2.36
MAINTENANCE
ATV Cleaning & Storage
Cleaning the ATV
Keeping your ATV clean will not only improve its appearance
but it can also extend the life of various components. With a few
precautions, your ATV can be cleaned much like an automobile.
Washing the ATV
The best and safest way to clean your ATV is with a garden hose
and a pail of mild soap and water. Use a professional type
washing mitten, cleaning the upper body first and the lower parts
last. tRinse with water frequently and dry with a chamois to
prevent water spots. NOTE: If warning and safety labels are
damaged, contact your a Polaris dealer for free replacement.
Polaris does not recommend the use of a high pressure type car
wash system for washing the ATV. If a high pressure system is
used, exercise extreme care to avoid water damage to the wheel
bearings, transmission seals, body panels, brakes and warning
labels. NOTE: Grease all zerk fittings immediately after
washing, and allow the vehicle to run for a while to evaporate
any water that may have entered the engine or exhaust system.
Waxing the ATV
Your ATV can be waxed with any non-abrasive automotive
paste wax. Avoid the use of harsh cleaners since they can scratch
the body finish. Polaris offers a detailing kit for ATVs.
Storage Tips
See Page 2.9 for the part numbers of Polaris products.
Clean the Exterior
Make necessary repairs and then clean the ATV thoroughly with
mild soap and warm water to remove all dirt and grime. Don’t
use harsh detergents or high pressure washers. Some detergents
deteriorate rubber parts. Use dish soap type cleaners only. High
pressure washers may force water past seals.
Stabilize the Fuel
Fill the fuel tank. Add Polaris Carbon Clean Fuel Treatment or
Polaris Fuel Stabilizer. Follow the instructions on the container
for the recommended amount. (Carbon clean will also reduce
the possibility of bacterial growth in the fuel system). Allow 15-
20 minutes of operation for the stabilizer to disperse through the
fuel in the tank and EFI sytem / carburetor. Turn the fuel valve
off and drain the carburetor bowl (450 only).
Oil and Filter
Warm the engine and change the oil and filter. Follow the
procedure in this chapter for proper oil change.
Air Filter / Air Box
Inspect and clean or replace the pre-cleaner and air filter. Clean
the air box and drain the sediment tube.
Breather Filter
Inspect and clean or replace the breather filter.
Fluid Levels
Inspect the following fluid levels and change if necessary: front
gearcase; transmission; brake fluid (change every two years or
as required if fluid looks dark or contaminated).
Drain the Recoil Housing
Remove the recoil housing drain plug and drain any moisture.
Storage Kits
Polaris offers storage kits for ATVs. See a Polaris dealer or visit
www.purepolaris.com.
Fog the Engine
To properly store the engine, use Polaris Fogging Oil according
to the directions.
If you choose not to use Polaris Fogging Oil, perform the
following procedure:
1. Support the front end of the machine so the engine is level
or tilted slightly rearward.
2. Treat the fuel system with Polaris Carbon Clean according
to the directions.
3. Remove the spark plug and add 2-3 tablespoons of
Premium 4 Synthetic 0W-40 engine oil. To access the plug
hole, use a section of clear 1/4” hose and a small plastic
squeeze bottle filled with the pre-measured amount of oil.
Note: Do this carefully! If you miss the plug hole, oil will
drain from the spark plug cavity into the hole at the front
of the cylinder head, and appear to be an oil leak. Install
the spark plug and pull the engine over slowly with the
recoil starter. Oil will be forced in and around the piston
rings and ring lands, coating the cylinder with a protective
film of fresh oil.
4. Apply dielectric grease to the inside of the spark plug cap
and install the cap onto the plug.
CAUTION
Certain products, including insect repellents and
chemicals, will damage plastic surfaces. Use caution
when using these products near plastic surfaces.
CAUTION
Starting the engine during the storage period will
disturb the protective film created by fogging and
damage could occur. Never start the engine during
the storage period.