With snowmobile season here, it may be time to do some maintenance and service on your Ski-Doo. This will keep your Ski-Doo running smoothly throughout the winter season. So here is a quick service guide for your Ski-Doo! Please note, with all these recommendations for service, we highly recommend having a professionally certified technician perform these activities. Your local Gull Boats and RV store has just what the doctor ordered, with certified technicians ready to get you back on your sled in no time.
Proper Chain Tension
Checking on your chain tension periodically through the snowmobile season is a very good idea. During the initial break-in, the chain will stretch out, so tightening it to the proper tension will ensure optimal performance and increase the longevity of your Ski-Doo overall. The process is extremely easy and all you will need is a T-25 Torx bit in your tool kit to tighten up the chain.
Verify Chaincase Oil Level
Another easy and important thing to do is change your chaincase oil. The recommended interval for the first chaincase oil change is between 300 and 500 miles. Changing the oil will help remove the small metallic fillings that may be in the chaincase. After the initial oil change, we recommend swapping for fresh XPS Synthetic oil after every season. Remember, cold oil thickens up, so checking and changing your oil should take place in a warm area, that way the process goes smoother!
Check on your Carbides
Continuous riding can take a toll on your Ski-Doo’s carbides. Early season riding that usually comes with low snow, trail hazards, and road crossing can lead to your carbides deteriorating, and your steering won’t be as sharp as usual. If this is the case, it is time to swap them out. This process is once again pretty simple, and we recommend swapping to a more robust, strong carbide after that first change.
Adjust Belt Deflection
Making sure you have proper belt deflection is extremely important for maximizing your Ski-Doo’s performance and belt life. A properly adjusted belt should move inward 1.25”. Any more and the belt deflection is too loose and any less, the belt is too tight. An adjuster tool will do the trick as you can either tighten or loosen the belt depending on what your Ski-Doo needs. Using a jack to raise the track off the ground will make the process much easier.
Check on Your Rear Suspension
A quick virtual inspection of all idler and rear axle wheels for any missing rubber should be done when doing a service check. The idler wheels can be checked for loose or tight bearings by raising the snowmobile and spinning. If there is grinding or the wheels don’t spin freely, you need to replace them. Applying some grease to the chassis and suspensions will help them operate more effectively and should be checked on and applied often, especially for high-mileage riders. We recommend XPS Suspension grease as it is cold weather and moisture-resistant.
Proper Track Tension Check
Having proper track tension and alignment are essential adjustments that need to be made to every Ski-Doo. It helps prevent excessive wear and also increases the driveline efficiency of the Ski-Doo, which means more mileage and top-end speed! Here are the steps you need to follow to ensure your track tension and alignment are in working order:
- Raise the sled with a jackstand to get the track off the ground. I like to do this with a warmed-up motor and track that has been run a bit prior. If not, spin the track for a bit to get it stretched out if it’s been sitting.
- Now take a look at track tension by examining how low the track sits at the lowest point. Ski-Doo has recommended specifications of 13-19 lbs. of down-force and 1.26” of distance between the track and bottom of the slider shoe (hyfax). My technique has always been the top of the track clip (clip with 90-degree side) even with the bottom of the hyfax. This can easily be done anywhere, even when on a trip with very few tools. Tracks stretch, especially when new, and need to be tightened after a few hundred initial miles and then periodically after that.
- To adjust track tension, remove the rubber covers from the two rear axle wheels. There is a slot in the edge of the rubber cover for a wide flat blade screwdriver, so you don’t damage them. Technique: I put these in my pocket if cold outside to keep them pliable and easier to reinstall.
- Loosen the rear axle bolts on each side with a 16mm socket. I use two ratchets with 16mm sockets and loosen both bolts simultaneously because the bolts are in the same internal shaft and one may come loose before the other and spin the shaft.
- Now with a 10mm socket adjust the adjustment screw on each side of the sled evenly to set track tension as specified in Step 2.
- Once track tension is set, run the sled and rotate the track a few revolutions and let it coast to a stop (no brake – it can pull the track out of alignment). Measure with a feeler gauge or something you can use as a gauge (I’ve used two stacked quarters before in the field), and check the gap between the side of the 90-degree track clips and hyfax edge. The goal is to be even on both sides.
- Tighten the rear axle bolts and reinstall your rubber caps and that’s it!
This was a lot to cover, and you will want to consult your owner’s manual before attempting any of these procedures. When in doubt. Bring your snowmobile to Gull Boats and RV and let them keep your ride in top shape.
If you are looking for a Ski-Doo this winter, then look no further than Gull Boats and RV! We have a wide selection of both new and used Ski-Doos that are perfect for conquering the snow. For more information, check out our website, give us a call at 406-549-6169, or stop by the store!
