The first layer of fresh snow is an exciting sight for every snowmobile enthusiast. It’s the start of a season of adventures over fields, through woods and into wilderness areas. While the sight of snow will whet your appetite for the thrill of hitting the trails, a snowmobile that’s not quite ready to awaken from its off-season slumber will quickly dull the excitement. Inspecting your snowmobile and doing maintenance before the season is in full swing is a wise course of action.
6 items to inspect to get your snowmobile trail ready
1) Starter: If you try to start your snowmobile and nothing happens at all, you most likely have an electrical problem. The starter is often a prime suspect. You might experience silence, a solitary click or a series of clicking sounds. To pinpoint the starter as the problem, first check the battery to make sure it is fully charged and able to deliver adequate electrical power. After that, turn your attention to the starter. One of the major reasons that a starter fails is that the Bendix drive designed to engage the engine flywheel is worn or broken.
2) Solenoid Relay: If you’ve ruled out the starter and battery as electrical system issues, you can turn your attention to the solenoid relay, which acts as a switch that accepts a small amount of current to get things started. Over time, grime, moisture and heat can deteriorate the contact points of a solenoid relay and adversely affect its performance.
3) Voltage Regulator: Often overlooked, voltage regulators play an important role in the electrical system. This vital component does exactly what the name suggests. It regulates the amount of voltage flowing through the system. Without a properly functioning voltage regulator, electrical surges can damage components, negatively impacting performance.
4) Carburetor: Not all starting and performance issues are related to electrical problems. Fuel system problems are common, too. Your snowmobile’s carburetor is a vital part of the fuel system as it mixes the optimal ratio of air and fuel to power the engine. But as residue builds up and wear takes place, the ability of the carburetor to perform at maximum efficiency declines. Giving your carburetor an overhaul can restore its performance.
5) O-rings: Admittedly a small part, O-rings take on a big role in keeping your snowmobile running well. O-rings create seals to keep fluids and gases where they should be and out of where they should not be. They receive harsh treatment from high pressure environments, exposure to fluids and extreme temperatures. These factors eventually cause O-ring to deteriorate and cause leaks. Replacing O-rings periodically is good snowmobile maintenance.
6) Gaskets: Similar to O-rings, gaskets seal mating surfaces to prevent leaks of fluids and gases. As they age, gaskets become compromised and develop cracks, brittleness and distortion. Having a routine plan to replace gaskets will keep your snowmobile working more reliably as you hit the trails.
Two important reasons for a good snowmobile maintenance program
Keeping your snowmobile in good working order has two significant benefits. The first is to simply keep the good times happening. You don’t want to be sidelined when all your friends are out having fun on the trails. The second reason is safety. Snowmobile season is during the cold days of winter. A breakdown in a remote location when temperatures are frigid is a safety risk. For both reasons, a routine inspection and maintenance plan for your snowmobile is strongly advised.
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