Today was the day to go get the sleds and see what kind of pre-season work we were in for. As we pulled our frozen, leaf-encrusted trailer from storage and quite ungracefully got the sleds off the trailer and into the garage, the snow was blowing lightly and accumulating in spots, creating the perfect setting.
The first step, after checking for critter nests under the hoods, was to siphon the old gas out of the tanks, and replace with fresh. The battery on my LTD is shot, but Bill was able to add some water and at least get it running. I’ll need a new battery, ultimately, before we head out this season.
Getting Bill’s sled started we thought would be more of a job, since it wasn’t running right when it was parked, but after a few shots of starting fluid, it came to life with the first pull. In early 2011, our last ride took us to Kerby’s Bar & Grill in Maple City, where Bill had a hard time getting his sled to start upon leaving. I began to wonder, at the time, if we’d be riding back two up and then coming to get his sled with the trailer the next day! He eventually got it running, but it bogged every time he accelerated, so we knew this year there was a problem to solve before we head out.
He noticed a fuel line leaking after removing the airbox, so off came one carburetor for a closer look. Another fuel line going into the remaining carburetor appeared pinched, and could be the culprit. We won’t know until we get some snow and take it for a spin around the yard. It’s not good practice to rev a snowmobile excessively on the stand, so after the fuel lines are replaced and carburetors cleaned, a test drive will be needed.
Mufflers on both sleds got a coating of heat resistance paint, to help prevent rusting, and plug wires and bolts got a spray of WD-40 to protect against moisture and break through any corrosion.
With today’s windy, 24 degree weather, I was grateful for my spot next to the heater in the garage, where I frequently returned. There is more work to be done before we hit the trails – my sled will need new accelerator pumps, the suspension is a bit soft, and both will need new wear bars. All in all, we got a lot done today and are pleased with the results.
Until next time!
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