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.