Fuel System
As the riding season draws to a close, Polaris recommends riders begin treating their snowmobile’s fuel system with the recommended amount of Polaris Carbon Clean (part number 2881413) or another fuel stabilizer. Treating the system with Carbon Clean during the last few rides of the season ensures the entire fuel system is treated. Then, when it comes time to store the snowmobile, all the rider has to do is completely fill the tank with fresh fuel. Models affected by Safety Recall S-24-01 must use the correct fuel type for the vehicle. For information on models affected by Safety Recall S-24-01 and selecting your fuel mode, read Snowmobile Safety Recall S-24-01. For models not affected, refer to your Owner’s Manual. Treat the new fuel with Carbon Clean.
Do the following prior to storing your snowmobile:
1. Use as much fuel in the fuel tank as possible during the last rides of the season.
2. When performing summerization storage procedures, completely fill the fuel tank with fuel. Models affected by Safety Recall S-24-01 must use the correct fuel type for the vehicle. For information on models affected by Safety Recall S-24-01 and selecting your fuel mode, read Snowmobile Safety Recall S-24-01. For models not affected, refer to your Owner’s Manual.
3. Treat the fuel in the fuel tank with the recommended amount of Carbon Clean. The recommended mixing ratio is outlined on the bottle label.
4. Position your snowmobile outside, in a well-ventilated area.
5. Start and run the engine for 10 to 15 minutes to distribute the treated fuel throughout the fuel system.
Note: On carbureted engines (550cc and 120 youth), run the engine for 10 to 15 minutes and then turn the fuel shut off valve to OFF. Continue to run the engine until the engine stalls and turns off. Doing this drains the carburetors of fuel.
Fogging the Engine
Next fog the engine. Fogging the engine with Polaris fogging oil (part number 2870791) is probably the most important storage step to ensure the internal parts of your snowmobile’s engine do not rust and corrode during the storage season.
1. Remove the spark plugs from the engine.
2. Liberally spray fogging oil into each spark plug hole. If possible, have an assistant slowly pull on the recoil rope to rotate the engine while spraying the oil into each cylinder.
3. Loosely install the spark plugs.
Note: Do not install new spark plugs after fogging the cylinders. Fogging oil prevents the formation of rust/corrosion by sticking to the internal engine components — including the spark plug electrodes. Replace these spark plugs the following season after all of the fogging oil has been burned out of the engine.
Drive Belt and Clutches
Never leave the drive belt installed in the clutches. Oxidation may form where the belt contacts the aluminum clutch sheave faces. To clean the drive and driven clutches, do the following:
1. Remove the primary and secondary drive belt from the snowmobile.
2. Inspect the drive belt for wear and glazing. Compare the primary belt with the backup (secondary) belt. Decide if a new belt is needed next season. Note the primary belt now can be used as the backup belt next season.
3. Clean the drive and driven clutch sheaves with Isopropyl Alcohol. Allow the alcohol to air dry. Continue cleaning the sheave faces until all belt residue is removed.
Battery
Never leave your battery unattended during the storage season. Snowmobile batteries are small and cannot maintain their charge during the offseason. To ensure your battery maintains its level of charge, connect the battery to a battery tender or trickle charger.
1. While the battery can remain installed on your snowmobile, it is recommended the battery be removed and stored in a cool and dry location. Removing the battery from your snowmobile allows for off-site storage of the snowmobile where electricity may not be available to connect a battery tender. Removing the battery also allows access to other maintenance items like the chaincase chain tensioner bolt.
2. Connect a battery tender to the battery.
3. Inspect the electrical connections and wire harnesses throughout the snowmobile. If damage is found, make a note of the damage so you and your authorized Polaris Dealer can address the concern.
Chaincase
Next move to your chaincase. Never leave used lubricant in the chaincase during the storage season. Doing so may leave water in the chaincase, which may cause corrosion and rust.
1. Follow the Owner’s Manual procedures and drain/fill the chaincase with new Polaris Synthetic Chaincase Lubricant (part number 2873105 for 1 quart or part number 2873106 for 1 gallon).
2. Rotate the driven clutch in the direction of forward vehicle travel to move the chain slack to the tensioner side of the drive system. Lock the parking brake.
3. Loosen the drive chain adjuster lock nut. Turn the adjuster screw inward until it no longer can be turned by hand.
4. Turn the adjuster nut ¼ of a turn counter-clockwise.
5. Tighten and then torque the jam nut to the specification listed in your Owner’s Manual. Release the parking brake.
Note: If the snowmobile is equipped with a transmission (TITAN/WideTrak snowmobiles), there is not a drive chain adjustment procedure.
Cleaning
Your snowmobile also should be cleaned prior to storage. Snowmobiles, especially those transported on sled decks and open trailers, can accumulate a lot of water and road dirt/salt during the riding season. Your snowmobile should be thoroughly washed and cleaned to prevent corrosion and rust formation.
1. Wash your snowmobile with a garden hose and solution of soapy water. If a pressure washer is used, take care not to point the pressure washer nozzle close the snowmobile. This could force high pressure water into the suspension/shock shafts and expose electrical connectors.
2. Dry your snowmobile with a lint-free towel. Allow the entire snowmobile to air dry afterward.
3. Clean the engine compartment. Use a shop vacuum if needed to remove dirt, leaves, cat tails, etc. from the engine compartment.
4. Hand wash the exhaust system and dry the pipe and silencer with a clean shop towel.
5. Apply spray metal protectant on exposed metal components, such as the exhaust pipe, silencer, shock shafts and suspension springs/pivots. Important: Do not spray metal protectant on the drive or driven clutches.
Lubrication
After washing your snowmobile, it is important to use Polaris Premium All Season grease (part number 2871322 or part number 2871423) to lubricate the various suspension/steering pivot points. This forces out any water accumulated within the joints, which prevents the formation of corrosion and rust.
1. Use a grease gun and Polaris Premium All Season Grease. Reference the appropriate Owner’s Manual to locate any and all grease zerks on the steering and suspension systems.
2. Pump fresh grease into all zerks until the grease can be seen purging out of each joint.
3. Use a paper towel to clean up and remove all of the residual purged grease from the joints.
Track Tension
Moderate track tension should be maintained during summer storage. The snowmobile should be supported off the ground to allow the track to hang freely.
Storage Location
Never store the snowmobile in a hot, humid location if possible. Store in a location away from water, tall grass and direct sunlight. The storage location should have some level of ventilation to prevent stagnant, humid air from accumulating in and around the snowmobile.
Covering Your Snowmobile
Cover your snowmobile with a fabric snowmobile cover. A plastic tarp may cause condensation to form and damage snowmobile components.
For more information, see your authorized Polaris Dealer. To find a dealer near you, use the Dealer Locator.
Maintenance tips, procedures and specifications can be found in your Owner's Manual.
To find diagrams and replacement part numbers, use the online parts catalog.
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