Off season oxidation

[Musky Hunter]

On my previous sled, 800 Polaris, I would get a lot of powdered oxidation on most of the aluminum pieces - particularly under the hood - during off season storage. It was always kept in my unheated garage w/ a cover and did a good job of cleaning the grime off it before putting it to bed. It really ticked me off that Polaris couldn't coat or treat these parts a little better. I ended up painting or clear coating most everything under the hood last year.
Do the Yamahas have a similar problem and if so, what do you guys suggest to keep a new sled's aluminum looking new?

 

[BlueByYou2000]

Spray all aluminum (except clutches) with WD40. Just a thin film will protect over the summer. Then when its time to get the sled out next fall, it will wipe right off and look brand new. Its also a good idea to put a piece of plywood or cardboard under the sled. Concrete floors are never done getting rid of moisture and this will help with that...BBY

 

[POWERHAULIC]

I'm with BBY on this one, WD40 for me also.

 

[impalapower]

In addition to the WD-40, get rid of that cover. It may help to keep moisture out while on a open trailer, but it holds in moisture sitting in a uncontrolled environment. Also, put a sheet of plastic under the sled to keep the cement moisture from coming up directly underneath it.

 

[Mighty]

WD-40

 

[sledheadgeorge]

WD is alright but I prefer to use Engine storage spray. Same light film but does not do any damage to rubber.

 

[VT_BluYamaha54]

Anyone having moisture issues should consider removing the SEAT and storing it in a separte location - preferably some place like the rafters in a garage where it will get completely dried out in the off season.
If anyone has doubts, weigh the seat when you remove it and then again in the Fall.

VT_Blu

 

[rx1mtn]

After I spray everthing with WD40, even the clutchs, I spread a little "oil dry" on the floor where the sled is stored. That helps absorb any moisture.

 

[Swiss Sledder]

I also prop up my sled up on a stand so the track is off the floor and the weight is off the shocks. WD-40 for me too.

 

[Silver]

I wash everything with hot soapy water let it dry then spray anything and everything with Silicone spray protects very well and you don't have to wipe it off in the fall like Wd-40.

 

[impalapower]

rx1mtn, If you spread oil dry on the floor to absorb moisture, it will hold that moisture underneath the sled. Put a sheet of plastic down instead and that will form a vapor barrier.

 

[Snorover]

Hey guys, don't forget the TRACK----use Armor-All and it will look like new and keep the track from drying out.

 

[DYNAREX]

i use silicone spray-and cover everything with it-no need to wipe off anything but clutches-wd is a petro base and will attack anything made of rubber, fyi-i soak the suspension and track too it usually takes 2 cans but wait till next year when you unveil it -it shines better than new

 

[Indy]

what kind of silicone spray, and where do you buyit?

 

[Mighty]

Do not use Armor All! It's Straight petroleum distilates that actually breaks down the stuff its making shiny. I read a report a few years back that tested protectants for vinyl, rubber, plastics and leather and the only product that worked was called 303. Most products like armor all actually dried out the stuff it was applied to.

303 was developed for the aerospace industry to protect components in outer space from the heavy concentration of Ultra violet rays.

You can get it from summit racing or any RV dealer. This stuff is huge for RV and boats. Let me go get a link: http://store.summitracing.com/partdetai ... T%2D030340