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New/Improved Pistons for the Thunder Stroke 111 Engine
Polaris changed the pistons in the Thunder Stroke 111 engine in all 2018 models.
The online parts calendar for all 2018 TS-111 models lists a new piston - Part No 3023065.
PN 3023065 Piston Assembly [Includes: Piston, Piston Ring Kit, Wrist Pin & Retaining Ring] [Recommended: Replace Pistons in Pairs] .
The online catalog for all previous model years (2014/2017) includes a note that states: "Previous part number
3022648 SUBSTITUTED BY 3023065". This means that 2014 to 2017 TS 111 engines have piston P# 3022648.
Has anyone seen these new pistons and physically compared them to the original pistons? Any photos?
I am hearing from several sources (including a Polaris engineer) that the 2018 TS-111 engines don't seem to be "clacking." Logically this indicates that the replacing the pistons in noisy 2014/2017 TS-111 engines with the new pistons (P#3023065), will most likely reduce or eliminate the excessive engine noise that many of us call clacking.
Polaris is clearly replacing a defectively designed piston with a better designed piston to correct an abnormal noise that has cause a lot of customer dissatisfaction, may have impacted sales, and has definitely impacted the resale value of our Indian motorcycles. Or is this simply a naturally evolving design improvement that happens with all new engines..
Do you have a lot of piston noise (clacking)? If so, do you think Polaris should be responsible for replacing the piston assemblies in your 2014/2017 TS-111 engine?
The online parts calendar for all 2018 TS-111 models lists a new piston - Part No 3023065.
PN 3023065 Piston Assembly [Includes: Piston, Piston Ring Kit, Wrist Pin & Retaining Ring] [Recommended: Replace Pistons in Pairs] .
The online catalog for all previous model years (2014/2017) includes a note that states: "Previous part number
3022648 SUBSTITUTED BY 3023065". This means that 2014 to 2017 TS 111 engines have piston P# 3022648.
Has anyone seen these new pistons and physically compared them to the original pistons? Any photos?
I am hearing from several sources (including a Polaris engineer) that the 2018 TS-111 engines don't seem to be "clacking." Logically this indicates that the replacing the pistons in noisy 2014/2017 TS-111 engines with the new pistons (P#3023065), will most likely reduce or eliminate the excessive engine noise that many of us call clacking.
Polaris is clearly replacing a defectively designed piston with a better designed piston to correct an abnormal noise that has cause a lot of customer dissatisfaction, may have impacted sales, and has definitely impacted the resale value of our Indian motorcycles. Or is this simply a naturally evolving design improvement that happens with all new engines..
Do you have a lot of piston noise (clacking)? If so, do you think Polaris should be responsible for replacing the piston assemblies in your 2014/2017 TS-111 engine?
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I have a 2014 that has never clacked. I rode another 2014 that didn't clack. But when I test rode a 2018 at the demo days in Garland about 5 months ago it clacked like a hen that had just layed an egg.
My scooter is an 18 model,no clacking.But I do get piston noise when the motor is first started and cold [cast pistons] until she has warmed up,then the motor is quiet.NO NOISE!!
This might get interesting ..
Weight on that piston (with rings) is 430 grams.
This is fairly common with PII and management of parts. A part number will change if they change suppliers. So while it's possible they changed the design of the piston, it's more likely they moved production from "Bob's Piston Supply" to "Sally's Piston Supply."
This is a good reason for us to "compare notes" and see what is actually being done with the parts.This is fairly common with PII and management of parts. A part number will change if they change suppliers. So while it's possible they changed the design of the piston, it's more likely they moved production from "Bob's Piston Supply" to "Sally's Piston Supply."
The inside story is often considered "trade secrets" when it comes to new products and when ironing out any issues that surface. I am in the engine parts business...
I have an 18 CDH at 7300 miles and I don't think I've heard any clacking, maybe voices in my head but nothing serious. My doctor asked how my anxiety was doing? I told him riding my new Indian helps ! He said ride more often and ride safe 
It would be interesting to see the Pistons side by side to see if the piston really changed or if the just the part number changed as as been suggested.
Hmm I think both my Indian 111 motors clack a wee bit. Should I be concerned? As for changing part numbers a good manufacturer will make changes as warranted by failures of previously designed/manufactured parts/assemblies. When they replaced the stator on my 2014 Chieftain I noticed the new part had a different number. Mechanic said it looked like the rubber grommet that was leaking where the wires exit the block was redesigned and he said he had seen a few other 2014 Indians with the same leaking issue. thank god I had an extended warranty from PII that came with the Chieftain.
Which are 430 grams -- the new pistons, the old pistons, or both?Weight on that piston (with rings) is 430 grams.
While this may be true it was not the case with the oil sump and the fuel filter -- the part number changes were a result of design changes to those TS-111 components.This is fairly common with PII and management of parts. A part number will change if they change suppliers. So while it's possible they changed the design of the piston, it's more likely they moved production from "Bob's Piston Supply" to "Sally's Piston Supply."
In several other "clacker/clacking" threads there are numerous reports of Indian dealer techs reporting that the factory told them the pistons had been changed to reduce engine noise (clacking). And the Polaris customer service engineer I spoke to, while vague about the details, told me there had been a series of normal process, design, and manufacturing improvements made that had greatly reduced the the number of 2017 models with engine noise and they were optimistic that improvements in the 2018 models would all but resolve the noise issues. So I am pretty confident that the new 2018 pistons are a new or improved design. I am also guessing that some work has been done on the ECM timing maps, etc. And I certainly hope they are learning from the work Craig Bennet has done using the PVCX.
My wife been clanking since we got married 32 years ago, so I'm immune to it. I hear just engine noise coming from my 2016.
2018 here so i guess i got lucky with the purchase. They change a few other things also like the handlebar controls and the brake master cylinders and brakets.
How long can you beat a dead horse till it is dead?????Why not start riding and quit whining?Just sayin.Ya.all rocket scientist's get butt hurt my apologies .Go to wally world and get some vasoline!
Apply to your ass and your 430 gram piston skirts.While there get some duct tape to reinforce your connecting rods.Bunch of negative brand bashing little girls.Sell it and go back to the motor company!Probably ***** if they hung you with a new rope.About ready to delete this forum!Maybe you admins can help me after this post.DNGaF
Apply to your ass and your 430 gram piston skirts.While there get some duct tape to reinforce your connecting rods.Bunch of negative brand bashing little girls.Sell it and go back to the motor company!Probably ***** if they hung you with a new rope.About ready to delete this forum!Maybe you admins can help me after this post.DNGaF
How long can you beat a dead horse till it is dead?????Why not start riding and quit whining?Just sayin.Ya.all rocket scientist's get butt hurt my apologies .Go to wally world and get some vasoline!
Apply to your ass and your 430 gram piston skirts.While there get some duct tape to reinforce your connecting rods.Bunch of negative brand bashing little girls.Sell it and go back to the motor company!Probably ***** if they hung you with a new rope.About ready to delete this forum!Maybe you admins can help me after this post.DNGaF
cya
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