Snowmobile Repair: summer storage, combustion residue, spray lubricant


Question
I have an older Polaris, a 98 700 XC, I have been told that I need to "fog" the motor for storage. I do not know what needs to be done for this. I have greased every zerk I could find. other than that, I am not sure what else needs to be done. Any help is appreciated.

Answer
Hello Larry,

  Fogging is a good idea for storage. Here are the basics of snowmobile storage preparation, which I think you will find helpful.

1. Start with a thorough cleaning. Wash with a mild soap. Rinse thoroughly.
2. Apply SNOWMOBILE GREASE to the suspension and steering points indicated in the manual.
3. Lubricate suspension parts, linkages and pivot points with SPRAY LUBRICANT to fight corrosion while reducing friction.
4. Internal Engine Corrosion Protection: Use FOGGING OIL  to coat internal engine parts to help prevent rust and corrosion during storage caused by moisture and acidic combustion residue.
Two-Stroke Models: With the engine warm and idling, spray fogging oil into the airbox opening for 20-30 seconds.
This procedure produces a lot of smoke so be sure to do it outside.
5. Remove the battery from the snowmobile and charge it fully. Store the battery in a cool place and recharge it as needed. Refer to your Owner's Manual for proper battery handling procedures. Next season, have your dealer perform a load test on your battery to make sure it is in good condition and ready to use.
6. Today's gasolines (particularly oxygenated formulas) tend to start deteriorating after only a month or two. Buy only as much fuel as you plan to use. All remaining gasoline should be drained from the fuel system before storage. Drain the fuel tank into a clean can approved for gasoline using a PRIMER PUMP ASSEMBLY for siphoning gasoline. (If it is still fresh, you may be able to use the leftover fuel in an automobile or other engine that uses the same gasoline grade, unless you use premix.) Place a rag under the carb drain plug, then loosen the plug to drain each carburetor. Tighten each drain plug.
WARNING: Gasoline and its vapors are highly flammable and explosive. Keep fuel away from sparks, lit cigarettes, or open flames. Work in a well-ventilated area. Dispose of gasoline-soaked rags properly.
7. First, remove the V-belt and store it separately. Next, apply SILICONE PROTECTANT AND LUBRICANT SPRAY to the entire engine (but avoid getting any spray on the clutches), track, and other metal, rubber and plastic parts to retard rust and salt corrosion and to prevent plastic and rubber parts from deterioration, cracking and gumming. Additionally, Silicone Spray helps stop sticking, binding, and squeaking.
8. Protect all painted surfaces with CLEANER WAX.

I hope this helps you. Let me know if you have any other questions. Good luck with the sled! --Arcticatman