Getting eady to Ride

[Gissert]

Most owners manuals have a guide to go by, but here is what I do every year and it has served me well.

The best thing that can be done is properly prep for summer storage and fog that engine when the sled is parked for the summer.

Before starting the sled in the fall, make sure the mice have not made a nice nest in the airbox. Carbs and pistons don't like inhaling a summer's worth of mouse leavings. I prevent this problem by taping over the openings with aluminum speed tape when I pickle the sled in the spring. I also tape up the exhaust exit as well.

If the gas was not stabilized last spring, drain out all you can, and for sure get the carbs cleaned. Varnish and green gunk can partially clog jets, and this could cause engine seizure on a cold day.

If the gas was stabilized, I would still drain all you can and put fresh gas in the tank. Condensation will turn to ice on a cold day, and that can cause a piston seziure.

Check the track for any rips or tears, especially along the edges of the out side of the track and along the track windows.

Check all the skidframe bearings and replace them if there any bad ones. Grease all the grease points on the skid as well.

Replace the hifax if necessary. Make sure the track is properly aligned and tensioned.

Check the jackshaft bearings, and grease them too, if possible.

Check the chaincase lube, and fill/replace if necessary.

Put in fresh spark plugs.

Check the skags under the skis, and replace if worn.

Grease the lube points on the front suspension.

Replace fuel oil filters.

Make sure the oil pump cable is in good condition and adjusted properly.

Check drive belt for condition and replace if worn.

Clean the clutch faces. I use rubbing alcohol. Do not use any lubericant on the clutch faces.

If the sled is liquid cooled, check the condition of the antifreeze.

[Guest]

Greg,

Gissert just about covered it. Also, you can search the archives as this topic came up a couple of months ago.

Paul

[Greg Clusiau]

Anyone's thoughts on getting a snowmobile ready for another season. Any specific do's or don'ts? Thanks....GC

[Greg Clusiau]

I Mean "Ready to Ride". Guess I type to fast!!!!

[rmrakt]

Gissert / Pwaldow123,

Question about the jackshaft bearing.

Do you need to pull the clutch to get at that lube fitting on later model Indys?

Thanks!

[Guest]

rmrakt,

What year and model Indy do you have?

Paul

[Greg Clusiau]

Thanks Gissert,

You know WAY TOO MUCH!!

GC

[Gissert]

Greg,

LOL! Trial and error from learning some hard lessons myself and from others. Nothing is more depressing than a fishing trip and/or sled trip and getting hamstrung with a break down that could have been prevented by preseason maintenance.

[rmrakt]

1997 Indy 500
1995 Indy 500 Classic Touring

The zerq (sp?) fittings look to be in the same spot behind the secondary clutch. All of my other maintenance is done but haven't done this yet. Thanks again for the help!

-Rick

[Xplorer]

rmrakt,
simply loosen the retaining bolt on the driven clutch (take drive belt off beforehand) and slide the sheaves forward until you have enough room to get the grease fitting on it. Slide sheaves back on and tighten bolt. Xplorer

[rmrakt]

Wow...that sounds simple enough! Wasn't sure if that clutch was pressed on or what.
Will give it a try tonight.

Now if we only had the winter weather to sled and icefish in......

Thanks fellers!