Spring Tune-Ups

GnarShredd · Backside 180 Joined: 24 Jan 2009 Posts: 1529 City: Seattle

Spring and summer are coming up pretty quickly (thank god) and I thought it'd be cool to start a thread for people like me who's winches have been neglected over the past few months. What are you doing to get everything back in to shape and make sure your machine is running as strong as ever for warm months?

Here's my list:
-Repair the pull-start rope with a section of wakeboard line so hopefully I'll stop breaking them.
-Grease the bearings/chain and make sure any moving parts are well-lubed.
-Replace engine mount bolts
-Replace the cross-braces in my spool since they started to bend.
-Find a good replacement for my releasing spool bolt. The pins I've been using are not getting the job done.
-OIL!

Cartel · Faceplant Joined: 07 Feb 2011 Posts: 7

Some things I would add to the list:

-clean the air filter
-put NEW gas in the tank -If you didn't drain the gas in that fall (or run it dry) replace the old gas as it naturally attaracts water over months of sitting and wont run like it would normally due to the added moisture
-check engine for any oil leaks and replace as nessesary

mojo · Posted: Feb 11, 2011 5:41 pm Post subject:

Since basically all fuelnhas ethanol in it put in some stabi if u r gonna leave it for a while, or every fill up anyways. New spark plug and fresh oil.

rfmcrx · Posted: Feb 11, 2011 7:25 pm Post subject:

Check chain tension
grease pillow blocks
oil chain
change oil
new spark plug
clean carb
clean and lube fairlead
recheck bolts
check frame for cracks
replace pin for releasing spool
check rope for cuts or frays

supermanotorious · Backside 180 Joined: 05 Apr 2010 Posts: 518 City: Phoenix

rfmcrx seems to nail it, rather than replacing the motor mount bolts, maybe just get new rubber to seperate the engine and frame, Ace Hardware has some really decent rubber washer type things that work well, I'll find out what they're called and update this later

rfmcrx · Posted: Feb 14, 2011 12:29 pm Post subject:

Another easy way for engine mounts is go buy a mid 90's gmc pickup truck front sway bar link, and use the bushings that come with it! you can cut the bushings in half to make them smaller!

Steven M · Posted: Feb 14, 2011 12:52 pm Post subject:

bicycle inner tubes also work for motor mounts...

rfmcrx · Posted: Feb 14, 2011 7:35 pm Post subject:

Steven M, Awsome idea. I used a mudflap off a dumptruck and cut it down to size.

daniel · Back Big Joined: 26 Apr 2004 Posts: 3669 City: Duncan

-new chain
-oil as well
-some sort of mod to get more hp
-modify my releasing spool to work better
-remount motor so everything is tighter

rfmcrx · Posted: Feb 14, 2011 8:08 pm Post subject:

daniel, Throw a pipe on the winch and change the jet size!!!

daniel · Back Big Joined: 26 Apr 2004 Posts: 3669 City: Duncan

rfmcrx, sounds awesome. I am terrible with motors, I will let my roommate know tho and see if he can help me do that. PM me with more details if you get a chance.