Summer Storage Tips For Snowmobiles

When it's time to put your snowmobile in storage your instincts might tell you to just place it somewhere it won’t get in your way until next winter. Yes, these are rugged and durable machines but that doesn’t mean you don’t have to care for them at all, especially when we’re talking about leaving them in storage for months on end. 

If you want your snowmobile to last for a long time, you have to take some important steps to store it safely. It’s also crucial that you create a dedicated space for your snowmobile storage. Sleds that are left out and exposed to the elements can suffer unwanted damage like corrosion, cracking, and binding.

At Specialty Recreation & Marine, we like to help your patrons take good care of their machines, which is why we’ve created this helpful guide for storing your sled during the summer months. If you’re looking for professional sled maintenance or snowmobiles for sale in Coeur d'Alene, ID, get in touch with us today!

Clean it 

By the time you’re thinking of storing your snowmobile, you’ve probably put it through some pretty rough times. Now it’s time to show it some TLC by thoroughly cleaning it. This step isn’t optional, as accumulated grime can damage your sled. Grime can corrode your frame when left sitting over time. Use soapy, warm water when cleaning the hood, seat, tunnel and nose pan. Once you’re done, you can apply wax to keep dirt and debris off your sled while it’s in storage.

Stabilize the Fuel

This is another important step that must not be skipped. To properly prepare your snowmobile for storage, you have to pour some fuel stabilizer into the tank. This will stop the liquid from evaporating during the hot summer months and leaving behind a sticky gooey mess. Make sure you follow the directions correctly when adding the fuel stabilizer. Make sure it’s evenly distributed, then run the engine for a bit so the mixture runs through the fuel line.

Fog the Engine

Fogging your engine helps avoid corrosion, since it displaces moisture and adds extra lubrication. You need to have clear access to the area to do this properly, as this involves removing the air box and foam. Start the engine and, while it’s running, spray fogging oil into each intake. Alternate from one cylinder to another for a minute or so while you continue to spray until all internal parts are oiled. You’ll know you’ve properly fogged the engine when a foggy, white cloud exits the exhaust. That’s why it’s called “fogging the engine”!

Lube it Up

You also want to ensure that all the moving parts of your snowmobile stay well-lubricated while in storage. Begin by lubing the fittings on both the steering and suspension systems. You should also grease other lube points as you would in the winter. While you’re lubing, you can make it a point to protect your chassis from corrosion. Make sure it’s clean and clear of all debris before you spray down all the parts within reach with WD-40. This will keep moisture off the metal during the off-season. As fall rolls around and you prepare for snowmobile season, you can use a light degreaser to remove the lube from the chassis before you ride.

Store Wisely

Once your snowmobile is ready to be put in storage it’s time to choose a proper place or else you'll undo all your hard work. Where and how you choose to store your snowmobile is just as important as the preparation. An optimal storage setup will include your snowmobile being off the ground. You might not see an issue with storing it on a seemingly dry floor, but this can allow moisture to creep in, leading to corrosion. 

To lift your sled off the ground, you should jack up the rear end and unhook the springs so it reduces the tension put on the suspension and track lugs. Carefully place the front end on a wooden box or a milk crate so that the front suspension is hanging freely. If you’re worried about rodents causing damage to your sled, toss some mothballs under the hood and on top of the tunnel. Place a soft cover over your sled and your work is done!

We hope this information will help you store your sled safely this summer. For more help, or if you want to check out snowmobiles for sale in Coeur d'Alene, ID, call Specialty Recreation & Marine and one of our expert staff will help you out! We’re the preferred snowmobile dealer for our friends from Spokane, WA.