Cold Temps, do you Winterize?

[Saul makinen]

i have an 03' Yamaha rx1m with the 1000cc quad in it, i'd like to ride it at -10 to -30 degrees but don't want to smoke the engine by starting it that cold, does anyone have any recommendations for winterization. do people even winterize them?

 

[Pstn head]

You could install a block heater or a heat pad.

 

[thrasher]

It's a four stroke, just don't ride before it has time to warm up. My Vector started at -50 cel. in Matagami Quebec when other sleds were blocks of ice. Had to boost my buddy with a 1200 c.c. four stroke ski-doo to get him started, but the sleds ran well after. Just make sure that you use a
0w30 or 0w40 synthetic motor oil, and you have a good battery or a tender on it if possible if you are worried about the sled turning over.

 

[Saul makinen]

It's a four stroke, just don't ride before it has time to warm up. My Vector started at -50 cel. in Matagami Quebec when other sleds were blocks of ice. Had to boost my buddy with a 1200 c.c. four stroke ski-doo to get him started, but the sleds ran well after. Just make sure that you use a
0w30 or 0w40 synthetic motor oil, and you have a good battery or a tender on it if possible if you are worried about the sled turning over.

I'll have to do an oil change but other than that i should be good. thanks for the info.

 

[Saul makinen]

You could install a block heater or a heat pad.

you recommend any? i'm mainly worried about spinning a bearing. i don't got the money to rebuild it if i smoked it.

 

[Pstn head]

you recommend any? i'm mainly worried about spinning a bearing. i don't got the money to rebuild it if i smoked it.

Amazon has a bunch, google search automotive heat pad, also Yamaha has a coolant in-line heater, Napa also has a heat pad.

 

[Saul makinen]

Amazon has a bunch, google search automotive heat pad, also Yamaha has a coolant in-line heater, Napa also has a heat pad.

will do, thanks.

 

[hydraulic yam]

Watched some cold temp tests by Esso in my past and they all started in
the cold , bottom end survived as long is it could splash BUT valve train
seized up . Expect this is a dry sump engine which means the bottom needs
pumped oil as well. Warm galleries most oil the best .
Had a customer tell me they were at a Way north spot and the generator didn't have
the capacity to plug in their vehicles . Result was each person took their turn
staying up and running each vehicle till warm and move to the next all night
just so the antifreeze wouldn't freeze up .
Ron

 

[maim]

there are some old threads on some cold start tricks from guys that had rx1 mountains starting them at elevation cold. never really had an issue with my 05 rx starting in the cold.

 

[Sevey]

The coolant heaters work great. I have had them on 2 sleds. You cut into one of the cooling lines and install it.
After 2-3 hours on a -20C night you can place you hand on the top of the engine and its warm. Starting is easy and temp is already registering on cold mornings.
MS

 

[Saul makinen]

The coolant heaters work great. I have had them on 2 sleds. You cut into one of the cooling lines and install it.
After 2-3 hours on a -20C night you can place you hand on the top of the engine and its warm. Starting is easy and temp is already registering on cold mornings.
MS

Sweet thanks for the info, where can I find a coolant heater? Are they brand specific or would like a kats circulator heater work?

 

[Saul makinen]

there are some old threads on some cold start tricks from guys that had rx1 mountains starting them at elevation cold. never really had an issue with my 05 rx starting in the cold.

Alright thanks for the info, i think i'm gonna put a heater on it just for safe measure, but i'm glad to hear it's not a super big issue.

 

[maim]

Alright thanks for the info, i think i'm gonna put a heater on it just for safe measure, but i'm glad to hear it's not a super big issue.

lol well i am the nut that is out riding at -30 so i make sure all my stuff starts well. i do have coolant heaters on both apex's but they have never been used. biggest thing i learned was on here from guys in the territories. always hold the key in the start position until it hits one more than 1 cylinder as it does stay running easier/better. if you let off the key after it hits on one cyl, it usually doesn't have enough oomph in the battery to get the engine rotating again without a boost at really cold temps.

 

[Sevey]

Sweet thanks for the info, where can I find a coolant heater? Are they brand specific or would like a kats circulator heater work?

We have a recreational parts supplier here called Royal Distributing that carries them. I think even Yamaha can source them. I think Dennis Kirk will sell such a thing. Most dealers will know how to get one if you will have them do it.

I have been at more hotels in the early am where people are running around trying to get cold sleds to start. Taking the cover off your bed to wrap the sled and warm it with the hair dryer with a 100ft extension cord. Seen it all. Not to pick on them - Apex's seem to lead the pack as the none starters.

Was at a lodge in Elliot Lake 3 yrs ago and it was -32C on the morning and there was a poor Apex owner was sitting in the lodge disgruntled. The lodge owner went to help him (as he sees this stuff all winter) - as the sled was turning over he grabbed a mit full of throttle and it fired right up. He said he does that all the time on 4st where the riders tend not to touch it.
MS

 

[74Nitro]

Most automotive stores carry them or can get them as well.