supported by evidence by the manufacturer or by the professional training and certification the individual received in a similar discipline.
I hope this helps explain “my opinion” and disprove the "corrosion theory" of others.