Getting Organized: Where are you storing your sled? In a trailer? Make sure it has proper ventilation so that the sled doesn't sweat. In a barn? Make sure you plug the holes (exhaust opening) with steel wool and use moth balls to protect against rodents. Outside? Make sure that the track and skis are up off of the ground; you can use wooden blocks. Obviously, the best place to store a sled is in a climate-controlled indoor area. You will need to make a to-do list before you start. Other necessities include: a grease gun with low temperature grease, a quality fuel stabilizer, two cans of factory fogging fluid, and WD 40. Also, take a look at your owners manual, most brands give you hints and tips on Summer storage.

Getting Started: First, begin by giving your sled a good old-fashioned soapy wash, rinse, and dry. This is a good time to look things over and check your machine for any damage and repair accordingly. Most agree that fuel stabilizer is a great product for summer storage (read instructions for the proper formula). There are many different reports on how much fuel to leave in your tank but all agree that stabilizer should be added and run through the engine for a minimum of fifteen minutes. This holds true for all two stroke, four stroke, and EFI engines. Warning: Do not use fuel injector cleaner! This chemical is too harsh for the carburetor, EFI fuel system and snowmobile's engine.

Remove the air box to access the carburetor or throttle body to get ready for spraying fogging oil. Fogging oil is available from your OEM' dealer, and is recommended. Fogging oil is a non-detergent oil that stays and coats engine parts for long storage. Warning: Several reports from people using the sled's oil pump state that manually putting the oil pump on full works well to fog machines but most injector oil is a detergent oil and cleans parts but does not coat them properly.

With engine running use two cans of fogging fluid, one per cylinder, simultaneously, spray directly into each carburetor or throttle body for approximately five minutes (this is a smoky process, a well ventilated area is recommended).

If your sled has a fuel primer system, you can tap into the back side of the primer line and fog directly through the primer line. 900 Fusion owners: Polaris recommends spraying fogging fluid into the spark plug holes while manually rotating the clutch because removing the air box is too difficult. If your machine is carbureted, now is a good time to drain the 17mm drain plug on the bottom of the carburetor's float bowl.

If your machine is electric, remove the battery and place on a wooden block for storage as it will not ground itself out through wood. All reports say that removing the belt for storage is a good idea. After removing the belt, store it loosely and in a clean area. The clutches and the metal parts need a coating of fogging fluid (remember to clean these off when going. to ride again). Spray fogging fluid on steering parts, suspension parts, knuckles and especially shock shafts (note: if there is any rust on the chrome shaft, it must be replaced). Try for little overspray and stay clear of brake pads. Spray WD 40 on rails and metal parts, WD 40 will not harm rubber or plastic..

Pop Quiz: What does WD 40 Formula stand for?
Answer: Water Displacement on the 40th try.

Grease all fittings with low temperature grease which will push the water out (refer to owners manual for locations). Some claim that loosening the track is ideal; this is your call as the track is not all that tight to begin with but be sure to elevate it from the floor/ground. Paint metal ski bottoms, after cleaning at the end of season, this is a great time for a spray bomb touch up. Touch your track cleats up with clear spray paint to keep them looking like new. Wax will protect painted and decaled surfaces. Cover your machine with a loose tarp or snowmobile cover.

A special thanks to:
Bondi Engine Works, COPS (Central Ontario Polaris), RJ Motorsports, Machine Racing, St. Onge Recreation, and Yamaha Motor Canada for their helpful insights on this important service school.

This article courtesy of Snow Goer Canada Magazine.