Summer prep?

[nate007]

Just want to ask what kinds of things do people do to store their sleds in the summer. I'm sure there's a range of things you guys do from the obvoius oil changes and maintainence, to ???????
I'd like some good ideas in case I've missed something.
So far, all I have done is:
1. last ride of the season, I let the fuel tank run very low, rode for a while with the light on.
2. changed the oil
3. cleaned the air filter
4. check for loose, worn or broken parts & replace
5. put shop rags in the tailpipes, and the throttle bodies to keep bugs out.

What else???

Nate

 

[Ole Timer]

How about grease, track tension, fogging engine and all that crap ?

 

[Apex18]

A little bit of fuel stabalizer wouldn't hurt for the last of the fuel you have in your tank. I had the fuel light go on for me yesterday and when i went to fill up my sled it only took 6 gallons so that means there could still be 2 or 3 gallons left in your sled. But if you don't use fuel stabilzer get as much gas out as you can, that way when you add fresh gas next winter it all mixes together and you should be good. Siphon hose works good.

As for fogging the engine which some people do you can do that but i think the best thing you can do for the sled is start it up once a month during the summer and let it run for a few minutes so all the fluids move around and everything.

 

[K-APEX]

A little bit of fuel stabalizer wouldn't hurt for the last of the fuel you have in your tank. I had the fuel light go on for me yesterday and when i went to fill up my sled it only took 6 gallons so that means there could still be 2 or 3 gallons left in your sled. But if you don't use fuel stabilzer get as much gas out as you can, that way when you add fresh gas next winter it all mixes together and you should be good. Siphon hose works good.

As for fogging the engine which some people do you can do that but i think the best thing you can do for the sled is start it up once a month during the summer and let it run for a few minutes so all the fluids move around and everything.

If you read the owner's manual it advises NOT to start the engine periodically over the summer. It is one of the worst things you can do.

 

[The Snow D.O.]

You'll have to elaborate on that because most of the other four-stroke engines I have recommend starting the engine periodically in the off season. Why do you think it's one of the worst things you can do to the engine????? What exactly do you think you will do to it???




.

 

[chadman]

You never get it hot enuff to burn all of the moisture out of the engine for one reason.

 

[SoCoRX1]

Thats only if you dont do it right. I let mine run for at least 15 minutes at idle once a month in the summer, then jack the track up and get some RPM's out of it for a few minutes. i make sure its warm.

 

[Apex18]

Yup don't just start it for 1 min, let it idle for a good 10 or 15 minutes. It's good too keep things moving around in there like the oil and anti-freeze.

 

[APEXLIGHTNING]

the mechanic at the yamaha dealer here said that yamaha recomended to him to fog the engines and then dont touch the sled again untill your ready to ride it again in the fall. they were told that starting it during the summer is the worst thing you can do to it.

 

[gitrdun]

summerprep

How about we meet in the middle somewhere, since stabilizer should be good for at least four months, we'll put the stabilizer in now, and in the middle of August, drain the gas and put it in the truck, then put new stabilizer and gas in and run it the one time for 10 to 15. Good until November!

 

[chadman]

It is like a vehicle, you have to go out and drive it to get it up to temp, reving it up on a jackstand is not the same as driving it around and putting a load on the motor and working it hard. Everybody has there own way that they think is right.

 

[nate007]

Grass drags, or asphalt. Do it.

 

[radta7]

My 2 cents worth...

Fill a few gallons of 100 octane (doesn't break down) a can of seafoam, grease or WD40 the suspension.

A coat of wax.

All done. Never had an issue. My riding buddies have been doing this for years.

 

[schmeg]

If you have any improvements/mods you want to accomplish before next riding season, now is a great time. It gives you a chance to really look things over well. I'm in the middle of a track change now and I can't get over how many parts are off the sled right now.

 

[y_guy]

here is my plan

1. Grease the zirks (all of them)
2. use Lubz-all or equiv and wipe down all metal parts in rear susp etc...
3. take the belt off let it hang free
4. add SEAFOAM (NOT Sta-bil) to the gas and let it run for a while. (also empty the tank) before removing the belt obviously.
5. Use Formula 303 or something other then Armor-all on all the plastic and rubber etc...
6. Wash and WAX
7. soak some steel wool in oil and put in exhaust openings (mice won't chew thru that)
8. Cover and put to bed.