Here in BC, it looks like the good weather has finally arrived (knock on wood) and it's time to put the sleds away and get the boat out. Proper prep of your snowmobile is important, even if the change in temperature and seasons isn't pronounced like here on the west coast. Fuel can begin to break down in as little as 60 days and corrosion can start to form on internal engine parts. Proper storage preparation of your sled will help ensure trouble free starting and riding when the snow returns.
Here are 6 quick and easy steps to follow to summerize your sled:
Here are 6 quick and easy steps to follow to summerize your sled:
1. Stabilize the Fuel
Add a quality fuel stabilizer such as AMSOIL Gasoline Stabilizer to reduce the oxidation process that occurs when fuel is stored for extended periods. This will help prevent the formation of varnish and sludge which can clog injectors, stick floats and cause poor engine performance and difficult starting.
Follow the directions in your service manual and on the product label for the correct way to use fuel stabilizer but I like to fill the tank full of fuel so that to help avoid moisture build up in the tank. Then, run the engine long enough to ensure the fuel stabilizer flows completely through the fuel system.
During the season, or if you are storing your sled for less than two months, you should use AMSOIL Quick Shot to clean the fuel system, restore performance and stabilize the fuel for short periods of time.
Add a quality fuel stabilizer such as AMSOIL Gasoline Stabilizer to reduce the oxidation process that occurs when fuel is stored for extended periods. This will help prevent the formation of varnish and sludge which can clog injectors, stick floats and cause poor engine performance and difficult starting.
Follow the directions in your service manual and on the product label for the correct way to use fuel stabilizer but I like to fill the tank full of fuel so that to help avoid moisture build up in the tank. Then, run the engine long enough to ensure the fuel stabilizer flows completely through the fuel system.
During the season, or if you are storing your sled for less than two months, you should use AMSOIL Quick Shot to clean the fuel system, restore performance and stabilize the fuel for short periods of time.
| 2. Grease the Suspension Points Greasing suspension points prior to storage removes water and debris and helps protect against rust and corrosion. AMSOIL Synthetic Water Resistant Grease is an ideal grease for snowmobile suspension components that are frequently exposed to water, snow and ice as it resists water wash out and provides excellent protection under extreme conditions. |  |
| 3. Fog the Engine (if applicable) During periods of inactivity, and as a result of fluctuations in ambient temperatures, water vapor can form condensate within the engine. When this condensate comes into direct contact with steel and iron components, it forms surface corrosion on cylinder liners, piston rings, anti-friction bearings and steel/iron contact surfaces on rotational seals. Long periods of storage can also dry out cylinders, often resulting in permanent damage when your snowmobile is taken out of storage and dry started. In addition, fuel within stored equipment tends to oxidize and form varnish and sludge deposits that clog injectors, fuel lines and carburetors, stick floats and cause poor engine performance, starting problems, increased maintenance expenses and decreased equipment life. Applying AMSOIL Engine Fogging Oil will help prevent corrosion of internal engine components and protect against the formation of varnish and sludge. |  |
| 4. Apply AMSOIL Metal Protector AMSOIL Metal Protector will protect exposed metal surfaces from corrosion. Apply it to external metal surfaces including all nuts, bolts and fasteners as well electrical connections to protect against corrosion and displace moisture. |  |
| 5. Remove and Store the Battery Remove the battery from your machine and store it in a cool, dry place away from sunlight. Charge the battery once a month with a small charge that is rated at no more than 2 amp/hr. A small solar charger will work well for this. The battery fluid level will drop both when the battery is in use and in storage, this is normal. Add distilled water to the top of the fill line on the battery case if the level goes down, and recharge the battery. |  |
There are several articles on the net regarding the correct procedures to follow when storing your machine for summer. Be sure to consult your owner's manual for a full list of correct steps to take to ensure a long and trouble free life for your sled.
Click here to check out the full line of AMSOIL products suitable for your snowmobile here or follow this link to find an AMSOIL dealer nearest you.
Happy sledding!
