Snowmobile Maintenance Checklist
Here are some items that should be checked before you head out for that first ride, some things may be obvious, but others can easily be over looked or you may not think of them.
Before you start your sled please check these important items:
1. Did you leave old fuel in the tank over the summer months without stabilizing it, if so you should drain all the old fuel out & put fresh fuel in the tank
2. Inspect your fuel lines, if there appears to be crystals in the lines replace ALL of the fuel lines including the pick up line in the tank
3. Check your air box to make sure there are no mouse nests, this can be very harmful to your engine if it is not cleaned out prior to starting the engine
4. Is the engine only running if the choke is on or with the throttle held above ΒΌ throttle, this could indicate your pilot jets are plugged
5. Make sure your throttle is free & check your brake pads & fluid level
6. Check the chain case lube incase of seepage during the off season
7. Does your wiring harness look ok, no bared wires from a mouse or other rodent chewing
8. Make sure your driven clutch shaft is lubed for easy removal of the clutch if needed
Now that these things have been addressed the condition of the following items should be inspected
1. Is your recoil rope still intact or frayed
2. The condition of the drive belt (& make sure you have a spare)
3. The condition of the track, look for weather checking on the edges
4. Are your carbides & sliders ok
5. Check for play in the idler wheels to make sure bearings aren't gone
6. Carry spare spark plugs
This quick checklist will help to make your ride more enjoyable. We offer a wide variety of Preseason check ups for your sled. Call our service department to book your appointment today.
Winch Use While Plowing
Occasionally while snow plowing with a winch type plow lift, or during extended winching operations, the battery on any ATV may fall below normal voltage. On fuel injected models this may lead to more serious conditions. As the voltage drops the "check eng" light will flash. As voltage drops further the "low battery" message will scroll and RPM'S will be limited to 2500. This will set a fault code. If the voltage drops further, fuel pressure will drop, the engine will begin to misfire, and eventually the engine will quit. At this point the battery will be too low to re-start the vehicle.
During extended winching operations keep the RPM'S up to aid in battery charging. Stop winching occasionally to allow the battery to recover. If the check engine light comes on stop winching and run the engine until it will exceed 2500 RPM, then stop the engine and restart it to clear the check en gine light.