HOW TO: Properly Winterize your ATV (Step-by-Step)
Summary
TLDRThis 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
🧼 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.
💧 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.
Mindmap
Keywords
💡ATV
💡Coolant system
💡Fuel stabilizer
💡Carburetor
💡Radiator cap
💡Spark plug
💡Fogging the engine
💡Fuel valve
💡Burping the coolant system
💡Battery storage
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
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