How To Store a Snowmobile for the Summer

Make sure your sled last for years by prepping it correctly for summer storage. In this video I'll explain and show you the steps you should consider before putting your machine to bed.
These steps are all intended to avoid potential damage caused by fuel breakdown, oil contamination, condensation, corrosion, suspension sag and pests.
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[@jabbajabba44]

Great advice my sled thanks you! Mice, squirrels and bugs... they love a nice, warm, quiet summer sled hideout! So along with the steel wool in the end of the pipe I put few charcoal briquets in spots I've found nests, droppings, food caches etc. They work! Just don't forget about them when back on the trails as they leave a mean black dust! Store briquets in a metal can, cover, good to go for next storage time.

[@MyOldSled]

Sorry guys, but I think the season is pretty much over. HOW WAS YOUR SEASON? In this video I'm talking about the various things you should do before you store your sled for the summer. There's lots of different approaches, but I think these are best practice. Let me know in the comments if there's anything different in your pre-storage routine.

[@pattymitchell7972]

Thank you very informative. Pretty much do all the things you show on your video!

[@upnorthvlogs]

I just bought 89 Yamaha ovation 340 with electric start for 50 bucks I don’t ride much snowmobiles more ATVs hopefully we get lots of ❄️

[@MyOldSled]

Fingers crossed for you

[@upnorthvlogs]

@@MyOldSled You to i’m not far from you I am in Minnesota so will get about the same let’s do the snow❄️ 🕺

[@SenditATVSSLEDS]

Good vid. Your one of the KZbinrs who inspired me to get into sledding. Sold my 04 Viper and got a Polaris switchback 800 pro s. Needed that new suspension for comfort.

[@rightwinggunslinger1]

Yep. This method works very well for me. My late 90s rides have been exceptionally reliable. Well timed video!

[@MyOldSled]

Thanks for watching Travis

[@KCreations4You]

Great Video as always. I'm just happy I got mine where they need to be before the snow way gone or I bet it would have been a pain. Thank you for a good list to do. I want to cover mine with a tarp as well.

[@MyOldSled]

Thanks KC glad you liked it.

[@hollymorrow70]

Taking mine for a spring check on Monday! Next winter - START and GO!! :) :)

[@MyOldSled]

:)

[@RGNightHawwk]

A good cover and out of the sun is ideal also! Awesome video with some great tips!

[@MyOldSled]

Thanks RGN

[@kenw4206]

Nice video David…you covered removing the drive belt which I have never done in the past except for inspection and cleaning the clutches…Makes sense…Garage looks good…Happy Spring/Summer👍🏻

[@MyOldSled]

Just take the belt off after its been sitting all summer and you’ll see it. Always a good practice, thanks for watching.

[@michaelmcgraw3362]

Great video thank you sir

[@lakeville1853]

Thank you David

[@marksmith9997]

Being new to the sport, your video's are always helpful. Thanks' and see you next fall!

[@MyOldSled]

Hey Mark. Glad you like them. Hope you had a good season!

[@guillaumeduval3484]

Great video David! I'm sad the season is over but it was a weird winter with alot of hot days and now its been raining for 2 days straight and over 15°c. We'll see what next winter brings. Now to the summer powersports!

[@MyOldSled]

Hopefully next years better.

[@adampallett8000]

Another great video!

[@MyOldSled]

Thanks Adam!

[@tomislavlulic9330]

Dave where are you buddy!! I bought my first sled this passed summer and found your channel while trying to look up repairs I needed done....hope all is well buddy....I love your channel even more being a Ontario rider now myself, I learned so much from you , great content!

[@MyOldSled]

Im coming! Rough year, hang in there…

[@farmark457]

Good info, I always spray all the underneath suspension and even the engine exterior with WD 40 to ward off corrosion Seems to help. Thx for the video

[@MyOldSled]

Thanks for watching FM

[@Erix7810]

Love your channel… I’m new to the hobby… thanks for all the help. 😁

[@MyOldSled]

Hi Eric, Thanks very much. Glad you enjoyed it. Welcome to the sport.

[@jeremy8726]

Dead on another great vid again and that it's not to just make it pretty but you know you are right was great 😂

[@MyOldSled]

Thanks Jeremy.

[@b01tact10n]

Great content hit everything on the button!

[@MyOldSled]

Thanks! Glad you liked it.

[@lincolnmarsh6404]

Hello David could you do a video on the steps to store your ATV for the winter?

[@king-pin007]

David I agree with most except for fogging etc.. l’ve found it’s always best to start an engine every so often during storage. Thanks for your great tips 👍

[@MyOldSled]

I used to that too as i said, its better than nothing, but fogging is the proper way to prep for storage and the preferred approach. Thanks for watching and commenting.

[@king-pin007]

Cool ..we can agree to disagree 👍thanks again

[@hollymorrow70]

I know...I'll upgrade to a bit newer that has the "summerize" feature! 🤭🤭

[@MyOldSled]

Even better!

[@tylorf1128]

I start my sled every 3 weeks and spin the track and get all those bearings moving if there’s any water or condensation out of there Thanks David

[@scottmcnabb9122]

David as usually you have covered all the bases great information love your you tube channel keep doing what your doing . There was a couple of things I never have done is fogging will try it this year thanks David is that it for the season . I hope your doing more in the furture cheer's. Maybe on boats and fourwheeler this summer.

[@MyOldSled]

Hi Scott thanks so much glad you liked it. Yes just fog it for the season, or if you run it for some reason. Don’t go too crazy, just till it starts smoking, so it clears out easy in the fall. No worries I will keep doing them ;)

[@scottmcnabb9122]

@@MyOldSled okay thanks David hope to see you next season.

[@MyOldSled]

@@scottmcnabb9122 oh, i think i misunderstood. I may do some videos through the summer as well. Ill see how summer goes.

[@scottmcnabb9122]

@@MyOldSled Oh yeah that's okay David yes like you said see how the summer goes . I'am sure it take sometime to put this together and summers are short David . If nothing else will look forward to this up coming winter cheer's.

[@I8U4FUN]

Hey David, one thing I also like to do is release track tension for storage. That way, I always retention the track again in the fall to ski doo specs.

[@MyOldSled]

Hi Jeffrey, why not just check the tension in the fall? Thanks for watching and commenting.

[@mpsports5402]

Tension?

[@jeffparuch4117]

Maybe for a video idea if you can do video on rave valve cleaning, also great video as always!

[@MyOldSled]

Will do

[@chunkymonkey5458]

Hey man can you show us a suspension adjustment video on the rev!

[@EVALM8]

Hey David I have loved your channel for years and I have learned so much from you about snowmobiles I have a lot of sleds and my main one as a yamaha ss440 mostly vintage sleds but it runs great.... and a question...How important is is to gap your spark plugs?

[@MyOldSled]

I always check my gap to ensure cleanest, most complete and efficient combustion. Its easy to do and costs nothing.

[@trump45and2zig-zags]

My post season routine usually consists of ordering parts lol

[@dirtrider88]

lmao at you saying the season is just about over while theres more snow around you than i have seen all winter including my trips "up north". i was thinking about going up to maine last weekend (3/19) to ride and your up in Canada with more snow than i probably would have seen if i went to maine.

[@MyOldSled]

Its all gone now. The season was over a day after i said it was almost over.

[@itypefaster]

Do you fog 4 strokes or just the 2s?

[@MyOldSled]

You can. In a two stroke, you’re protecting your crank shaft and connecting rod bearings, in both 2 and 4 you protect cylinders, wrist pins and rings, and in a 4 stroke you also protect the valves. Some 4 strokes have a flame arrestor on the intake and shouldn’t be fogged through the intake. Check with your dealer or manual.

[@romani7637]

When you say fill your tank? How full should it be?

[@MyOldSled]

I think you’re over thinking, just fill it like you normally would.

[@hollymorrow70]

David - once I add the stabilizer - is running the sled necessary - and if so - I usually let it run until it stops?

[@MyOldSled]

Its better if you do, to run it through the lines. No, it won’t stall.

[@chamberb01]

Some people shut the fuel off after adding stabilizer and then let the sled run until it stops... spreads the stabilizer through the systems and drains the fuel lines/carbs. Can't do this if you want to fog it.

[@MyOldSled]

Some guys do, but you should really never run a sled out of fuel. If your sled has multiple carbs (especially triples) and one of them runs out of fuel before the others, technically you can lean out that cylinder. This can happen for a variety of reasons including issues with the needle and seat, partially blocked fuel lines etc

[@chamberb01]

@@MyOldSled Excellent point! My 1997 has twin carbs, time to stop this practice. Thank you!

[@MyOldSled]

Not hugely likely, but a possibility. I never do. Thanks for watching and commenting serge

[@jamesburnett5032]

Dryer sheets will keep mice out of anything stored.

[@jamesburnett5032]

Dryer sheets will keep mice out of your snowmobile during summer storage.

[@bt71sschevelle58]

For mice use dryer sheets

[@MyOldSled]

Hi BT. Yep that’s one of the suggestions in the video I mentioned. I don’t use them for blocking the exhaust, but putting them arou d the sled can sometimes deter rodents. Outdoor Snowmobile Storage Tips - Goodbye Temporary Shelters! kzbin.info/www/bejne/momsg2mwhsd3Y9k

[@bt71sschevelle58]

@@MyOldSled no I’ve always used oiled rags for exhaust dryer sheets on running boards and around the engine

[@stefjoly1426]

For the mice problem, get yourself 3 or 4 cats .Problem solved

[@MyOldSled]

Ew. I prefer mice to cats :)

[@MyTimmy75]

I do all of the above. Accept I completely drain the tank, And run the machine until it's out of gas, While fogging it, That way, The gas equation and worry is completely gone, And the fuel system and carbs are completely dry and clean. And as for moisture in your tank. Whether indoor or outdoor. If you just leave your gas cap a bit loose. The tank will breath, And you will have zero moisture :) Trouble free myself every year for 47 years of my life ;)

[@MyOldSled]

Hi Tim, No need to leave your cap loose. All tanks are vented, allowing them to “breath”, primarily to equalize pressure. The level in the tank changes with temperature, and obviously fuel consumption. If they are not vented, the result would be vacuum or pressure. Condensation forms as a result of temperature differential between the tank wall and the air, and would even if you removed your cap. As I mention, I know some guys drain the tank, but best practice, and the one most effective at minimizing the risk of condensation, is to fill the tank. Thanks for watching!

[@MyOldSled]

Also, while I have seen that approach, running a machine out of gas is never recommended. On a machine with multiple carbs, especially a triple, if you have an issue with a needle and seat …or for any reason one carb runs out of fuel first, you can end up,with damage from running one cylinder lean.

[@MyTimmy75]

Awe But . I love your channel :) And cheers to our old MXZ's ;) I have a 2002 500 liquid myself, Still running today ;)

[@MyOldSled]

How was your winter? Lots of snow?

[@MyTimmy75]

@@MyOldSled Awe to be honest. I live in Shelburne Ontario, Or '' District 4 '' So we're not much different than you. I got out a few times , But I've seen better winters. Those few Feb rains really put a damper on things . And I only can ride on weekends, But I got out 4 or 5 times for a few good runs around here :) But tis nature, Weather wise ;) And how about you? In the mighty Bruce? :)

[@davidbjerrum6178]

I dont know how the skidoo stabilizer is but please NEVER use the red stabil stuff. I own a small engine repair shop and they told us in school to never use it. It forms a film on top of the gas which doesnt let the evaporates out of the gas. The problem is is that when you start using the sled/machine again it sucks that scum through the carbs and ,voila, you have carb issues. I, personally, use only sea foam. If you use seafoam on a 2 stroke you need to add a little bit extra oil to the gas to compensate for the seafoam. Seafoam burns dryer than gas which is why the need to add a bit extra oil. And, NEVER USE ETHONAL! NO MATTER WHAT. not even 10%, even if manufacturer says you can. This is all just my opinion. Take it however you want.

[@MyOldSled]

I have never had a problem with any of the fuel stabilizers I’ve used. Good to know, I’ve never used the red stabil stuff. Ethanol presents a few challenges but easily compensated for with proper maintenance, though there are additional challenges with some older vintage sleds. Unfortunately, non-ethanol gas is getting harder to find and some stations that are currently offering non-ethanol premium in the US and Canada are switching to 10% ethanol so not much choice.

[@scottbanghart3866]

Inside ……

[@MyOldSled]

Whenever possible...