Snowmobile engines are made to withstand harsh conditions, but they still need some maintenance every now and then. If you’ve ever had one freeze on you, you know the importance of taking a few seconds to make sure it’s ready for the next snowmobile run.
Here’s how you can unseize a snowmobile engine in 7 steps:
- Warm up the engine.
- Remove the spark plugs and then disassemble the carburetor.
- Squirt penetrating oil into the spark plug holes.
- Pull the recoil cord.
- Dry fit a spark plug and gasket into each cylinder.
- Turn the engine over and reinstall the carburetor.
- Use starting fluid to start the snowmobile.
This article will teach you several simple steps to take regularly to maintain your engine and get it back in shape after it’s seized. Still, unseizing a snowmobile engine is a lot easier than you might think. If you aren’t an experienced mechanic or handy with tools, you may want to bring in a pro to get your engine running at its best again.
1. Warm the Engine Up
The first step in unseizing a snowmobile engine is to warm it up. This will help prevent damage during the unseizing process and allow you to work more efficiently.
If your snowmobile has been off for an extended period, let it sit for several hours before you start it. You should also avoid having a cold engine in freezing conditions, as this can cause damage to the vehicle’s oil system and other critical components.
2. Remove the Spark Plugs
You’ll need to use a socket wrench to remove the spark plugs from your snowmobile’s engine. You may want to purchase a special spark plug socket wrench that can fit over a socket end. This will allow you to insert it into the hole where the spark plug was removed.
Get an extension pole that will reach all of your snowmobiles’ engines and an adjustable socket wrench that fits snugly over its end. I recommend the Holoras Spark Plug Socket Wrench. It’s a good and cheap option for quick jobs. Then you can follow these steps to disassemble the carburetor:
- Remove the air box by loosening or removing the clamps that hold it in place.
- Disconnect the fuel line from the carburetor.
- Remove the carburetor from your snowmobile.
- Remove all of the gaskets and screws from inside your carburetor, taking note of how they were positioned so you can put them back when reassembling later on.
3. Squirt Penetrating Oil Into the Spark Plug Holes
You will need to use a spark plug socket to remove the plugs. Before doing this, you must first remove the cover placed over them.
After removing the cover and before removing each spark plug, use a clean rag to wipe off old oil from around the area. It’s best to have an assistant hold up this part of your engine to keep it steady while doing so. This is because it is heavy and may be hard for one person to hold it up for an extended period.
Once the plugs have been removed and cleaned with a rag, you can now pour penetrating oil into each hole using a funnel (1/3 cup). Take another clean rag and wipe off any excess that dripped onto the outside surfaces of your engine.
4. Pull the Recoil Cord
Pull the recoil cord slowly 10 times to turn the engine over and circulate the penetrating oil. The recoil method is an essential step in unseizing a snowmobile engine. It assists in liquefying any debris buildup within the carburetor.
5. Dry Fit a Spark Plug and Gasket Into Each Cylinder
Make sure that your spark plug is not too loose in its cylinder head, or else you will have problems with proper function later on. Also, make sure your spark plug isn’t too tight in its cylinder head because this will cause a similar problem as having one too loose.
You must also make sure that your spark plugs are at the correct height within their respective cylinder heads to burn off any deposits left behind by carbon buildup during storage.
6. Turn the Engine Over and Reinstall the Carburetor
You should now be able to turn your engine over by hand. Turn it over until you feel compression on each spark plug, then tighten each one about three turns at a time. Next:
- Reinstall the carburetor and mount the airbox to seal it.
- Replace all spark plugs with new ones and reattach them to their corresponding cylinder head ports. You can tighten the spark plugs by using a spark plug socket wrench.
- Replace the air cleaner cover and install a new air filter element inside it, then secure it with its four fasteners (two on each side).
7. Use Starting Fluid To Start the Snowmobile
Using the starting fluid, spray it directly into one of the carburetor’s intake ports. Make sure you use a safe starting fluid designed for use on snowmobiles. Do not use starting fluid on a warm engine, and be careful not to get any on your hands or clothes as it can cause skin irritation.
How To Ensure Your Snowmobile Engine Stays in Top Performance
Knowing how to repair your snowmobile engine is a valuable skill. If you’re ever in need of assistance with a field repair or maintenance issue, learning how to fix it could save you time and money. A good understanding of the inner workings of your snowmobile will ensure that you can get back out on the trails faster if something goes wrong at home or out in the wilderness.
There are many online resources where you can learn about repairing snowmobile engines; some are even offered by manufacturers directly. These resources will help build confidence in working with complex machines and increase efficiency when performing basic maintenance tasks around them (source).
Final Thoughts
Hopefully, these tips have helped you learn how to deal with a seized engine. To recap, here are some of our takeaways:
- If your snowmobile’s engine seizes, try removing the spark plugs and disassembling the carburetor. Spray penetrating oil into each cylinder and turn the motor over by hand to circulate it.
- Use a socket wrench to turn each spark plug another half turn at a time until all four are thoroughly tightened.
- Put everything back together and test it out.
Remember, the best way to start is with starting fluid sprayed directly into one of the carburetor’s intake ports.
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