What to do with sunk sled?

[01Summit500]

My buddy sunk his sled in the river yesterday, and was wondering what to do with it to get all the water out and such. It was in the drink for probably 15 min or so, but he didn't hit the kill switch when it was going under, so I know it deffinately sucked some in. When we got it out, we pulled the plugs, and cranked her over a bunch of times, and tipped it on its side and did the same again. Put the plugs back in, and it almost went a few times, but then we gave up and just dragged it up to the house. It is a 99 mxz 600.

Thanks, Jacob

 

[theultrarider]

The sooner you can get that sled fired up and running the better!!! It needs to get dried out and lubed and the easiest way is to just start it. You were on the right track. Pull the plugs again, tip it on the other side and pull like mad. You might also want to drain the carbs in case there is water in them. Put fresh plugs in it and pull. It should start. Try some starter fluid in you need to and it will run. Worst case, you may have water in the fuel tank and oil bottles as well. The oil bottle is easy to tell. In any case, get it running and ride it for a while. Then make sure to lube all the grease fitting in the suspension and elsewhere.

 

[01Summit500]

Does water do any harm to the MPEM or any of the wiring?

 

[rev800151]

I sunk my old Mountain max. We got it running and I thought it was ok. But make sure no water got in the oil and check coolant level if its to full you know what happend. We went riding it got very cold that night and so much water got in my chain case the track was frozen solid. I dont think the seat ever dried out either. OOpps.

 

[theultrarider]

Of course it is possible that the water did damage to the electrical since it went down running. I highly doubt it though. We have sunk many many sleds over the years and have yet to have an electrical issue. Now that I say that, yours is probably toast! Main this is to get it up and running and dried out and lubed. If yours almost started like you said, I am sure the electrical is fine, you are just still fighting water in the motor/fuel system. Like the other guy said, make sure to check your chain case ect... but it if they hold liquid in, it will hold liquid out...All your suspension joints are a different story though. You park that for the summer now, you will have a very rusted up suspension. A few plugs and some ether, and you should be good to go.

 

[rev800151]

Like the other guy said, make sure to check your chain case ect... but it if they hold liquid in, it will hold liquid out.

Ok rider all the water in my chain case was from condensation....no. You have to think about the chain case check stick, plus it also matters how deep it was and the water pressure. You also have the breather hoses on the oil and coolant. 01summit just telling you from my experience. You also might want to fog the cylinders as well.

 

[justadude]

Off topic, do you know Skip Dove??

Of course it is possible that the water did damage to the electrical since it went down running. I highly doubt it though. We have sunk many many sleds over the years and have yet to have an electrical issue. Now that I say that, yours is probably toast! Main this is to get it up and running and dried out and lubed. If yours almost started like you said, I am sure the electrical is fine, you are just still fighting water in the motor/fuel system. Like the other guy said, make sure to check your chain case ect... but it if they hold liquid in, it will hold liquid out...All your suspension joints are a different story though. You park that for the summer now, you will have a very rusted up suspension. A few plugs and some ether, and you should be good to go.

 

[theultrarider]

hahaha Yes I do!

 

[NoSecondChances]

My buddy sunk his sled in the river yesterday, and was wondering what to do with it to get all the water out and such. It was in the drink for probably 15 min or so, but he didn't hit the kill switch when it was going under, so I know it deffinately sucked some in. When we got it out, we pulled the plugs, and cranked her over a bunch of times, and tipped it on its side and did the same again. Put the plugs back in, and it almost went a few times, but then we gave up and just dragged it up to the house. It is a 99 mxz 600.

Thanks, Jacob

Yep, get it started asap to get the water out of it. Don't use ether/starting fluid, it dries out the rings, pistons, etc, (no oil in it) use a WD40 type product (but one that is actually flammable) if absolutely necessary. I use mixed gas in a spray bottle (hairspray bottle) so that it mists, just spray it into the carbs throats, couple squirts is usually all it takes. After you get it running, then check all electrical connections and leave them disconnected for a few days to let them dry out so they don't rust together. Pull the plug caps and leave them off too, anywhere water can collect or condense will be a problem. Grease everything and spray parts with WD40 or similar spray to displace the water. Put methyl hydrate in your tank (or another water eliminator) to get rid of the water in the fuel. If the sled was right under, it is likely there is water in the fuel from the vent line. Put the sled out in the sunshine or on a windy day if you can to help dry things out. Good luck.

 

[whitefish]

If you can't get the water out of the crank in a couple of hours, may as well plan on tearing it down. I sink sleds professionally. Trust me on this. Rust starts fast on exposed metal even with gas and oil near by. Water in the oil, gas, electronics, tubes and carbs can be cleaned out while you are down.

The key to sinking a sled successfully is to get it started immediately. Remove water from the carbs and oiler and you are good to go.

 

[sooboy]

I wonder if you filled both crank halves with say WD40,that might buy you some time.

 

[skidoosbest]

Set it on fire to dry it out, then collect the $ to get a different one. I have seen people sink thier sleds quite a bit. It can go both ways. SOme run fine afterward, and some blow up. I personally would get it running and sell it. BUt thats me.

 

[grabbit]

Set it on fire to dry it out, then collect the $ to get a different one. I have seen people sink thier sleds quite a bit. It can go both ways. SOme run fine afterward, and some blow up. I personally would get it running and sell it. BUt thats me.

Note to self: "Don't buy anything from skidoosbest!"

 

[Nytroman]

water is heavier than gas and oil, so some siphoning off the bottom of the tanks helps check for water. Same goes for quads

 

[SkiDooDude]

another thing tou can do is to take a small hand held torch and get the plugs hot , put them in quick then put a little gas in air box (make sure air box is dry first!) and it should fire right up
If you water skip , try putting an innertube under the handle bars and tying it on with a rope - the sled will not sink completely. It makes it easier to get to the bank and quicker to get running , I also put life jackets on front and rear bumpers in case tube pops.
Make sure you wear a life jacket - water is rock hard! Its a verrrrrry adicting thing to start doing - have fun and be careful , life's short, ride all year!