Storing a sled for the summer.

[drunkenguitarist]

As a first time owner I'd like to ask you guys your opinions of what I should do to insure that my snowmobile will be safe and sound while I'm away for the summer at work.

I've only got the general idea of what needs to be done.

Get the engine a final tune up.

Grease up all the zirks.

Empty or leave gas & oil in the resovoirs.

Leave out of direct sunlight so that the sled won't be bleached by the hot summer sun.


What else am I forgetting?

Thanks in advance.

 

[SnowSnob]

If you want to do it right get all the gas out of the gas tank, then run the sled till shes dry. Pour a little oil in the cylinders, pull the cord a few times to get the oil displaced.
Get a 2x4 under the track to take tension off the lugs.
Some go as far as taking out the clutch springs to relieve the tension on them as well.
I usually do all my greasing in the Fall but that's just preference.

With all that said these new sleds are a PAIN to syphon all the gas out of so if there's not much in the tank just add some Stable and drain the float bowls. Still pour a little oil in the jugs though.
A little trick I found is if you have any rust spots or potential rust, rub a little oil on it and it shouldn't get any worse. Leave a rust spot and it will look horrible when you take it out in the Fall.

 

[BC-XP]

I usually do all my greasing in the Fall but that's just preference.

Thing I like about greasing at the end of the season (spring) is you can purge out any water that may worked its way in during riding.

 

[Original Tetonice]

Never run the fuel dry, your fuel lines will dry out.....Simply add stable to your fuel system will do the trick. Greasing to purge moister is a good idea.

OT

 

[Delo]

I have been wondering the same thing. Have never summerized a sled. I usually start it once a twice a month(not sure that is good enough for summer) but last year forgot and got busy. So this year I want to do it right. I was going to add stabilizer, have like a 1/2 a tank of gas in there but what about sea foam (if that is the right word)? Is that good stuff? If so how do you use it. Not to sound like an idiot but if I can do it myself then I am saving money. I usually greese everthing up in the fall before to start riding. Built a stand with some 2 x 4's to put under tunnel in back so track is off the ground. Even though I bought the sled used it is new to me this year and I like it so want to make sure it lasts. Thanks.

 

[BlackSummit]

Seafoam is really good stuff. Use it in all your toys. Helps clean stuff up also. I would clean power valves also. If you have them.

 

[Delo]

This is a real dumb question but how do you use the sea foam? Do I just add it in the gas with the stabilizer?

 

[Chaos]

Summerize

StabilFuel also sells a can of engine fog. To use it you fire the sled off and then spray into the air intake for about fifteen seconds. Then pull the plugs and shoot each clynider for a quick three seconds. I choose to then lightly pull the starter for a cycle to disperse the fluid. Everything from the air intake forward is then protected. Stabilfuel in the tank as required. I also go as far as to change out the chain case oil. +1 on the 2x4, the greasing and the protection from the sun. I also cover my ski's to protect from UV damage. Them Simmons Gen II's arent cheap.

Chaos

 

[Calvin42]

This is a real dumb question but how do you use the sea foam? Do I just add it in the gas with the stabilizer?

If you use Sea Foam you don't have to put stabilizer in the gas. Sea Foam does it all. Just follow the directions on the can. Also works great at cleaning the carbs out when you start it next fall. Never start a sled in the summer unless you intend to get the engine good and hot. Starting it just creates moisture in the motor and exhaust and if you don't get it warm enough to dry out you will have issues with rust, etc.. So once you add the sea foam run the sled till it get's hot shut it down and leave it until the snow flies next fall. Good Idea to change the chain case oil in the spring as well before you put in storage. And not a bad idea also to put about a table spoon of injection oil in the top of each cylinder and pull it over a couple of times so the oil will coat the cylinder walls, re-install plugs and call it good.