Early Season Snowmobile Maintenance: Part One

snowmobile-accident

While I was taking out my snowmobile over the weekend, I noticed that it wasn’t running as well as it should. That’s when I decided that it was probably time to give my machine an early season tuning. It is always important to do basic checks before every ride and more thorough maintenance on a regular basis. Since I was short of time on Saturday, I decided to just do a basic check and make sure that the Yamalube oil and other fluid levels were sufficient.

While most riders remember to check the two basics-fuel and oil-some of the other main fluids are oft overlooked. It is also important to ensure that the engine coolant and brake fluid are properly filled. To check the brake fluid, look in the sight glass in the master cylinder. The anti-freeze will be in the reservoir tank, and both only take a few seconds to check. Tomorrow we will go into more in-depth maintenance and diagnostics.

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ATV Safety Measures

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The urge to push boundaries and explore terrain is as distinctly American as baseball and apple pie. For all-terrain vehicle enthusiasts, the “road” is merely a restriction that’s meant to be ignored. Modern ATV riders are our version of trailblazers, creating new paths wherever they ride. The thrill and sense of danger associated with ATVs makes them especially popular among the younger generation.

But even thrill seekers require some modicum of safety. ATV accessories such as roll cages and cap enclosures offer critical benefits in terms of protection and rider security. These accessories come in handy no matter where a ride might occur – in the back woods, through a swamp or even on a job site. While ATVs give you the opportunity to explore remote locations, you don’t want your vehicle to break down miles away from civilization. Always be sure to bring some extra fuel and your check XD50 oil before embarking on a long trip.

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Cleaning Your ATV

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Making a clean ATV out of a muddy one takes more then 2 steps. It takes more then hosing it off and taking it for a drive. That is, if you care about your bike. Because if you clean your ATV properly you’re expanding its lifespan.

Before hosing off the ATV, close off the exhaust and air box. Either close off the exhaust with some duct tape or put a cloth into the back of the exhaust. Or use a silencer plug (Pro Grip Silencer Plug or MSR Racing Silencer Plug) and never hassle with cloths or tape again; this to prevent water from filtering through to the cylinder. Next, close of you air box as well, again using a large cloth to prevent water from filtering through to the carburetor.

BEFORE hosing off the bike, make sure your engine is cooled off. DO NOT & NEVER cool off your engine by spraying water on it! Because, if you do so, you’re increasing the chance you’ll pull your engine. Don’t force metal to contract faster then it naturally does when it naturally cools off. The same counts next time you want to take your ATV for a ride. Don’t take off immediately after you’ve started the engine. Give it some time to warm up first… Grant the metal some slack.

If you want to extend the life of your ATV, these are the most crucial points.
Just give your engine the time to cool off & warm up!

To best way to hose off the ATV is by making use of a high-pressure cleaner, preferably connected to a warm water tap. Make sure, if you buy a high-pressure cleaner, it has a minimal pressure of 60BAR. More pressure isn’t actually necessary, since the chance you’ll find yourself hosing off decals and graphics increases. If you do have more pressure then 60BAR, cleaning will go faster, but watch out for your decals and exposed holes. Of course you can also finish the job using a simple garden hose or bucket filled with water and soap. No problem!

There are two ways you can soap in your ATV.
– using a high compression cleaner that has a function to soap in,
– using ATV wash products, which is affective.

Either way, let the soap set for 5 minutes before you wash off.

TIP: Afterwards, check your the level of your Yamalube 2M and start your engine; let it run for a minute or two to ensure your engine will definitely start up next time you take it out.

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How to Winterize Your Boat

snowsceneEven the if you think that your baby is indestructible, all boats need primo care. With winter upon us, it is time to start winterizing your boat and reading up on the precautions you need to take to ensure a long life for your craft. Below is a step-by-step guide to winterizing your boat, but before you begin, drain the gear case and check for excessive moisture in the motor.

Then, flush engine with fresh water using flush muffs or similar device attached to the raw water pickup. Let all water drain from the engine. Wash engine down with soap and water and rinse thoroughly. Disconnect fuel hose and run engine until it stops. It is important to follow a step-by-step process to make sure that all fuel is drained from the carburetor to prevent build-up of deposits from evaporated fuel. Use fogging oil in the cylinders to lubricate the cylinder walls and pistons. Apply water resistant grease to propeller shaft and threads. Change the Yamalube 2W oil in the lower unit. Lastly, lightly lubricate the exterior of the engine or polish with a good wax.

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Be Safe On Your ATV

We often hear about accidents involving ATVs and children. In fact, hundreds of people die each year as a result of unsafe ATV riding practices. Many of these deaths could be prevented if more ATV owners were educated about safety. Here are some tips you should be aware of if you own or plan to ride an ATV:atv

~Only take your ATV into ATV-designated areas.

~Drive over, not around obstacles to avoid widening the trail.

~Comply with all barriers and warning signs.

~Use the buddy system. Never ride without a friend in case of an accident or breakdown.

~Never forget to wear ATV helmets.

~Perform routine maintenance on your vehicle, like replacing the Evinrude XD100 oil.

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Want an ATV?

atvIt has been about 30 years since the first ATV was introduced to the market, and since then they have become more and more popular every year. Just what is the appeal of these three and four wheel machines, could it be just the excitement that riding them creates? Nowadays you will find entire families enjoying the excitement and riding as a family activity. But there is always down sides to things, and riding ATVs is no different. Many accidents happen each year to people riding ATVs, keeping a few things in mind and following some simple safety procedures could keep you in the safe zone at all times.

One of the first rules that you will want to follow is as a new rider, always head out to the trails with an experienced rider, in fact even an experienced rider should always have a partner with them. If at all possible before you buy your own ATV rent one or use a friends to see if this is something that you are really going to like. Once you determine that you enjoy the hobby, then start recording what type of riding you like to do and what trails you will be frequenting the most.

It is usually recommended that beginners not go off and buy a new ATV, rather become familiar with the sport first, try out some different style machines such as utility ATV’s or Sport ATV’s and determine what feels most comfortable to you. After you get your first machine it is always advisable to take a safety course. You can find ATV safety courses that will meet once a week for a couple of hours that is spread out three or four weeks. Not only will they review basic safety precautions, but you will also learn fundamental maintenance for your vehicle, like how to change the Yamalube 2S oil. This is not mandatory, but I believe is well worth your time and money.

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Winterizing Your Boat Trailer

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Just as we take precautions to winterize our boat by changing the mercury oil, using a gasoline treatment to clean the tank, and greasing the propeller, it’s also important to winterize your boat trailer. The first step you should take is to prevent the buildup of rust, especially if your trailer and boat are stored outside. For rust protection, you’ll want to coat your trailer at least once every few years with rust prevention paint. It’s also important to re-grease the wheels on your trailer to avoid them from freezing and becoming immovable over the winter. If possible, drape your boat cover over the boat trailer as well, as preventing water runoff will help to maintain its condition.

With the proper precautions, you’ll be ready and rearing to go once the weather grows warmer; you’ll be out on the lake or the ocean before everyone else!

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Introduction to ATVs

atvWhile ATVs have become commonplace now, they have only been in the market for a relatively short amount of time. Introduced in the 1970s, all terrain vehicles (better known as ATVs) were at first met with a high incidence of injury. But this was largely attributed to improper use by the riders. To increase the level of safety, the norm was changed from three wheels to four wheels. Regardless of the number of wheels, an ATV can be described as any vehicle with low pressure tires, handlebars for steering, and a seat that must be straddled by the rider.

Some countries consider ATVs to be a street legal vehicle, but this is not the case in many provinces and states of Canada, the United States, and Australia. In many ways, an ATV mirrors a motorcycle, except the extra wheels offer additional stability and the accessories and products are far different. To that end, all terrain vehicle products are a specific range of products used to maintain, clean, or repair an ATV. These differ widely from both car products and motorcycle products, but they still need some basic outboard oil.

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Fishing Memories

yamalube 2m oilI can’t think of anything that reminds me more of summer than cruising around the lake on a fishing boat with my dad. He owned a beautiful Eagle 190, one of many G-3 boats in the Yamaha line. Before hitting the lake every year, we would set aside a day to do some basic tune-ups and maintenance, like flushing the engine and replacing the Yamalube 2M oil.

He would take as many people as could fit on the boat (and sometimes more), and we’d fish until it was pitch dark outside. Most days, we didn’t catch a single thing. I’d usually be so excited by the smallest nibble that I’d yank my pole too quickly and lose the fish altogether, which never ceased to make him laugh. He would swear up and down that he landed huge fish in the lake before, but I certainly never saw one!

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Buying a Boat? Here’s a Simple How-To Guide

boat

1. Consider warranties. Investigate the warranties for every boat you are considering. Warranties are valuable, and should be an influencer in your decision. Some warranties are transferable, which may become a selling point if you decide to sell your boat. Find out what the warranty includes (engine, hull, components, accessories, service, etc.) and find out about the service that you will receive if something fails. A good way to do this is to ask for references. If you are considering buying a pre-owned boat, be sure to get a marine survey – hire this person yourself to ensure that the survey is done with your interests in mind.

2. Keep a log. At the boat show and as you visit local dealerships, document everything: Take pictures of the dashboard, the galley, the head. Take notes, or record your reactions on a recording device. Involve your family with the decision and listen to their likes and dislikes about each boat. No two boats are exactly the same – but there exists a perfect boat for you and yours. Use your short list of features and brands to quantify your observations… Make a chart, and use it to rank your top choices.

3. When are you ready? Reminder: There is no correct amount of time that it should take to shop for a boat. For some, one afternoon is all that they need. It takes others several years. The right time for you to buy a boat is when you are ready. Boat shows often offer “show specials” to entice you to purchase at the show. Ask the dealer if he/she would honor that price in a few weeks after doing some more shopping… Chances are the answer will be yes.

4. The Test Drive. Did you realize that you can test drive a boat? The way a boat handles, and the way it feels on the water is a very important consideration. Bring the family along for your test drives, and try to test the boat in the types of conditions where you will be using it.

5. The cost of ownership. For most, the cost of owning a boat is nothing compared to the benefits derived from owning and using your own boat. Nonetheless, be sure you understand that the cost of owning a boat includes more than just the fiberglass. You’ll have to spend money on maintenance essentials like outboard motor oil as well.

6. Learning to use your new boat. Boating is not difficult, but driving a boat, like anything else, is a skill. If you have not already, sign up for boaters education courses where you can learn the rules of the road. For on-the-water training, some dealers provide captains to train you on how to use your boats. Others leave it up to you to learn. Most marinas and dealerships have a network of captains or experienced boaters that you can hire to show you the ropes on your own boat. Most likely the only parts that will require practice will be docking, launching and retrieving your boat. The best tip here is just to take it slow and practice.

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What to Consider When Buying a Boat

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Many people are unhappy boat owners because they buy the wrong boat. Before you dive head first into the world of boat ownership, ask yourself a few questions that will help you focus on the kind of boat you will need:

~ Who will use the boat? Just family or will you invite friends? This may have a bearing on the size.
~ How will you use the boat? Will you be fishing, water skiing, cruising, taking day trips, weekend trips or week long excursions?
~ When, and how often, will the boat be used? Do you boat year-round or only seasonally?
~ Where will you operate the boat: in lakes, rivers or on the ocean?
~ How much can you afford to spend? Don’t forget the initial cost of purchase is just the beginning. There will be insurance, registration fees, and instruction and safety course fees, as well as maintenance essentials, like Evinrude oil.
~ What type of boat suits your personality and temperament? Do you imagine getting from place to place with great speed or leisurely sailing to your destination?

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Easy Tips for Proper Boat Maintenance

Boat Maintenance

You could purchase the world’s toughest boats, but it doesn’t mean that you can get away without taking care of it. To keep your vessel sea worthy, you have to put a little bit of elbow grease and care into your boat. Here are some easy tips:

Cleaning & Care
Wash your boat regularly. Not only does routine cleaning facilitate a more pleasant and organized environment, but it also goes a long way towards counteracting the long-term effects of environmental wear and tear. Waxing and use of anti-fouling paint can also help protect your boat from the elements.

Checklists
Keep a checklist that includes everything from boat motor maintenance and winterization to boat trailer maintenance. You also want to be sure to check your fluid levels on a regular basis, and be sure that you have a good amount of Yamaha 2W oil.

Proper Mooring
One of the most common ways a boat can start to show scratches and damage is not only from when it’s in use, but from when it’s being docked. Make sure lines are securely fastened in place, neatly coiled and do not show signs of breakage.

Battery Care
Depending on the type of battery your boat uses, check to ensure that it is properly charged and that it has the correct fluid levels. Also be sure to keep your battery clean, as dampness and dirt can also drain your battery.

Electrical Components
Many boating failures occur as a result of corroded electrical systems, so keeping electrical components dry should be a regular part of your boat maintenance routine.

Consider a Boat Cover
Making an investment in a boat cover can help keep your boat clean and free of a variety of contaminants that aren’t just related to dirt or water, falling leaves and bird droppings can also cause a lot of damage if left unchecked.

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