Summer prep?

[Tal]

I'm doing mine this week, and have some questions. I'm new to Yamaha and 4-strokes.

I did an oil change about 60 miles ago - thought we'd be riding more - any problem with leaving that new of an oil in?

I bought some yamaha fuel stabilizer - any need to fog the cylinders?

Consensus sounds like leaving the tank empty or almost empty- that's a new one for me, but I guess I understand why.

Nice list Y_guy - I'd add to remove the battery and put it on a charger periodically.

 

[The Snow D.O.]

Thought leaving the tank empty would allow condensation build-up in the tank. You guys are going against convention and an explanation would be greatly appreciated.

I dumped a can of Sea Foam in and filled her up and was planning to start her periodically over the summer for 10 min at a time (and in between to impress the friends).

Todd

 

[Mongo 1]

In general a full tank of fuel will eliminate condensation issues. I always use a stabilizer in the fuel, and pump it out in the late fall for the four wheeler. Just remember if you are going to start it periodically, warm it up until it is hot, otherwise you will wind up with condensation in the oil.

 

[radta7]

I filled mine up. Same with my cars a full tank of gas.

 

[Coondog2707]

I always store my sleds/ jetkis/ boat/ lawnmowers/ snowblowers/ 4 wheelers/ generator FULL on fuel during their down seasons. Leaves very little room for condensation to form. Once you get water in your fuel all the drain and fill and drygas in the world is wasted effort. That sh!t lurks in the bottom and if you leave only a little in the tank, it you find it later in the form of ice in lines or carbs. To really rid yourself of it you usually have to pull the tank and empty it completely. I fill, stabilize, and fog them. Grease all zerks, suspend the track and loosen, pull the belt off. Wash, wax, cover and dont touch 'em until they are ready to be put back in service. Never have any problems with any of them! Wait! The 4 wheeler battery was dead the other day when I went to fire it off, but it is an '04. I probably should have dc the neg term, but I didnt! Seems to hold the charge now, though...

 

[TrailxRider]

I'm doing mine this week, and have some questions. I'm new to Yamaha and 4-strokes.

I did an oil change about 60 miles ago - thought we'd be riding more - any problem with leaving that new of an oil in?

I was told to change the oil and not run it until it's riding season again. Running the oil breaks it down and you can get sedements and other things in the bottom of the tank. I asked the same question a few weeks back b/c I only had 47 miles on my new Nytro and the dealer told me to change the oil. I believe most guys on here change the oil when they prep the sled for storage so they do one oil change a year. You'd be good to go in the fall.

 

[Yamaha Man]

You guys are getting me all confused, lol. I just bought a new '07 APEX RTX and put 40 miles on it. Should I change the oil? I know I was going to do it at 100 miles but I never got there, haha.

Also...I've always put fuel stabilizer in my snowmobiles and started them once or twice a month during the off season. That way everything gets moving again and doesn't get all gumed up.

Just my 2 cents

YAMAHA MAN

 

[XDooMan]

A good quality fuel stabilizer should give the fuel a shelf life of one year.

it's crucial now to treat your fuel. The ne 10% ethonol fuel attracts moisture like a sponge. It typically only stays fresh now for about two weeks.

www.kleenflo.com
#400 Iso-flo
#790 KleenStor

 

[scherbs]

I always fill my tank before storage rather than drain the system. Any remnant fuel amounts will turn to varnish during evaporation and gum up where it lies. The manual also explains why not to periodically start your sled during the summer. Acids and moisture can corrode parts of the engine. Moisture forms and condenses on parts of the engine during the cooling process. If the engine is fogged then these parts are coated and protected. I do keep my sled up and supported off of the track.