Summer Storage Tip

By: snowmann8

In the summer, the snowmobile is subjected to high temperatures that cause greater  rates of chemical activity. This chemical activity acts on several areas of the  snowmobile and can cause degradation of its durability - the batteries may deteriorate,  the seat covers may crack, and the gasoline will go stale. The purpose of storing your  snowmobile properly is to try and
reduce the chance of any part of it failing due to lack  of use.  When storing your snowmobile, completely clean and polish it. If a solvent is used first  on greasy areas, high-pressure car washers work well. However, use caution. The water  can be forced past bearing seals which will cause them to rust. With the machine,  engine, and drive system clean and dry, inspect for damage, wear, or cracks. Scratches  and bare metal spots can be spray-painted.

Basic Storage Preparations: 

1) Start the engine and pull on the oil pump cable to hold it open. This will allow a  very rich mixture of  Yamalube oil to be injected into the engine. Its purpose is to lubricate internal engine parts that would see little oil normally if you poured it through the spark  plug hole (like the piston pin and bearings). Make sure you run the engine for 10 to 15  minutes with the oil pump cable pulled out fully. Doing this will assure that there is lots of  Yamalube circulating throughout the engine. 

2) Completely fill the fuel tank with gasoline and add a fuel conditioner/stabilizer  of the proper proportions to preserve the fuel. By having no air space in the fuel tank,  condensation cannot occur and oxidization of the fuel will be minimal. 

3) Remove the carburetor float bowl drains and allow all of the fuel to run out. If  the fuel  were to
remain, the majority would evaporate, but the remainder would form a  chalky residue that could block the jets and passageways. Most often when the fuel delivery is impaired, the engine fails due to the fuel/air ratio being too lean. If there  is no fuel in the carburetors, problems will be minimal. 

4) Remove the drive belt and make sure to store it unrolled. This prevents damage to the drive belt and clutches. If the belt were left on the machine, it would set to  its installed shape and not rotate properly around the clutches when the snowmobile was  placed into use the next season. This also prevents the chance of condensation between  the belt and clutch sheaves. 

5) Take the battery out and put it in a safe place. Make sure it is out of the  sunlight. Charge the battery once a month with a small charge that is rated at no more  than 2 amp/hr. It is normal for the fluid level to go down both when the battery is in use  and in storage. Add distilled water to the top of the fill line on the battery case if the level  goes down, and recharge the battery. 

6) Block off the muffler outlet, carburetor air intake, cooling system intake and  outlet holes. This will prevent small animals from building nests. Animal nesting may cause  damage or impair performance. 

7) Reduce the tension on the track by loosening the track tensioning bolts to  their limit.  This prevents the track from stretching and cracking during the storage period.  8) Disassemble the secondary clutch and grease the sheave bushing if required.  Not all  models require this. Check your manual to see if it is applicable.  9) Coat all exposed metal surfaces - nuts, bolts, fasteners - with a preserving  oil like WD40. Grease all fittings, front and rear suspension. This will prevent them rusting. Keep the oil away from plastic and rubber  parts so they don't deteriorate. Store the snowmobile in a dry place away from all sources of moisture and animals (birds  and rodents). The snowmobile should be loosely covered and stored on blocks.  Blocks should be placed under the front bumper and rear frame. The track and skis  should be suspended above the floor. Do not start the engine during the storage period,  as this would remove the oil from inside the engine.
 

Totallyamaha is not responsible for any damages that these modifications may cause to your vehicle; any modifications are your responsibility if you choose to do so. We are providing information ONLY. Some of these modifications may VOID your warranty and that is your responsibility to look into. The Totallyamaha users have passed along most of the information found on this site. If you have any questions or concerns about anything on this site talk to your dealer before using any of the information. Totallyamaha will not be liable for any damages or personal injury from any modification performed from this site.