[MNDirtRider]

I am experiencing this problem now. I took my 2016 grizzly 700 to the dealer in Sept to have the decompression spring and four wheel driver shift button recall performed. I get the bike back and it smokes like crazy now. Didn’t have this issue before I dropped it off. I was already aware of this recall prior. I have not been able to get anywhere with the dealer. Service manager keeps telling me parts are not available partly blaming it on COVID. He also has told me just to ride it. I really don’t want to ride and plug up the catalytic converter. I have tried calling Yamaha customer service but I don’t have all day to sit on hold. Usually I make it 15-20 minutes and I have to hang up. Any suggestions or advice on how to get this resolved?

My 2016 Wolverine R-Spec (same motor) has now spent 13 weeks in the shop since March and I've only put 200 miles on it. I took it in a week ago for the 3rd time as it is still smoking and burning more oil that it ever has.

 

[Vincent]

My 2016 Wolverine R-Spec (same motor) has now spent 13 weeks in the shop since March and I've only put 200 miles on it. I took it in a week ago for the 3rd time as it is still smoking and burning more oil that it ever has.

I'm sorry to hear this....

 

[Atc]

Started up my 2016 today to move wood splitter big cloud of smoke, first time it has done that, has about 1000 miles on it, temp was -2 today

 

[MNDirtRider]

Started up my 2016 today to move wood splitter big cloud of smoke, first time it has done that, has about 1000 miles on it, temp was -2 today

Sorry to hear about your issue. From my experience, the temp really didn't have anything to do with it. Cold or warm and it may not smoke every time. I hope you have better luck with your situation that I have. Mine started burning oil at 900 miles and it is having top end work now for the 3rd time in 200 miles.

 

[Atc]

Thanks, yes it is concerning as I started it today and it didn’t smoke, might have a hard time getting dealer to do anything if it isn’t doing it at every start up, can tell by looking at the bike it certainly hasn’t been abused

 

[DrMud]

Anybody have a video of a cold start smoker? And does anybody know where the problem engines or parts came from?

 

[reogem]

Anybody have a video of a cold start smoker? And does anybody know where the problem engines or parts came from?

There are hundreds if not thousand of posts about the 708. As it turned out Yamaha bought out Robin small engine manufacturing from Subaru. The 708 was supposedly manufactured in one of the Robin factories. Besides the valve seal issue one of the piston rings was faulty causing big scores in the jug. Considering today's global market. Finding out when and were any thing was made would be a crap shoot or maybe Chute.

 

[Vincent]

There are hundreds if not thousand of posts about the 708. As it turned out Yamaha bought out Robin small engine manufacturing from Subaru. The 708 was supposedly manufactured in one of the Robin factories. Besides the valve seal issue one of the piston rings was faulty causing big scores in the jug. Considering today's global market. Finding out when and were any thing was made would be a crap shoot or maybe Chute.

I used to remember reading 708 owners praising the superiority of the 708 over the 686s... I don't see much of those posts anymore...

 

[reogem]

My Queens 708 is a very good runner. She is much nicer than I am. Hers has plenty of zip even with the 30g's in the CVT. The 708 has more clatter. I think because of the twin cams.

 

[MNDirtRider]

Anybody have a video of a cold start smoker? And does anybody know where the problem engines or parts came from?

So far on my Wolverine, I took it in for oil consumption and they did the service bulletin in March, 4th or 5th start after I got it back it started smoking (which it didn't do prior) and was still using oil. Took it back and the second time, they found a faulty oil scraper ring and also replaced the valve seals. I did an oil change when I got it back and drove it ~60 miles and it was down about 8 ounces. This time, they're supposed to be replacing valve guides and the piston again as it was using more oil than it ever has. The dealer is trying very hard to find the answer but I've spent over $300 on just gas hauling it back and forth. I chose a dealer a little over 2 hrs away as my local dealers wanted to argue about the issue when I called to book an appointment...

My machine has never been mudded or dusted and has been serviced way before the required intervals. 190 hours and 1900 miles.

 

[85Aluma]

So far on my Wolverine, I took it in for oil consumption and they did the service bulletin in March, 4th or 5th start after I got it back it started smoking (which it didn't do prior) and was still using oil. Took it back and the second time, they found a faulty oil scraper ring and also replaced the valve seals. I did an oil change when I got it back and drove it ~60 miles and it was down about 8 ounces. This time, they're supposed to be replacing valve guides and the piston again as it was using more oil than it ever has. The dealer is trying very hard to find the answer but I've spent over $300 on just gas hauling it back and forth. I chose a dealer a little over 2 hrs away as my local dealers wanted to argue about the issue when I called to book an appointment...

My machine has never been mudded or dusted and has been serviced way before the required intervals. 190 hours and 1900 miles.

In a similar situation , took 2016 in , they did a rebuild in June got it back in July smoked worse than ever ! Took it back in July and got it back in November ! Put 33 miles on it , to cold for the oil they put in . Will change to 5-30 in a day or so . Im keeping my fingers crossed . Really makes me wonder about why i spent 10 grand on a machine that smokes like a banshee when it started smoking at 600 miles not even 900 now ? The dealer i went with Haucks did all they could , the dealer i bought from Power Sports 1 in Little Chute Wis was rude and absolutely no help at all . Even lied said no service bulletin . Never going back there again . Sure hoping every one gets this resolved .

 

[MNDirtRider]

@85Aluma - sorry to hear about the struggles. Mine is still at the dealer too since November 13th. In fact, it's been so long I forget what my machine looks like! Once they got it put back together, the starter went out and delivery of that took a couple more weeks. At least it happened while it was there. Waiting as patiently as I can...

 

[85Aluma]

I have a 1984 Honda Big red that will not die , but it sure isn't a Grizzly LOL

 

[JeffGD@2019]

I just got a message on facebook with this PDF file. Unfortunately the file is to big to upload. Here is pics of it. Its good to Sept 23, 2025.


If one of the moderators see this please send me a PM and I will see if I can send you this in a zip file so it can be uploaded to the forum.

What does PID range mean?

 

[Ridgway81432]

What does PID range mean?

Welcome from Colorado.
He didn't use PID in that message, what are you looking for?

 

[Jonboy79]

I figure i would give an update on mine. The dealership for some reason had a hard time getting the parts released. I finally got ahold of Yamaha customer service. He was able to get the parts to my local dealership within a few days. So far I have not noticed anything smoking. Have not really rode it much though.

 

[85Aluma]

Called Yamaha in California . They said run it and check oil level frequently . This is after 2nd rebuild , now between the water vaper on a cold start and the distinct smell of oil ? They said it might be an oil soaked exhaust system ??? All i can say is frustrating !

 

[Ridgway81432]

Frustrating, and those posting to this thread are probably killing the value of these bikes.....remember the pinto?
Most people with access to the internet will probably find this thread and not take a chance on one of these smokers that can't be fixed for reliable trail use.
Is this helping the value for years before and after the Subaru debacle? Time will tell.
For those with bikes that don't smoke, I would dump the bike before the market tanks.

 

[Bries69]

I just got a message on facebook with this PDF file. Unfortunately the file is to big to upload. Here is pics of it. Its good to Sept 23, 2025.


If one of the moderators see this please send me a PM and I will see if I can send you this in a zip file so it can be uploaded to the forum.

Say I was wondering what kind of test they do on this oil consumption cause I called another dealership and I told them I took it to one place and they told me it’s not the oil consumption it’s the valves sems seals. So this other dealer ship said find out what kind of test they do on it cause he said valves sems seals hardly go out

 

[CS93]

I know this a a very old thread but I have a 2018 grizzly that had this very issue and engine ended up scoring the crank. The dealer told me couple weeks ago it was all on me but talked to a mechanic today and found out about this. Is there any hope they will take care of this anymore? Machine only had 2600miles. Update 9-27-23 Yamaha agreed to cover the cost of the piston kit. Was very impressed seemed to help that it was a low mile machine that the dealer knew well!!