Essential Snowmobile Maintenance Tips: Colorado Summers
To properly store your snowmobile for the short and sweet Colorado summer season, we should focus on cleaning, protecting and preserving its components. Thoroughly clean your sled with attention on the exterior, clutch, fuel system and engine. Be sure to add fuel stabilizer if you didn’t get a chance to burn all those dinos, it’s good to fog the engine and disconnect the battery and store if equipped with one.
If you have the means, elevate it off the ground in a dry/covered storage area, otherwise raising it up on blocks with a tarp and/or sheet of plywood is an alternative to getting the rubber track, skis and suspension free from unwanted wear and tear. Next you will be sure to lubricate key areas, inspect shocks and cover it until the next go around come Autumn.
Below is a basic maintenance program for storing your snowmobiles for the off-season. Enjoy the summer and stoked for what next year’s snowmobile season will bring to the Central Rocky Mountains of Colorado.
General Maintenance Procedure
Cleaning
Clean thoroughly with pressure washer, brush/rag, mild soap and water
Clean all system components including engine, track and body by hand
Preparation
Inspect entire machine for damage and repair. Refer to manual for general service requirements (chaincase, plugs/wires, etc.)
Inspect you track for damage, repair if possible and release tension for proper storage and preservation
Refer to manual to “Fog the Engine” to displace moisture, provide lubrication that helps prevent corrosion to seals and plugs.
Remove battery (if equipped) and store in a cool, dry environment while maintaining its charge throughout the summer
Storage Tips
Add fuel stabilizer to the existing fuel tank as needed.
Indoor: elevate track and skis off ground and cover. avoid dusty areas
Outdoor: tarp/plywood for ground and breathable cover for machine, elevate the track and skis on concrete blocks. Block/seal any openings such as exhaust from rodents and insects with rags.