Preparing your Lynx snowmobile for the summer months can be a bittersweet moment for snowmobile enthusiasts. With these tips below, you can significantly impact your experience when the snow returns in the upcoming season. Here's a comprehensive guide for storing your snowmobile when summer comes around, including valuable tips, techniques, and product suggestions.

ESSENTIAL STEPS FOR STORING YOUR SNOWMOBILE

Fuel System Maintenance: Ensure the well-being of the fuel in your tank.

Oil Change for Engine and Chaincase: Replace old oils with fresh ones to maintain optimal performance.

Preventing Corrosion: Shield your snowmobile from internal and external corrosion.

CARING FOR YOUR SNOWMOBILE'S FUEL SYSTEM

Chances are you used ethanol-blended fuel. Regardless, the crucial step is to add fuel stabilizer to the remaining fuel in the tank. Run your snowmobile sufficiently so the mixture runs throughout the entire system. This is vital for preserving your sled during the extended summer period.

Recommended Product: Opt for XPS Carbon Free Fuel Treatment for superior results.

LYNX 4-STROKE SNOWMOBILE OIL CHANGES

For a Lynx 4-stroke snowmobile owners, now is the ideal time to perform an oil change. This will remove any impurities and particles before your snowmobile remains idle throughout summer. If you’re a do-it-yourself kind of rider, the XPS Oil Change Kit from your local Lynx dealer includes everything necessary in a single package, tools aside. The process is straightforward and can be done with tools from local hardware or automotive stores   Or, your dealer can service your snowmobile.

If you opt to do it yourself, the first step is to park your snowmobile on an even surface. 

Raise the engine to operating temperature. After it’s warmed up, turn it off, remove the left side panel, and extract the oil dipstick located behind the clutch cover.

Next, remove the right side panel to access and replace the oil filter.

The oil drain plug or plugs are situated beneath the snowmobile and safeguarded by an access cover. 

Remove one of the access cover screws and slightly loosen the second one to move the cover and access the drain plug or plugs. Position an oil pan under the snowmobile and remove the drain plug.

Once the oil has drained, replace the sealing washer (included in the XPS oil change kit) on the drain plug. 

Reinstall the plug and protective cover. Install a new oil filter and O-ring (both included in the XPS oil change kit)

Refill with the appropriate amount of fresh oil (provided in the XPS oil change kit) as specified in your operator's manual.

And finally, thoroughly check for leaks and responsibly dispose of the used oil.

Recommended Product: The comprehensive XPS oil change kit simplifies this task significantly.

CHANGING THE CHAINCASE OIL

This is also the perfect time to refresh your chaincase oil. Replace the old oil with fresh oil to eliminate any moisture accumulation from winter usage. This ensures that your chain and gears remain coated with clean oil.

Recommended Product: Opt for XPS Synthetic Chaincase Oil for optimal results.

INSPECTING THE BRAKE SYSTEM

This phase involves a thorough examination of your entire brake system by inspecting the brake hose for leaks or cracks and assessing the condition of your brake pads and disc. If replacements are needed, take advantage of this opportunity to change them. Brake fluid levels should be checked and replaced every two years. 

Since you're already changing fluids, consider refreshing your brake fluid as well

Recommended Product: Opt for XPS DOT 4 Brake Fluid for enhanced braking performance.

STORING LYNX SNOWMOBILE E-TEC MODELS

The following steps applies exclusively to sleds equipped with the Rotax E-TEC 2-stroke engine. Park your snowmobile in a well-ventilated area near its designated summer storage spot. 

Engaging the E-TEC summer mode prepares your snowmobile's engine for an extended storage period and ensures a successful start in the following season. Detailed instructions for this process can be found in your owner's manual, under the Storage section.

Recommended Product: Opt for XPS 2-Stroke Synthetic Oil for the best results.

CLEANING, RINSING, AND PRESERVING

While this might be obvious, it's often underestimated. Grab your bucket, sponge, and hose to give your snowmobile a thorough cleaning and rinsing. This will eliminate any dirt and salt that could potentially corrode metal components over time. It’s specifically essential if you use a flatbed trailer for snowmobile transportation. Even with an enclosed trailer, consider the numerous salty road crossings and muddy corners you've encountered throughout the season. Once your snowmobile is squeaky clean and dry, apply a protective polish or wax to maintain the quality of the finishes. This extra effort prevents harmful substances from affecting your snowmobile's appearance and ensures it looks as good as new when you unveil it next season.

Don’t neglect the internal parts either. Cleaning the accumulated dust and debris from within the side panels is equally important. For thorough dusting, remove the belt and thoroughly clean the clutches and brakes with a cleaner.

LUBRICATING YOUR SNOWMOBILE CHASSIS

After a season full of various bumps, drops, and challenging terrain, your Lynx snowmobile’s grease zerks need some love as well. Locate these zerks near the base of the rear suspension arms and potentially near the ski spindles or consult your owner's manual for the exact locations. A few pumps of grease from the grease gun will ensure that your snowmobile's moving parts remain agile for the next season.

Recommended Product: Opt for XPS Suspension Grease for optimal lubrication.

While performing this task, take the opportunity to inspect all rear suspension components for wear and tear. Examine wheel bearings, the track, and sliders. This proactive approach allows you to plan for replacements in the upcoming fall or even undertake them as a summer project.

PREPARING YOUR SNOWMOBILE FOR STORAGE

Once you’ve checked everything above off the list, it's time to find the perfect spot for your snowmobile. Consider elevating it off the ground, allowing the track and skis to hang freely. This will prevent your snowmobile's suspension from remaining compressed and stationary for an extended period of time. Jack stands are an excellent solution, but common items you likely already have, such as a suitable length of 2x4, can also serve the purpose. 

Cover your snowmobile with a breathable cover or even a tarp – breathable covers are highly  recommended in order to prevent moisture retention. This protects your snowmobile against potential harm and maintains its pristine appearance for the upcoming winter. If you're concerned about rodents, don't hesitate to place a few mothballs under the hood and along the running boards. Additionally, block the muffler outlet with an old cloth, just remember to remove these items before firing up your snowmobile again in the fall!

Recommended Product: Consider using a Lynx Sled Cover for optimal protection.