HOW TO: Properly Winterize your ATV (Step-by-Step)

Summary

This video provides a detailed guide on how to clean, maintain, and store a Polaris Sportsman ATV for the winter season. Key steps include thoroughly washing the ATV, topping up and burping the coolant system, stabilizing fuel for carbureted engines, draining the carburetor, fogging the engine, and safely removing and storing the battery. The tutorial emphasizes safety precautions, such as handling coolant and gas carefully, and provides tips for extending the ATV's longevity during storage. It concludes with a disclaimer about the video's purpose being for entertainment, not professional advice.

Takeaways

• 🧼 Thoroughly wash your ATV, cleaning both the plastic cover and the undercarriage. Avoid using harsh soaps.
• 🛢️ Top up the coolant in the Polaris Sportsman before storage, ensuring the levels are between the maximum and minimum lines.
• ⚠️ Always ensure the radiator cap is not opened when the engine is hot to avoid injury or damage.
• 🔧 Burp the coolant system by elevating the front of the ATV, starting the engine, and allowing air pockets to escape by observing bubbles in the radiator.
• ⛽ Stabilize the fuel for carbureted engines by filling up the tank with the correct fuel stabilizer-to-gas ratio, typically 1 ounce per gallon.
• 🔧 Drain the carburetor and shut off the gas line for carbureted engines by turning the fuel valve to the off position and draining gasoline from the carburetor.
• 🔩 Fog the engine by removing the spark plug and pouring 2 ounces of engine oil into the cylinder, then turn the engine to coat the piston rings with oil.
• 🔋 Remove and store the battery by disconnecting the black negative cable first, then the red positive cable, and store the battery in a cool, dry place.
• 🚫 Ensure the battery is stored between 0°C and 27°C, maintaining a charge of at least 12.5 volts during storage.
• ❗ This video is not professional advice and any maintenance actions taken are at your own risk, as per the disclaimer provided.

Q & A

What is the first step in preparing a Polaris Sportsman ATV for winter storage?

The first step is to wash the ATV carefully, ensuring all dirt and debris are removed from the plastic cover and undercarriage, while avoiding the use of harsh soaps or cleaners.

Where is the coolant expansion tank located on the Polaris Sportsman?

The coolant expansion tank is located underneath the front left wheel well of the ATV.

Why is it important to bleed or 'burp' the coolant system before storing the ATV?

Bleeding the coolant system is necessary to remove air pockets, which can interfere with the proper flow and cooling of the engine.

How do you properly burp the coolant system of a Polaris Sportsman ATV?

Elevate the front of the ATV 15-20 inches, unscrew the radiator cap, start the engine, and let it run until the thermostat cycles several times. Watch for bubbles, which indicate air is being bled out.

How should the fuel be stabilized for carbureted Polaris Sportsman models?

Fill the tank with 91 octane gasoline mixed with the proper ratio of fuel stabilizer. Always check the instructions on the stabilizer bottle to ensure the correct ratio.

What is the process for draining the carburetor before winter storage?

First, shut off the gas line by turning the fuel valve to the off position. Then, open the drain line at the bottom of the carburetor to let the gasoline flow out, ensuring a bucket or pan is placed underneath to catch the gas.

How do you fog the engine of a Polaris Sportsman ATV?

Remove the spark plug, pour about 2 ounces (59 ml) of engine oil into the cylinder, reinstall the spark plug, and turn the engine over several times to coat the cylinder with oil.

Why is it important to shut off the gas line and drain the carburetor?

Shutting off the gas line and draining the carburetor prevents gasoline from being left in the system, which could degrade and cause clogs during storage.

What steps should be taken to remove and store the battery for the winter?

Disconnect the black negative battery cable first, followed by the red positive cable. Remove the battery and store it in a cool, dry place with temperatures between 0°C and 27°C.

What precautions should be taken when storing the ATV battery?

Ensure the battery is stored in a cool, dry environment, and try to maintain its voltage above 12.5 volts during the storage period.

Outlines

00:00

🧼 Step 1: Washing the ATV

The first step in preparing a Polaris Sportsman ATV for winter storage is thoroughly washing the ATV. This includes cleaning the plastic cover and the undercarriage of the vehicle, ensuring all dirt and debris are removed. It is important to avoid using harsh soaps or cleaners during this process.

05:02

💧 Step 2: Topping Up Fluids

The second step involves topping up the coolant in the ATV. The coolant expansion tank is located beneath the front left wheel well, and it is crucial to maintain the coolant level between the maximum and minimum lines. Accessing the radiator cap requires removing a plastic cover secured by four screws. Users are cautioned not to open the radiator cap while the engine is hot.

🌀 Step 3: Burping the Coolant System

This step focuses on bleeding air pockets from the coolant system to ensure proper function. The front of the ATV should be elevated, and the radiator cap must be unscrewed with the engine running to reach operating temperature. As the coolant cycles, air bubbles will escape, indicating that air pockets are being removed. Once done, the radiator cap is securely tightened, and the ATV is returned to a level surface.

⛽ Step 4: Stabilizing the Fuel (For Carbureted Engines)

This step applies to carbureted engines, where fuel stability is more critical. The video advises filling the tank with 91 octane gasoline mixed with the correct ratio of fuel stabilizer, which varies depending on the stabilizer brand. An example is given, showing how to calculate the amount of stabilizer needed for the amount of gas in the tank. The stabilizer is then added to the ATV's gas tank using a filter and funnel to avoid spillage.

🔧 Step 5: Draining the Carburetor and Shutting Off the Gas Line

To prepare the ATV for storage, the fuel valve must be turned off, which is located near the left front wheel well. The carburetor is drained by opening the drain screw at the bottom of the carburetor bowl, allowing gasoline to flow out. A bucket or pan should be placed underneath to collect the excess fuel. The video shows a carburetor example from a different ATV model to demonstrate the process.

🔌 Step 6: Fogging the Engine

Fogging the engine involves removing the spark plug and pouring engine oil into the cylinder to protect it during storage. The spark plug is removed using a wrench, and 2 ounces of 2W-50 or 5W-50 engine oil is poured into the cylinder. The engine is then turned over a few times to distribute the oil around the piston rings, creating a protective oil coating. It is important to drain the carburetor and shut off the gas line before this step.

🔋 Step 7: Removing and Storing the Battery

For battery maintenance, the battery is disconnected by removing the black (negative) cable first, followed by the red (positive) cable. The battery is then lifted out of the ATV and stored in a cool, dry place, ensuring it remains above 12.5 volts. The battery should not be exposed to temperatures below 0°C or above 27°C during storage.

⚠️ Disclaimer: Important Safety and Liability Information

The video ends with a disclaimer stating that the information is provided for entertainment purposes only and is not a substitute for professional advice. The video creators are not responsible for any damages or losses that occur from following the tutorial. The video is not officially affiliated with Polaris, and viewers follow the instructions at their own risk.

Keywords

💡ATV

ATV stands for All-Terrain Vehicle, a motorized off-road vehicle designed for use on various surfaces such as dirt, sand, and snow. In the video, the ATV in question is a Polaris Sportsman model, and the steps in the video are all aimed at properly maintaining and storing it during the winter months.

💡Coolant system

The coolant system in an ATV helps prevent the engine from overheating by circulating coolant to absorb excess heat. The video emphasizes the importance of maintaining the coolant system by topping up the coolant and 'burping' it to remove air pockets, which ensures the system functions properly and avoids damage during winter storage.

💡Fuel stabilizer

Fuel stabilizer is a chemical additive used to prolong the life of gasoline by preventing it from breaking down over time. In the video, the presenter recommends adding a fuel stabilizer to the gas tank before storing the ATV, particularly for carbureted engines, to prevent fuel degradation and clogging of the engine components during long-term storage.

💡Carburetor

A carburetor is a device that mixes air and fuel for internal combustion in engines. Carbureted engines require more care during storage as old gasoline can clog the carburetor. The video instructs the viewer on how to drain the carburetor and shut off the gas line to ensure it doesn’t retain stale fuel during winter storage.

💡Radiator cap

The radiator cap seals the top of the radiator and helps maintain pressure in the coolant system. In the video, the viewer is instructed to unscrew the radiator cap to check coolant levels and ensure air bubbles (air pockets) are removed from the system by 'burping' the coolant, which is vital for proper engine function.

💡Spark plug

A spark plug is a component that ignites the fuel-air mixture in an internal combustion engine. The video covers how to remove the spark plug, pour oil into the cylinder, and reinstall the spark plug to fog the engine, which helps protect it from corrosion and damage while the ATV is stored.

💡Fogging the engine

Fogging the engine is a process of spraying oil into the engine to coat internal parts and protect them from corrosion during long periods of inactivity, such as winter storage. The video demonstrates this step by instructing how to remove the spark plug and pour oil into the cylinder to ensure the engine is properly lubricated.

💡Fuel valve

The fuel valve controls the flow of gasoline from the gas tank to the engine. In the video, the user is shown how to locate the fuel valve and turn it off during storage to prevent fuel from flowing to the carburetor, which could cause damage or leaks while the ATV is not in use.

💡Burping the coolant system

Burping the coolant system is the process of removing trapped air from the coolant system to ensure the engine cools properly. The video details how to elevate the ATV, unscrew the radiator cap, and start the engine to allow air pockets to escape, which is essential for preventing overheating or engine damage.

💡Battery storage

Proper battery storage involves removing the battery from the ATV and keeping it in a cool, dry place during the off-season. The video explains how to disconnect the battery cables, remove the battery, and store it in conditions where it will not freeze or overheat, which helps preserve the battery's lifespan.

Highlights

Step 1: Wash the ATV thoroughly, paying special attention to the plastic cover and undercarriage. Avoid harsh soaps or cleaners.

Step 2: Top up the coolant in the Polaris Sportsman by locating the coolant expansion tank and ensuring levels are between the max and min lines.

Step 3: Burp the coolant system to remove air pockets by elevating the front of the ATV, starting the engine, and allowing it to cycle through thermostat openings.

During the burping process, bubbles rising in the radiator indicate air is being bled from the system.

Step 4: Stabilize fuel for carbureted engines by adding fuel stabilizer to a full tank of gasoline. Ensure the correct fuel stabilizer ratio for storage.

Step 5: Drain the carburetor by shutting off the fuel valve located in the left front wheel well and opening the carburetor drain screw to discharge gasoline.

Step 6: Fog the engine by removing the spark plug and pouring engine oil into the cylinder to protect the piston rings with a fresh oil coating.

To fog the engine, rotate the piston to Bottom Dead Center (BDC) and pour 2 ounces of engine oil (2W-50 or 5W-50) into the cylinder.

Step 7: Remove and store the battery for winter. Disconnect the battery, starting with the black cable, and store it in a cool, dry place above 12.5 volts.

Battery storage should be between 0°C and 27°C to maintain optimal condition during the winter.

Caution: Do not open the radiator cap while the ATV is hot to prevent injury.

When turning over the engine after fogging, do not allow it to fully start as the carburetor will be drained, meaning no fuel will reach the engine.

This tutorial does not apply to fuel-injected engines, only carbureted engines, which are more susceptible to bad gasoline during storage.

Always use a filter and funnel when pouring stabilized fuel into the ATV to avoid spillage.

Disclaimer: The video is for entertainment purposes only and not affiliated with Polaris, with no liability for errors or damages in at-home ATV maintenance.

Transcripts

[Music]

how to properly fog clean and store a

Polaris Sportsman 400 Heil clip or it's

sportsman 500 output for the winter

season

watching this video means you agree to

the disclaimer Shawn step one is to wash

your ATV

make sure to carefully wash all dirt and

debris on the plastic cover of your ATV

first then once this is complete move to

the undercarriage of your ATV during

this process avoid any harsh soaps or

cleaners step 2 top up fluids top up the

coolant in your Polaris Sportsman before

storage locate your coolant expansion

tank which is underneath the front left

wheel well of your ATV ensure the

coolant levels are between the maximum

and minimum line specified on the

coolant expansion tank open up the front

storage compartment of your ATV as shown

remove the plastic cover that is secured

by four screws to gain access to your

radiator cap

caution do not open the radiator cap

while the ATV is hot inspect the amount

of coolant inside the black cup if the

coolant level in the black cup is

relatively low need not to worry as we

have already filled up the coolant

expansion tank step 3

burping the coolant system bleeding ater

from the coolant system is necessary to

ensure there are no air pockets present

and your ATV coolant loop elevate the

front of the machine 15 to 20 inches off

the ground then unscrew your radiator

cap make sure the ATV is in Park and

proceed to start the engine let the

engine reach operating temperature and

let it cycle between the thermostat

opening and closing several times you

will see the cycling occurring as the

fluid in the radiator will go up and

down several times you will see bubbles

rising to the surface of the coolant in

the black radiator couple these are the

air pockets being blood from the coolant

system when you are satisfied with the

amount of air that has been bled from

the system turn off the engine and let

the radiator system cool down at this

time then when the radiator system is no

longer hot or warm proceed to close the

radiator cap tightly and make sure it is

secure back on the radiator bolt and

return the ATV to a level ground where

the front is no longer elevated off the

ground replace the plastic cover with

the four screws on top of the radiator

cap step 4 stabilize the fuel note that

the following only applies to carbureted

engines if your ATV does not have a

carburetor and instead has a

fuel-injected engine this tutorial

section is not for you carbureted

engines are more affected by bad gas

than feel injected engines

many of the lower cost fuels may have

more contaminants in the gas which can

clog the carburetor or even the fuel

injectors this is why I recommend

putting 91 octane gasoline in your ATV

for the winter season

we must fill up the tank completely with

the proper ratio a fuel stabilizer to

gasoline before storing

here's a quick example reading this

specific fuel stabilizer bottle it

states that the application rate is 1

ounce treats one gallon of gasoline I

then go and look at the level of gas

that I have in my jerrican and find out

that I have 2.2 gallons of gasoline and

this specific jerrycan knowing the ratio

is one ounce for one gallon of gasoline

that means I must approximately add

about two point two ounces of fuel

stabilizer to my jerrycan of gas for the

proper ratio note that the fuel

stabilizer ratio for your specific fuel

stabilizer will differ from this video

thus always read the bottle to ensure

that the proper ratio is used before

mixing the fuel stabilizer with gasoline

once you have the proper ratio of fuel

stabilizer to gasoline in your jerrican

the next step is to pour that into your

ATV I suggest using a filter and a

funnel to avoid spilling gasoline step 5

draining the carburetor and shutting off

the gas line first we will shut off the

gas line to do this we look at the fuel

valve the fuel valve is located in the

left front wheel well if your fuel

valves configuration is currently open

it should look like the figure here

according to the Polaris is maintenance

manual we must turn the valve to off

configuration for vehicle storage and

when transporting most carburetors have

a drain line at the bottom which lets

the user open a screw to let gasoline

flow out of the carburetor fall the

carburetor shown in this demonstration

is not from a Polaris Sportsman 450 or

500 high output in the carburetor bowl

ensure you have some type of bucket or

or pan underneath your ATV to capture

the access gasoline that will be

discharged underneath your ATV step 6

fogging the engine to fog the engine we

must first locate the spark plug cap for

the ease of explanation here's a section

view of the engine the spark plug cap is

located on the top of the block of the

engine to access the spark plug cap you

may need to remove some of the plastic

siding on the ATV or put your hand

behind the left front fender to pull it

out once you have found the spark plug

cap which is rubber you may now take it

off the end of the spark plug now it is

time to remove the spark plug itself you

may use the spark plug removal socket

that came with your ATV there are also

spark plug removal kits online with your

wrench socket insert it into the spark

plug cylinder at this point make a

counterclockwise rotation with your

wrench socket to remove the spark plug

from the cylinder at this point the

Polaris is maintenance manual tells you

to rotate the piston to BDC and pour 2

ounces of engine oil into the cylinder

Polaris recommends using 2 W 50 engine

oil however 5 W 50 engine oil will do

the trick as well

once you have poured about to Alice's 59

millilitres of engine oil into the

cylinder it is time to reinstall the

spark plug in torque to specification at

this point turn the engine over several

times oil will be forced in and around

the piston rings and ring Lance coating

the cylinder with a protective film of

fresh oil if you have already dreamed

the carburetor bowl and shut off the gas

line then there will be no gas to the

engine of the ATV not to worry simply

turn the key and let the starter turn

the engine a couple times only let the

starter turn the engine over a couple

times

do not wear up the starter step 7

removing and storing the battery for the

winter disconnect the battery from the

hold down strap then remove the battery

cover if equipped on conventional

batteries remove the battery vent tube

then disconnect the black battery cable

first then the red positive battery

cable last now lift the battery out of

the ATV ensure that you do not tip the

conventional battery sideways which

could spill electrolyte store your

battery in a cool dry place with

temperatures no lower than zero degrees

Celsius and no higher than 27 degrees

Celsius try maintain your battery above

the nominal 12 point 5 volts during the

storage period that concludes this

tutorial if you have any questions or

comments please feel free to add to the

comments section of this video this any

action you take to service your ATV is

strictly at your own risk remember this

video was not created by Polaris this

video was brought to you by outside

living

[Music]

disclaimer the information in this video

shall be used for entertainment purposes

only in no way is this video provided

under a warranty about the completeness

reliability and accuracy of this

information

aka this video could contain errors any

action you take the service here a TV is

strictly at your own risk and this video

will not be liable for any losses or

damages that result in attempting any at

home a TV repair or maintenance this

video is not created by Polaris this

video is not offering professional

advice this video has not created a

professional relationship or obligation