Post-Season Snowmobile Maintenance

Image Credit: Joseph / flickr

Regular maintenance not only extends the life of your snowmobile but also ensures a safe and enjoyable ride. In this blog post, we'll go over the essentials of post-season snowmobile maintenance and how to prepare your snowmobile for storage.

Before you store your snowmobile, make sure that you inspect it for any wear and tear. If you find any damage, you will want to fix it before storing the snowmobile for the season. This will help to ensure that you have an easier pre-season inspection.

Whether you're a seasoned snowmobiler or a new rider, this guide will help you keep your snowmobile in top condition and ready for the next winter adventure.

Post-Season Dirty Snowmobile Cleaning and Drying

Image Credit: Chad Cooper / flickr

Cleaning and Drying

Start with the engine:

    1. Remove the spark plug, battery, and any other removable parts.
    2. Wash the engine using a gentle stream of water. High pressure can damage delicate parts.

Avoid getting any of the following wet:

        • Electronics and electrical components
        • Air intake and exhaust systems
        • Engine and drive belts
        • Suspension components
        • Brake components and systems

It's important to keep these parts dry to prevent damage and ensure safe and proper functioning.

  1. Use a degreaser or solvent specifically designed for engines. Apply the cleaner and let it sit for a few minutes before washing it off with water.
  2. Dry the engine thoroughly with a clean cloth. Avoid using compressed air to dry the engine as it can blow water into parts where it can cause damage.
  3. Reinstall the spark plug, battery, and any other parts.

Next, move on to cleaning the tracks:

  1. Rinse tracks with warm water to remove any loose debris and snow.
  2. Apply a cleaning solution or use a mild soap solution.
  3. Scrub the tracks thoroughly with a brush or cloth to remove dirt and grime.
  4. Rinse the tracks thoroughly with clean water.
  5. Dry the tracks completely before using the snowmobile again.

Now for the body:

  1. Hose down the snowmobile body with warm water to remove loose dirt and debris.
  2. Apply a suitable cleaning product, such as a specialized snowmobile body cleaner.
  3. Use a brush or cloth to scrub away dirt, grime, and other contaminants from the body.
  4. Rinse the snowmobile body thoroughly with clean water.
  5. Use a clean cloth to dry the body or let it air dry completely.
  6. Apply a protectant on plastic surfaces to preserve their appearance and prevent fading and cracking.

Drivetrain and Suspension System Greasing

Once you have dried off your machine, it is time to grease the drivetrain and suspension systems.

  1. Make sure the snowmobile body is completely dry.
  2. Obtain the recommended grease for your snowmobile as indicated in the owner's manual.
  3. Locate the drivetrain components, such as the drive shaft, universal joints, and gears. Apply a thin, even layer of grease to these components to keep them lubricated.
  4. Locate the suspension components, such as the shocks and skid arms. Apply a thin, even layer of grease to these components to reduce friction and wear.
  5. WD-40 is a common lubricant that can help prevent rust from forming on metal components. Apply a light coating to skid arms and tie rods.
  6. Avoid getting WD-40 on the clutch areas of your belt as it may cause slippage.
  7. Check the owner's manual for any additional lubrication requirements or recommendations.

Fluid Maintenance

To maintain fluid levels during snowmobile storage:

  1. Fuel Tank: Either drain the fuel tank completely or add a fuel stabilizer to prevent separation in the tank. You may choose to fill the tank to the top if you plan to periodically start the engine during the summer months.
  2. Coolant and Oil: Check the levels of coolant and oil. If needed, refill to the proper levels as indicated in the owner's manual.
  3. Engine Fogging: Fogging involves spraying a fogging oil into the engine intake while the snowmobile is running, to protect the cylinder walls and rod pins. Check the owner's manual for instructions on how to fog the engine properly.
  4. Other Maintenance: Refer to the owner's manual for any additional fluid maintenance requirements or recommendations for your specific snowmobile model.

Battery Maintenance

Consider removing your battery from the snowmobile and storing it separately. It will need to be stored in a cool dry place to ensure that it does not develop corrosion. Properly storing your battery will help to prevent damage and help to extend the life of the battery. To maintain a snowmobile battery during storage:

  1. Remove the battery from the snowmobile and store it in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight and other sources of heat.
  2. Store the battery in a manner that will prevent corrosion, such as in a battery box or other protective container.
  3. Keep the battery charged during storage to prevent discharge and to extend the battery's life.
  4. Check the battery periodically during storage and recharge if necessary.
  5. Before using the snowmobile again, reinstall the battery and check the connections to make sure they are tight and free of corrosion.
  6. Refer to the owner's manual for any additional battery maintenance requirements or recommendations specific to your snowmobile model.

Storage Preparation

To protect your snowmobile during storage, you'll need to choose a storage solution. A quality cover is recommended to protect it from the elements. Ensure that the cover is wind and sun resistant if it is exposed. The best option is to store it in a shed, which will provide protection from the elements. Cover the snowmobile even if it is in a shed and raise the skis and protect the tracks. To prevent damage, lock the shed door and keep animals out.

Final Thoughts

Post-season snowmobile maintenance is crucial for ensuring the longevity and performance of your snowmobile. By inspecting it for wear and tear and fixing any damage, you can have a smoother pre-season inspection and avoid costly repairs in the future. Regular maintenance will not only keep your snowmobile in great condition but also ensure a safe and enjoyable ride next season. So, don't forget to give your snowmobile the proper care it deserves and be prepared for an amazing winter season.

Additional Resources

Here are some additional online resources that you can use to research post-season snowmobile maintenance:

  1. Snowmobile.com (https://www.snowmobile.com/) - This website offers a wide variety of articles and guides on snowmobile maintenance, including post-season maintenance.
  2. American Snowmobiler Magazine (https://www.americansnowmobiler.com/) - This magazine's website offers several articles and videos on post-season maintenance, as well as general snowmobile maintenance.
  3. Snow Goer Magazine (https://www.snowgoer.com/) - This magazine's website also offers several articles and guides on post-season snowmobile maintenance, as well as other snowmobile-related topics.