Service Tips
Wave Runner Winterization Tips
It is that time of year again when all watercraft
enthusiasts are considering putting their watercraft
into storage for the winter. Every manufacturer provides
this information in the Owner’s Manual for their
specific requirements and every owner is urged to always
refer to your Owner ’s Manual for the specific needs of
your make and model of watercraft. Here are some
important tips on Watercraft Storage.
Batteries
Depending on the style of battery in your watercraft,
there are some precautions to be taken for winter
storage. Lead acid batteries (white cases) will discharge all by themselves, about one
percent per day of inactivity. These types of batteries
should be charged every 2-3 weeks (as per the directions
for the battery) to maintain the battery to a fully
charged state. Battery Tenders do an excellent job of
this. This prevents sulfation and the premature death of
a battery. More and more watercraft manufacturers
are now using “Maintenance Free” (black cases)
batteries, which enjoy a shelf life of approximately one
year. In all cases, watercraft batteries must be
disconnected to prevent any current draw on them while
in storage. Current draw will discharge a battery and it
will sulfate if left in a partially discharged state. All manufacturers do not “warranty”
batteries due to sulfation so it is important to take the above precautions.
Fuel
Fuel is more stable in large quantities than smaller
quantities and fuel in carburetors and injection systems
will breakdown over the winter months causing sediment
to form which may cause running problems the next year.
Fuel stabilizers are often utilized to prevent fuel contamination during storage. Please ensure
that the manufacturer approves the fuel stabilizer you
choose and your watercraft should be started and run up
with stabilized fuel to ensure it is introduced
throughout your entire fuel system.
Cooling Systems
Two stroke machines use the water the craft is being run
in to cool the engine and exhaust systems while in
operation. Residual water left over in these systems can
freeze during winter storage if your watercraft is
stored in an unheated area. Engines need to be run up to
clear as much residual water as possible and it is
important to introduce an RV Coolant to these systems to
prevent the left over residual water from freezing and
damaging engine cylinders and exhaust manifolds.
Most four-stroke machines have closed
loop cooling systems utilizing a heat exchanger and
automotive style coolant and a water pump. During
winterization, it would be a good time to perform a
coolant change on your machine to ensure that the
coolant is strong enough to resist freezing and keeping
your coolant system fresh and corrosion free.
Pump Maintenance
Some watercraft have impeller pumps that have oil
reservoirs and some utilize greased bearings. Either way,
storage preparedness should include a pump inspection to
change the oil if required and inspect the impeller and
wear ring for damage. Since the pump comes out for this,
it is also very important to and is a great time to
lubricate the driveline splines!
Engine Fogging
Several manufacturers recommend “fogging” the engine
cylinders for storage.
This involves spraying a fogging fluid into the
sparkplug holes lubricating the metal surfaces of the
cylinders preventing rusting. This should be done last
and an extra set of sparkplugs supplied (but not
installed) is a good idea if the old sparkplugs foul due
to the fogging fluid, come spring.
Engine Oil Change
On all four-stroke models of watercraft, an end of the
year oil change is a must. Engine oil tends to get
diluted with gas during the many startups that occur
during the summer. This makes the oil more acidic and
lessens the oils ability to lubricate properly. Water in
the engine oil is also very corrosive to internal engine
components.
Two stroke models of watercraft do not
have engine oil but a reservoir of injection oil. It may
be a good time to replace the oil injection filter
during the winterization of your watercraft.
Storage
A good wash and wax of your watercraft is recommended
before storage. This will help preserve your finish by
removing dirt and oxidization from the finish. Sunlight
will fade plastics and breakdown the gel coat over time.
Storing your ride outside should be avoided unless you
can cover your watercraft with a proper watercraft
cover.
These are some of the items you need to
consider when storing your watercraft for the winter. Of
course, your Owner’s Manual must be referred to ensure
all the specific needs of your watercraft are met to
ensure safe storage throughout the winter months.
Storing your Motorcycle
Lower Mainland riders are
able to ride almost all year long due to moderate
seasonal temperatures, but just in case you need to
store your motorcycle... here's some tips...
No time???...Pacific Yamaha provides high quality winterization
service
These general storage tips that go with your specific model information
from your Owner’s Manual and or Service/Technical Manual
to maintain the highest level of safety and preparedness
to preserve the value of your investment.
Cleaning
Thoroughly wash and dry the motorcycle, dirt and
bug remains retain water and can be acidic and cause
corrosion to alloys.
Polish and wax all chrome and painted surfaces.
Spray unpainted castings with S100R Corrosion
Protectant.
Always refer to your Owner’s Manual as to the
specific cleaning needs of your motorcycle.
Oil Changes
It is recommended that the engine oil and filter
be changed prior to long periods of inactivity.
Follow your manufacturer’s recommendations on
oil viscosity and type as well as an O.E.M. oil
filter.
Once the oil has been changed, start and run the
engine to allow the clean oil to circulate
throughout the engine for approximately three
minutes.
If the motorcycle will be stored for longer than
6 months, drain and replace all other oils such as,
gearbox, driveshaft, rear differential, fork oil.
Run the motorcycle for approximately three
minutes, using several gears to ensure proper oil
coverage in transmission and rear drive. This will
reduce the risk of any moisture or contaminants
damaging vital internal components.
Brake and Clutch Fluid
Review your motorcycle’s brake and clutch fluid
requirement for renewal and if these fluids are
overdue or close to their renewal, it is advisable
to change these fluids since contaminated fluid will
cause corrosion and deterioration to the hydraulic
systems for clutch and brakes.
The fluids should be clear and amber in colour,
dark or cloudy fluids should be flushed and the
renewed.
Drive Chain
If your motorcycle has a drive chain, it is
recommended that a specifically formulated spray
cleaner be used such as Motul Chain Cleaner be used.
Gasoline, Varsol and WD40 are not recommended to
clean drive chains with o-rings in them.
Do not clean the chain with the motorcycle
running.
Spray washing a drive chain is also not
recommended.
A soft brush or cloth may be used to wipe excess
lubricant and cleaner off the chain.
A specifically formulated quality chain
lubricant is recommended.
Fuel Tank
Drain the fuel tank to remove any moisture or
contaminants from the fuel tank.
Refill the fuel tank with fresh fuel to prevent
rusting.
Fresh fuel in a large quantity remains more
stable than in small quantities. Should a fuel
stabilizer be considered, ensure that any fuel
stabilizer products are approved by the manufacturer
prior to use.
Carburetors
Drain the carburetor float bowls of fuel prior
to storage.
Smaller quantities of fuel are less stable and
tend to break down over time, draining the float
bowls will prevent build up of fuel deposits in the
carburetor circuits, jets and needle and seat
assemblies.
Battery
The greatest cause of battery failure is
insufficient battery care during storage periods,
which can be recognized by cell sulfation.
Review your Owner s Manual on all Warnings and
safe procedures when handing the battery prior to
doing so!
Batteries should be removed and stored in a
warm, dry place but not on concrete.
Maintain the proper electrolyte level, adding
distilled water as necessary,
Ensure that the battery case and terminals are
clean,
Follow the owner’s manual to recharge the
battery periodically, generally for 10 hours every
2-3 weeks with a maximum output of 2 amps,
Consider installing a Battery Tender with quick
connections for ease of charging if the battery is
left in the motorcycle.
Tires
Park the motorcycle on the centre stand for the
storage period to remove all weight on the tires. In
lieu of a centre stand, blocks of wood can be used
to support the motorcycle.
Inflate the tires to the recommended tire
pressures.
Remove all gravel, dirt and other road
contaminants from the tire treads.
Now is the best time to measure your tire depths
to see if new tires should be on your gift list!
Chassis
Lubricate the side and centre stand pivots with
grease if grease fittings exist.
Where no grease fittings are available,
lubricate with CRC5556 or WD40 - clutch and brake
lever pivots, rear brake pedal and linkage pivots,
throttle body or carburetor linkage, stand pivots,
seat hinges and all lock mechanisms in the ignition,
steering lock, fuel cap, seat and saddlebags.
Spray lubricant into the handlebar switches and
operate them with the ignition off. Allow the excess
lube to drain and/or evaporate prior to operating
with the ignition on.
Storage
 Use a vented cover that allows moisture to escape
Remove any motorcycle cover while charging the
battery in a motorcycle to avoid accumulation of
explosive gasses
Select a storage area that is free from dampness
and high humidity
Do not store the motorcycle in direct sunlight.
Ensure adequate ventilation and do not store
near open flames or sparks.
Always refer to your Owner’s Manual for the specific needs of storing your Motorcycle!
Coolant
Many of today’s modern BMW motorcycles are air and water cooled.
When we say that an engine is water cooled what that really means is that it is actually cooled with combination air, water, and antifreeze. As coolant goes through the heat cycling process it looses its ability to carry and shed heat as effectively. It also collects sediments from within the cooling system that are formed during the heat cycling process. It is important to the life of the engine to always have the system working at its maximum efficiency. This means that the cooling system should be flushed periodically.
BMW’s recommendation varies from model to model. However we feel that you should perform this service every other year as a minimum. This will keep your engine’s cooling system working at its optimum efficiency at all times. Always be sure to use a coolant that is formulated for motorcycles and is mixed at the proper ratio. Contrary to popular belief coolant actually works better mixed with distilled water than it will if used straight!
We recommend BMW coolant always be in your motorcycle to ensure the correct type. Some automotive type coolants will have silicates added to help clean the cooling system. This type of coolant is NEVER to be used in a motorcycle as it will cause damage to the seals in the system.
Valve Stems
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Valve
stem caps are more important than you think.
Frequently we see motorcycles come in for
service with missing valve stem caps. This is
potentially dangerous if you are a fast rider,
as at very high speeds you can lose air from the
valve stem valve unless you have the valve stem
cap in place. You do NOT want to experience a
deflation at triple digit speeds because you
neglected to replace a missing valve stem cap.
(We have seen it happen, this is no laughing
matter...) |
Battery Charging
It is a good idea to use a battery charger
occasionally, especially with LT's & RT's with radio-stereo systems. Even if you ride your
bike often, you will have longer battery life and avoid the chance
of being stranded with a low battery. The right method is to use
either a battery charger for a limited time (12 hours or so) or use
a "battery tender", which is regulated and cannot overcharge the
battery, and can be left on indefinitely. Remember that no matter
how often you ride, charging your battery will insure long life. And
if you ride your LT infrequently, and for short rides, it is
absolutely essential that you get a battery tender and use it to
keep your battery in a fully charged state, as there is more drain
on the battery from radio & alarm than with other bikes.
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Service
Pacific Yamaha BMW is staffed with BMW certified Master
technicians and is rated a 5 star Yamaha certified service
department. You can trust our professionally trained technicians to
provide the highest standards of performance for your vehicle.
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