Purchasing a new snowmobile can set you back over $20,000, a substantial sum for any hobbyist. This prompts many to explore the alternative of acquiring a pre-owned snowmobile.
Acquiring a secondhand snowmobile raises inquiries and uncertainties, with a primary question prevailing: What mileage qualifies as high for a snowmobile?
Generally, anything surpassing 8,000 miles (12,900 km) is classified as high mileage for a snowmobile. Ranging between 4,000 and 8,000 miles is deemed medium mileage, while anything below 3,000 miles falls under the category of low mileage for a previously owned snowmobile.
| Grade | Miles | Kilometers |
|---|---|---|
| Low mileage | Less than 3,000 | Less than 4,800 |
| Medium mileage | 3,000 – 8,000 | 4,800 – 12,900 |
| High mileage | More than 8,000 | More than 12,900 |
The mileage achieved by a snowmobile is wholly contingent on its maintenance record and the manner in which it was operated.
When in the process of purchasing a pre-owned snowmobile, these factors hold significant weight. If the seller shows reluctance in divulging the maintenance history, it’s a prudent indication to steer clear of the purchase.
What to Consider When Assessing Mileage on a Used Snowmobile
When delving into the realm of snowmobile mileage, the benchmark for high mileage typically starts beyond 8,000 miles. However, this broad assessment overlooks five pivotal factors that warrant attention when evaluating the mileage of a pre-owned snowmobile:
- Maintenance history;
- Type of snowmobile;
- Age of the sled;
- How it was ridden;
- 2-stroke vs 4-stroke.
Now, let’s delve deeper into the intricacies of each of these five aspects you should thoroughly consider when purchasing a used snowmobile, all of which hold significance beyond just the mileage figure.
Maintenance History
Central to your quest for a pre-owned snowmobile is the maintenance history – a factor of utmost significance. While a used snowmobile might display merely 2,500 miles, negligence in adhering to regular and seasonal maintenance protocols by the previous owner can lead to substantial predicaments.
Moreover, it’s prudent to conduct a personal inspection, even if the seller presents a maintenance record. Trusting solely in verbal assurances can be misleading, as sellers occasionally list repairs or replacements that remain unattended.
Should the seller fail to provide a maintenance history for the snowmobile in question, it’s advisable to reconsider your decision. This omission serves as a vital indicator that the snowmobile likely necessitates extensive repairs and should prompt you to consider other options.
Snowmobile Type
When contemplating the acquisition of a pre-owned snowmobile, it becomes paramount to discern the specific type you intend to purchase.
Variations exist in the extent of usage for different snowmobiles. For instance, consider a trail sled with 2,500 miles – it would generally be in superior condition compared to a mountain sled with the same mileage.
The rationale behind this discrepancy lies in the fact that mountain snowmobiles often experience more intense usage due to traversing rugged terrains and steeper inclines. These conditions introduce a higher likelihood of potential issues when contrasted with the gentler treatment received by trail snowmobiles cruising along smooth and level paths.
It’s worth noting that not all mountain snowmobiles are exclusively ridden in mountainous terrain. Some individuals relish the extended tracks and powder skis of a mountain sled for their appeal in trail riding scenarios.
Sled Age
Differing from cars or other outdoor toys, snowmobiles have the potential to deteriorate over time simply due to aging and inactivity. These machines consist of numerous intricate components that can experience dryness and wear when left idle during the off-season over the years:
- Bearings;
- Belts;
- Tracks;
- Seals.
All these elements can develop faults and lead to damage as they age, especially if the snowmobile is not adequately maintained or has remained inactive for extended periods.
This aspect is worth considering when buying older snowmobile models, as they often come with additional repair expenses. This is particularly true if they have been stored for prolonged periods.
Personally, I prefer to purchase a used snowmobile with 8,000 miles on it, knowing that it has been recently and regularly ridden, rather than selecting a snowmobile with lower mileage that has been stationary for an extended time.
Riding Style
This concept relates back to the category of snowmobile types.
The way a snowmobile has been utilized throughout its lifespan holds equal, if not greater, importance compared to the actual mileage it has accumulated. There exists both beneficial and detrimental mileage.
Detrimental mileage is commonly observed in mountain sleds that navigate through deep powder and rugged terrains; this usage can inflict various forms of damage on a snowmobile over time. Conversely, positive mileage pertains to instances when a snowmobile is employed for leisurely rides along trails and in familiar surroundings.
The factors that strain an engine and potentially lead to future problems are notably fewer when traveling across smooth and level surfaces, in contrast to navigating steep mountains.
2-Stroke vs. 4-Stroke
Snowmobile engines are not uniformly standardized, so when evaluating the mileage of the snowmobile under your consideration, it’s crucial to account for whether it employs a 2-stroke or a 4-stroke engine. Naturally, a 4-stroke engine offers heightened long-term reliability when compared to a 2-stroke counterpart. If you inspect a 4-stroke snowmobile boasting 8,000 miles, it generally tends to exhibit superior performance and condition compared to a 2-stroke engine with the same mileage.
Nevertheless, it’s important to bear in mind that the purchase of a used snowmobile entails the recognition that a top-end refresh or even a comprehensive engine overhaul might be necessary in the near future.
The cost of restoring the upper engine components or even the entire engine of a 2-stroke engine is significantly more economical than that of a 4-stroke engine.
Snowmobile Mileage and Longevity: How Far Can They Go?
A snowmobile’s lifespan typically ranges from 5,000 to 20,000 miles. However, it’s worth noting that 2-stroke snowmobile engines tend to require rebuilding earlier than their 4-stroke counterparts. The extent to which you maintain and store your snowmobile significantly impacts its mileage potential.
Surpassing the 20,000-mile mark is not uncommon, especially for enthusiasts who meticulously care for their machines. Such individuals can extract exceptional longevity from their snowmobiles.
An additional consideration is that 4-stroke snowmobiles generally outlast their 2-stroke counterparts. This longevity is attributed to their ability to generate more power with fewer engine revolutions per minute, along with a superior lubrication system.
- Two-Stroke Engines: On average, a 2-stroke snowmobile engine is expected to endure around 2,500 to 5,000 miles (equivalent to 4,000 – 8,000 kilometers) before necessitating a top-end refresh. A more comprehensive engine rebuild becomes necessary in the range of 5,000 to 10,000 miles (about 8,000 – 16,000 kilometers);
- Four-Stroke Engines: When properly maintained, a 4-stroke snowmobile engine can sustain for approximately 10,000 to 20,000 miles (equivalent to 16,000-32,000 kilometers) before requiring attention or servicing.
Preparing for the Season: Pre-Season Snowmobile Care
Before the official start of the season, there’s a range of essential checks you should carry out on your snowmobile.
There’s little more frustrating than having your first sledding excursion of the year meticulously planned, only to discover that your snowmobile refuses to start on the very day you’re all set to embark, with no apparent reason behind it. However, this scenario can be effortlessly averted by adhering to a straightforward pre-season checklist every year.
Certain items on this checklist will be applicable primarily to those owning 2-stroke engines, while others will exclusively relate to individuals with 4-stroke engines.
Your Snowmobile Pre-Season Guide
1. Examine Your Snowmobile Belt
- Prior to the start of the season, it’s of utmost importance to assess the condition and tension of your snowmobile’s belt;
- Thoroughly inspect the belt for indications of wear, tears, or any missing cogs that might signal the need for a replacement. If the belt appears to be in good shape, give it a proper cleaning and proceed to the next step;
- Evaluate the tension of the belt; if it’s either excessively tight or loose, make the required adjustments.
2. Inspect and Maintain Your Clutches
- Having concluded the belt inspection, move on to inspecting your primary and secondary clutches;
- Clean both clutches to remove any metal debris or residual belt material. Subsequently, conduct a detailed examination to detect signs of wear or damage;
- For the primary clutch, ensure that each roller is free of flat spots and can rotate smoothly. Examine the flyweights to determine if their bushings or pins have suffered wear, replacing them if necessary. Thoroughly scrutinize the primary spring for any signs of breakage or fatigue;
- Likewise, inspect the secondary clutch to confirm that the roller bushings on the spider mechanism are neither seized nor damaged;
- If you lack confidence in performing these tasks, consider referring to an informative video guide. Alternatively, take your snowmobile to a professional shop for a thorough assessment.
3. Evaluate Your Snowmobile Track
- Assessing your snowmobile’s track is a pivotal aspect of maintenance, both before and after the season;
- Rotate your track thoroughly and inspect it for any signs of paddles or lugs tearing off. Additionally, scrutinize the track for any tears that necessitate attention, and check the condition of your clips – ensuring they are neither bent, loose, nor missing.
Following this, proceed to verify the tension of your track.
Track tension is a critical factor, dictating how snugly the track fits on your sled. If the track is overly loose, it might move erratically around the drive sprockets. Conversely, excessive tightness can result in wear along the length of your rear suspension.
Such wear can lead to premature deterioration of sliders and bearings within the idler wheels. To gauge track tension accurately, employ a tension gauge. For precise track tension settings, consult your machine’s manual.
4. Evaluate Chaincase Tension
- Determine the tension of your snowmobile’s chaincase by gently moving the secondary component back and forth. If you observe slight movement, it indicates the necessity to adjust the chain tension appropriately.
5. Inspect and Renew Spark Plugs
- Spark plugs play a crucial role in ensuring your sled’s ignition system operates smoothly;
- Conduct a thorough examination of both the insulators and electrodes for any indications of wear or carbon buildup;
- Assess the gap and make necessary adjustments if it appears misaligned; your snowmobile’s manual should provide the recommended spark plug gap size.
Considering their relatively affordable cost, usually ranging from $5 to $30, it’s advisable to replace spark plugs annually.
6. Verify Cylinder Compression
- While the spark plugs are removed, take the opportunity to examine your snowmobile’s cylinder compression;
- Optimally, all cylinders should exhibit uniform compression levels, ideally reading between 120-140 PSI. A reading of 110 PSI is acceptable, but any value lower than this suggests potential repair needs.
7. Examine Your Carbides
Before embarking on the first ride of the season, allocate time to inspect your carbides.
Thoroughly assess your carbides for any indications of damage or wear. Worn carbides can detrimentally impact your snowmobile’s performance. If you detect signs of roughness, it’s recommended to replace them.
8. Fluid Inspection and Leak Detection
At the onset of each season, it’s important to conduct a comprehensive check of all your fluids, alongside addressing potential leaks.
- For 2-stroke engines, ensure you replenish the oil with fresh supply, while 4-stroke engines necessitate an oil change;
- Once all fluids are properly refilled, perform a thorough examination to uncover any telltale signs of leakage.
End-of-Season Snowmobile Maintenance
As the snowmobiling season draws to a close, it’s crucial to properly prepare your snowmobile for storage during the warmer months.
While it might be tempting to simply stow it away, doing so poses the potential for a range of issues when you’re ready to hit the snow once again.
Engaging in post-season snowmobile maintenance is a straightforward task that yields substantial benefits, making the investment of time and effort well worthwhile.
After-Season Snowmobile Care Checklist
Fuel Stabilization
- When preparing your snowmobile for storage, ensure the fuel tank is filled;
- Storing a sled with an empty tank can cause gas gauge float and seals to dry out and suffer damage;
- Adding fuel stabilizer is vital to prevent gas degradation, which could lead to corrosive effects on your carburetor.
Engine Fogging
- If you intend to run your snowmobile’s engine at least once a month during the off-season, this step may not be necessary;
- Engine fogging involves spraying fogging oil into the intake until the sled stalls;
- This coats the engine internals (like rod pins, cylinder walls, crankshaft) with oil, guarding against moisture-induced corrosion.
Lubrication
- Prevent moisture buildup and subsequent corrosion during storage by greasing your drivetrain and suspension system;
- Follow your manual’s guidance for the appropriate lubricant. Be cautious not to apply any lubricant to belts or the clutch area.
Battery Removal
- Leaving the battery in your sled during storage is discouraged;
- Complete battery discharge risks permanent loss of charging capacity;
- Consider using a tender or trickle charger to maintain its charge. While removing the battery, inspect the posts for any signs of corrosion.
Thorough Cleaning and Covering
- Give your snowmobile a thorough hose down to remove accumulated winter grime and dirt;
- After cleaning, cover the sled to shield it from dirt, snow, and rain.
Elevated Storage
- Whenever possible, elevate your snowmobile off the ground during storage. This prevents runners and carbides from rusting and incurring damage;
- Using a snowmobile stand is the optimal way to achieve this.
Conclusion
All snowmobile mileage is not created equal. 4-stroke snowmobiles boast double the longevity of their 2-stroke counterparts in terms of mileage, albeit at a higher maintenance cost.
The manner in which a snowmobile is ridden significantly influences its mileage. Intense use, such as mountain riding, places greater strain on a sled compared to the gentler mileage accumulated on trails.
Prioritizing proper maintenance can considerably extend your snowmobile’s lifespan and the mileage it accrues. When considering the purchase of a used snowmobile, it’s wise to request maintenance records as they provide valuable insights into the vehicle’s care history.