Apex- 2008 - Gas Mileage???? Comments Plz?

[blustar]

Im going to run my sled into the shop for a warranty call tomorrow but want some opinions on this problem I had yesterday. I have a 2008 Apex

I ride with two guys who have Arctic Cat F7 and F8's and typically for the last three times we have filled up together its like they are $22-$25 where I am about $16-$18.

We were all full before we left on a 260km day ride. Temperature 0C or 30F. On this ride we had my Apex, 2006 F7, 2008 F8 and a 2010 Dragon 800 which just had the engine replaced due factory recall. The Dragon was supposedly terrible on mileage.

We rode the first 130km (80 miles). With the tank on about 1/3 to1/4 remaining. Put in 6.1 US gallons (5 imperial). My buddies with their sleds put in this much.. 2006 F7 5.7 gallons, 2008 F8 - 6.2 gallons, 2010 Dragon 800 6.9 gallons. For the Apex mileage, that was 16mpg (imperial) or 13.1 mpg US Gallons. First thing that came to my mind was.. hmmmm? I know I was leading but the trails were groomed perfectly and i may have been riding a bit harder.

So with the tank full right to the white sleeve, capped it and we started out the remaining 130km. Here's where the problem occurs. Again trails groomed perfectly flat rode moderately to hard. At about 100km of distance, notice the gas bar is down to 2 bars. The bars dropped gradually throughout this half of the ride. At 30km left, the yellow gas warning indicator comes on. Okay no problem two bars and 30km left. Somethings just not right here. So about one mile from the base station and gas station, driving at 70mph, it hesitates for two seconds then goes back to normal. HMMMMM out of gas. Got about 100m from the gas stations, stalls. Starts again, moves 30m, stalls. starts,,, moves another 30m stalls, starts moves another 20m. Stalls, starts, then barely makes it to the pump. Fills up...... only put in 32.2 litres !!!!! (8.1 US gallons or 7 Imp. Gallons) to fill it right to the top. The owners manual states it will take 35.6 litres. Mileage was 11.4 imperial gallons or 9.8 USgallons. The Dragon was almost out of gas while he F7 and F8 had plenty maybe a 1/4 tank.

Mileage is about 1800km on the engine and I beleive i was getting about 18-21 mpg (Imp) before.

What do you think the problem(s) may be here?

 

[Nick1945]

Hey Blu,
If you're just filling it to the bottom of that white sleeve, its not completely full. Either just pull it out and then fill ALL the way to the top, and then replace the sleeve, or, leave it in and just keep putting gas in a little at a time till it won't go down anymore. If you stop at the bottom of the sleeve, you can still get about a half a gallon in there. Try it next time you gas up, you'll see. Every little bit helps.

Nick

 

[grader]

removing the white sleeve is step one, but you must re-route the gas tank vent. on the rx sleds it is on a tube attached to the frame by the secondary clutch. probably the same for the apex. remove it and run it up the steering colum under the bar pad and secure it. do not pinch it. if you dont do this the gas will run out when filled to the very top. as for your poor milage on the second part of the trip, possible slides dragging?.

 

[Winderallday!]

From my experience and others I ride with, generally your gas mileage deteriorating could be a sign of exhaust problems, either donuts, or cracked y-pipes, something to look at anyway. Another thing is dual carbides will really suck back the fuel, especially in mild(er) conditions!

 

[Nick1945]

removing the white sleeve is step one, but you must re-route the gas tank vent. on the rx sleds it is on a tube attached to the frame by the secondary clutch. probably the same for the apex. remove it and run it up the steering colum under the bar pad and secure it. do not pinch it. if you dont do this the gas will run out when filled to the very top. as for your poor milage on the second part of the trip, possible slides dragging?.

Thanks for the gas vent tip, didn't know...will do, on both my sleds.

 

[blustar]

Well before running into the shop, checked the sliders and almost totally worn out. Will get them replaced. Dealer service indicated that it maybe something else with only 11 mpg. I will advise later.


On another note. Slider replacement ??? Go with Factory?? Anything out there that is better the is reasonably priced?

 

[grader]

stock slides are fine. get some scratchers that mount under the running boards, royal distrubiting has them. your slides dragging killed your milage.

 

[tomanytoyz]

Maybe your buddys flipped your miss-adjusted e-brake ,and you didn't see-it?..jk.

 

[KevinS]

Your mileage will go down with the weather we had yesterday. The trails were very slushy.

 

[nate007]

Something to think about..
When I had Dooley's on my Apex, I dropped to around 11 - 13, and after switching to Bergstrom's, it went back up to the 16 - 18, but honestly I don't monitor it that closely anymore. If your buddies don't run the same, thats most likely the difference right there!
I do know my Dooley's would fill with ice and snow, and push a huge trench in the ground, which killed the mileage...

 

[APEX 06]

I was having bad MPG last year and after I put in new donuts it got alot better.

 

[Addict]

sounds like the TPS Sensor

http://www.ty4stroke.com/viewtopic.php? ... highlight=

 

[lawmanbsi]

New to the 4 strokes. just purchased an attak a couple of weeks ago. on my first trip I was only getting 12 mpg(US). I have the dually carbids. I'm going to switch them out for my next ride and see what a difference it makes. I was really bummed.I was expecting 14 to 15 mpg. rebuilding the shocks soon also. find out what a difference new slids will make.

 

[dave_dj1]

I have a 2007 Apex ER with 6k on it, no other mods.
I have gotten as good as 20mpg and as bad as 11, it all depends how the conditions are and how hard you are on the flipper! the day i got 20mpg the trails were flat, it was early in the am, temps were in the 20's, I was alone and only rode 60 miles.

 

[blustar]

All checked out by the dealer today who said that everything engine and EFI was perfect. Only raised three concerns..... 1) Sliders needed replacement 2) the track was WAY WAY to tight 3) 6" dual carbides. Anwyays we replaced the sliders and loosened the belt.

Im going on another ride this Friday and will see how it runs when i ride it less trigger happy and not lead this time.