Yes, you can run a snowmobile engine during summer. Some people practice other activities with their snowmobile. Others start their snowmobile every once in a while to keep it from deteriorating.
You can use a snowmobile during wintertime and sometimes even through spring. As the months pass by, you might wonder if there’s something you could do with your sled during summertime.
Regardless of the reasons, it would be best if you didn’t start your snowmobile during summer. The fact that you can doesn’t mean that you should. It’s vital to understand how snowmobiles are designed to know why starting them in summer might not be a smart move.
Understanding Snowmobile Engines
As with any other engine, snowmobiles will use combustion to move around. First, the engine will produce power and transfer it later to the transmission, better known as CVT. Then, the CVT will transfer the power into the drive train system.
When the engine is on, a lot of heat is also created. That’s why they also have a heating system that is in charge of regulating the temperature. It is a dual system; it uses a cooling liquid such as coolant, but snow also plays a crucial role.
As the sled tracks rotate, they bring snow into contact with the heating system. This process keeps the snowmobile under the correct temperatures.
Summer Conditions Vs Winter Conditions
So far, you can probably put two and two together. Summer is very different from winter. For starters, you don’t have snow in summertime. Let’s review the main differences between winter conditions and summer conditions.
Humidity Levels
Summer winds hold more humidity than winter winds. During winter, the water molecules get combined to make the snow. That’s why people tend to describe winter winds as crisp and dry.
Even though snow gets into the tracks of your snowmobile, it doesn’t get affected by it. It is mainly caused by the low temperatures.
What To Do With A Snowmobile During Summertime
So, you can start your snowmobile during summer, but it is not recommended. What can you do with it then?
Water Skipping
Some people practice water skipping. This is a practice where you take your sled in the water, just like you would a jet ski. But there’s a difference; sleds don’t float.
The Drawbacks Of Water Skipping On Your Snowmobile
As we mentioned, sleds don’t float. This should be a good enough reason not to use it in water.
You will be able to move from point A to point B in your sled over a lake or river as long as you keep a constant speed. But, there’s a risk of drowning. If water gets into the exhaust up to your engine, it may damage your sled.
“Summerize”
It is the process of preparing your snowmobile to be stored during summer. You will need to turn on your sled once during this process. To “summerize”, you will pour a fuel stabilizer into your sled tank. The additive will protect your engine from corrosion and will prevent damage.
Turn on your engine once you have poured the liquid. Then, once you see white fog coming out of the exhaust, please turn it off. And that’s it for the engine.
Additional steps for “summerizing” will include removing the battery, greasing the sled, and removing weight from the rear to protect the suspension system.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should you start your snowmobile in the summer?
No, you shouldn’t. Some people recommend it to prevent deterioration, but summerizing your sled is way more effective and less risky.
Is it bad to run snowmobiles on grass?
Yes, it is. The tracks of your snowmobile are designed to get through the snow, which is softer than grass. Additionally, snow helps prevent overheating the engine. However, some people do run their sleds through grass and even asphalt.
Can you run a snowmobile without a battery?
Yes, you can. Manual snowmobiles start without batteries. This version includes a cord you pull to start the engine. If your snowmobile requires a battery to turn on, you can jumpstart it.
Can you use a snowmobile on sand?
Yes, you can. But there are some disadvantages to running your sled through the sand. First, sand is similar to snow, soft, and your tracks can run smoothly through it. But, sand can store heat that is later transmitted to your sled’s heating system.
How do you start a snowmobile that has been sitting?
If your snowmobile has been sitting the whole year, chances are it will not start as soon as you try it. Not using your sled probably affected a few internal components. Some of the essential parts you should check are the spark plugs and the carburetor. Additionally, check the fuel tank. Make sure it has some fuel in it and that it is in good condition. You can add a starting fluid with lubricant to help.
How do you start a badly flooded snowmobile?
It would help if you didn’t try to start a flooded snowmobile. If your sled sank while water skipping, you should let it sit a few hours before you try it again. Remove the spark plugs and manually dry them out. It is recommended you take it to a repair shop so a professional can tell you what to do with it.
Is it ok to store a snowmobile outside?
Yes, it is ok to store your snowmobile outside. However, there are a few precautionary steps you could take to protect it from environmental damage.
- Plug the exhaust to avoid any small animals or insects from going in.
- Place your sled away from trees.
- Put on a cover to protect it from sun exposure.
What temperature is too hot for a snowmobile?
Your snowmobile temperature should be between 104° F and 170° F. It will all depend on whether it is two strokes or four strokes. Most snowmobiles will alert you when the temperature is reaching its limits.
What happens when you overheat a snowmobile?
Your sled will alert you about the engine temperature and shut down the engine until it is safe again to ride. If you are running through the snow, you could take some soft snow and put it on the rear side of your sled. Also, running through soft snow can help with it. If you are running your sled through sand, grass, or asphalt, you will have to wait until it cools down.
What causes a snowmobile to overheat?
There are a few causes why your snowmobile can be overheating. First, if you only use your sled during winter, you should check on the following:
- Engine oil
- Cooling liquid levels
- Fuel quality
Can you put a radiator on a snowmobile?
Yes, you can add a radiator to your snowmobile. Some new models come with a radiator, and it helps to prevent overheating.
Summing-up
You can run a snowmobile during the summer. You can practice a few sports during summer with them, such as drag racing, water skipping, or running through sand. But there are risks associated with each one.
For instance, drag races and running through the sand can put a lot of stress on your engine. In addition, your sled’s heating system might not be able to stand the temperatures and overheat.
On the other hand, water skipping may not cause overheating, but your sled can sink or get water into the engine.
If you want to play it safe, summerizing your equipment is the best option there is. However, if you feel like there’s more you can do with your sled, a good insurance policy could be a wise move to protect your investment.
Sources:
https://adventure.howstuffworks.com/outdoor-activities/snow-sports/snowmobile1.htm
https://www.staebler.com/blogs/water-damage-the-bane-of-snowmobiles-and-atvs
https://outdooralive.com/can-you-ride-a-snowmobile-on-grass-pavement-ice-sand-dirt/
https://www.dootalk.com/threads/what-engine-temp-is-too-hot.1577059/
