What to check before first ride this season?

Sekeith · Nov 29, 2016

I redid the top end this summer (new pistons, cylinder, gaskets). I've warmed it up a few times and burped my cooling system. Next on the list is to re-torque the head bolts after a few warm ups.

What else should I do for a pre-season maintenance/check? The previous owner said something about cleaning the clutches but I don't know how. I also had the primary clutch fall off on my polaris a couple years back because I didn't check the clutch bolt regularly (is that a thing on my 08 ski doo summit 800?).

During the top end I cleaned the carbs, power valves and picked up a new set of plugs.

TIA

f150truck · Nov 29, 2016

Check Ski / Spindle pivot bushings they go from a little play to no bushing left in 1 afternoon

ippielb · Nov 29, 2016

Sekeith said:
I redid the top end this summer (new pistons, cylinder, gaskets). I've warmed it up a few times and burped my cooling system. Next on the list is to re-torque the head bolts after a few warm ups.

What else should I do for a pre-season maintenance/check? The previous owner said something about cleaning the clutches but I don't know how. I also had the primary clutch fall off on my polaris a couple years back because I didn't check the clutch bolt regularly (is that a thing on my 08 ski doo summit 800?).

During the top end I cleaned the carbs, power valves and picked up a new set of plugs.

TIA

I take engine bright engine cleaner and spray it in the clutches all over let it set and then pressure wash them. Really loosens up the belt dust. Just gotta start it up after and try and get all the water out of the clutch so it doesn't freeze if you do it at the car wash.

My basic season starting check is check mouse nests, fuel lines, ground wires/electrical rubbing on prone areas, exhaust leaks, check idler wheels in the skid, drain old gas, new plugs. Couple fresh gallons and some oil in it if it hasn't been started all summer.

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Sekeith · Dec 2, 2016

Do you spray the engine cleaner on the clutches with them still installed? There is a sharpie mark on my primary where it is supposed to be lined up with because it was dynamically balanced. I'd need to make sure I don't loose that.

ippielb · Dec 2, 2016

Sekeith said:
Do you spray the engine cleaner on the clutches with them still installed? There is a sharpie mark on my primary where it is supposed to be lined up with because it was dynamically balanced. I'd need to make sure I don't loose that.

Yep belt and all. Never had a problem. Just make sure you start the sled and let it idle try and get the water out of the clutch and evaporate what can.

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Sekeith · Dec 5, 2016

Ok cool I'll give that a go. I can park my sled in my heated garage for a few days after I wash it so that'll help dry everything out as well.

ippielb · Dec 5, 2016

Sekeith said:
Ok cool I'll give that a go. I can park my sled in my heated garage for a few days after I wash it so that'll help dry everything out as well.

Yup, or if you got energy you can take the belt off and do it and then put the belt back on. It doesn't hurt a belt to get a soapy water bath though. You're suppose to do that on all new belts anyways.

Check your brake fluid as well. Wouldn't hurt to drain it and refill with fresh. Check the seal on the top of the master cylinder(cap rubber gasket) I bought a sled last winter and last week I moved it it had brakes, took it down the driveway and when I went to park it I hit the brakes there was nothing there. It must've been low of fluid and when I moved it I sucked in an air bubble going down the ditch. Good thing I wasn't trying to park it close to anything.

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Sekeith · Dec 8, 2016

Well she's all cleaned up and ready to hit the snow this weekend. Here's hoping it's a good time out at Valemont. Thoughts on what I should do for a break in period of my new cylinders/pistons/rings? I've let it idle and warm up a handful of times now to re-check the bolts after expansion and contractions etc. but what about for the first ride out? I figure I'll take it easy with varying rpms for the first 20kms or so and then ride like I stole it after.

ippielb · Dec 8, 2016

Sekeith said:
Well she's all cleaned up and ready to hit the snow this weekend. Here's hoping it's a good time out at Valemont. Thoughts on what I should do for a break in period of my new cylinders/pistons/rings? I've let it idle and warm up a handful of times now to re-check the bolts after expansion and contractions etc. but what about for the first ride out? I figure I'll take it easy with varying rpms for the first 20kms or so and then ride like I stole it after.

Ride it like you stole it AFTER IT WARMS UP. When I rebuild my motors I always hear cycle 4 times, then I go out and start it up wait for the coolant to cycle back into the motor warm. And then go romp on it. Ride it hard. Higher pressures seat the rings better. Giving a stronger running motor.

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Sekeith · Dec 9, 2016

Perfect thanks for the info! Gotta get me a set of ice scratchers after this weekend to complete my set up.

What to check before first ride this season?

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