I cannot understand why everyone seems to be dumping all over a guy for trying to help out. Thanks for posting this. I have used this method using different engines for heat sources. I had never thought of using a generator and a 1/2” pipe!! Well done! Thanks again for sharing
You are absolutely right. Those plastics don’t bend or pull at low temperatures when we need to access the engine they are frozen stiff. manufacturers should take note.
Great idea, could’ve used this tip earlier in the season when I froze my sled up solid. Been really enjoying the channel, all sorts of things I am doing or want to do but with your methods might make my life easier. Thanks a lot.
The last winter was -39c in Sodankylä Finland.We was have Lynx 59yeti 600 ace engine ,same sled is ski-doo sandic.The weather was very freeze and we think, can four stroke sled cold start with no pre heating.I walk go to sled and pull kill switch on, and press the start button.What happened, start motor spin very slow some round but motor start fire up!These sleds work very hard conditions, and pull heavy loads on the 100cm deep snow.In the arctic circle is lots of safari shop, they trust only on rotax 600 ace engines.Best kilometers what I had to see is 30000km.I think ACE engines was not powerful of the markets, but there is fuel effency and they you can trust every conditions :)
Hello from Northern Canada!! Thanks so much for telling us this story. It is an excellent testimony to the durability of these machines. I absolutely love the ace motor. I had a 600 ace for many years, and just recently upgraded to the 900 ace. Extremely reliable. So good to hear from Finland!!! We had a couple of people from Finland run the “Cain’s Quest” snowmobile endurance race here at one point (3200 kms). They used the Lynx as you spoke about. Thanks again for your wonderful story that you shared. 👍
Lived in the interior of Alaska for many years. I would open the cowling at night and put either a hot air corn popper or hair dryer inside, close the cowling and put a blanket over it. Run the extension cord into the house and about 20 minutes before I wanted to use the snowmachine the next day I would plug in the chord. Made pulling the starter chord easy and the belts would work fine.
Excellent. I Added a block heater and battery trickle charger so when the generator is running it gets 3 way starting power. Keep up the good ideas of common sense life thats not so common anymore. Cheers Practical Porters Alaska.
Hi Chuck, I am a fellow trapper from Alaska and trap up on a line north of the Arctic Circle. I hope to buy a Skandic 600 ACE in the future . I have started machines in very cold weather, but this was a slick trick I have never used. Thanks for sharing. God bless and protect you this winter. Arctic Circle Dave
It works perfectly on the 600 ace. Exact same setup. I had a 600 ace for 5 years prior to buying my 900 ace and there was only ONCE it wouldn’t start (again, at -41 that time). I was stuck in a pinch and thought of my generator and gave it a try. Works incredibly well. Gotta stay and watch it tho as the generator tends to want to drift with the vibration. Btw, LOVE watching the Alaska shows on television. Such incredible scenery. Being a trapper you must see it all....all the best to you and I hope you safe and happy trails
Hi Dave and Chuck. Nice trick ... if you have a generator. What I have used is Sterno Fuel can. Get the "Chaffing Fuel" type which has a wick under the cap. Position it under the exhaust manifold. On my 600 ace I used bailing wire and a hose clamp around the can to hang it. You may want to open the cowl, stuff a blanket in there. One ... two hours, and good to go. Those cans run 6 to 8 hours, so one can will do a few starts. Used that trick this last week in the Kaltag Portage to Galena route, -33F on two stroke 550's. Worked perfect too. Sterno is gelled alcohol, spill proof.
@@ChuckPorterEverythingOutdoors Hi Chuck. Good tip. Looking everywhere and can’t find how to remove seat on my in laws 2020 SWT. Looks to be same chassis as yours. Do u know how? I see 2 screws up front on each side and the plastic tabs that tuck underneath near the front and then I’m stumped. Any info would be greatly appreciated. Great vid btw.
Nice trick. You could also plug in a heat blower or a hairdryer to the generator for extra heat. Travel size hairdryer is easy to keep along with the generator at the cabin.
You need to loosely cover entire engine with blanket shut up hood and point hair dryer down at crankcase base. Usually an hour will do it. Have had success to -48F. I will also pull drive belt on shut down if I know it’s going sub zero. Take inside it will help to prevent burning a narrow spot trying to get it to roll over.
Good morning Chuck. We have been seeing pretty mild winters here in northern ontario for the last decade. Have not seen minus 40 and only a few days a year at minus 30 so I have not had any issues starting my machines. I like your idea though. It might come in handy. I have a 2009 expedition 800 4 stroke with the original battery. It's never failed me. Gonna change the battery this fall, still works good but it's certainly time.lol. I mostly use the old girl for breaking trail and hauling wood. Save my 2019 , 900 expedition for fishing and long trips. Great video.
I’ve had two of the 4-stroke ace motors now over the past ten years and find them entirely dependable. Fingers crossed, o haven’t been left in the cold yet👍
Good trick, I've actually done this in -42 with a Big buddy heater under my old chevy trucks oil pan and within about 20 minutes the oil was warm enough to flow and it started right up.
First thing when I bought my 900 SWT I got a block heater installed and it takes less than 30min to heat up the engine down -25 so I put my hands on the engine and it is warm and 1hour would be plenty at -43 because the engine is enclosed, the engine heater is very efficient
What I use on these machines is a can of Sterno "Chafing Fuel". This is identical to regular sterno cans, but has a wick once the take the lid off. Open the door panel, and stick it under the exhaust manifold where it comes off the motor. Do your morning chores, come back to the machine and instant start. Guaranteed to -44F within an hour or two. No generators to lug around. You can carry the can of stern in your parka pocket. On my new 2021 Expedition 900 ACE SWT, the sterno can was precarious in there, so I cut a little piece of plywood and a little piece of wood. Put that in, above the starter, and your sterno on top. It is now secure, and even if the machine rocks in the wind, wont come off. For crying out loud, don't drive off with the sterno burning in there! Ramon, Nome, Alaska USA
I live in AK. When it gets even -25 F I use a hairdryer to warm my snogo. Just put the dryer under the hood blowing towards the engine block. Go in and have a cup of coffee. It will fire right up when I come out and be much happier.
I’ve done this trick in the opposite direction lol.I used a flexible metal dryer hose to direct exhaust from my Skandic WT 900ace to my generator to get it started
Hilarious lol. Love it. I’ve used a shop vac hose from my truck exhaust to warm up the engine on my snowblower so it would start. Amazing what you think of when you’re caught in a pinch. Thanks for the comment
Hilarious lol. I’ve used a shop vac hose from my truck exhaust and directed it to my snowblower engine to warm it enough to comfortably haul it over to start it. Amazing what you can think of when you’re caught in a bind with little resources around. Thanks for the comment.
I've done a similar trick starting out diesel trucks after a weekend of riding. It was a cold weekend in northern ontario and our 2 stroke sleds were working well. But when we needed to pack up and leave our trucks wouldn't start so we piled snow around the truck engine and the front of the truck and put a sled exhaust right by it and sealed it up. Let the sled run for a while while throwing snow on the condenser and the truck fired right up. The only downfall of the cummins 5.9 engine
Ha. Yeah she goes with me wherever I go. She’s an Australian shepherd and just a year old so lots of energy for sure!! Extremely smart (almost too smart sometimes!). Doesn’t mind the cold at all and just loves the outdoors. Great companion. 👍
Hot water coud be used just as well. Boil it, fill some plastic bottles and place near the engine or below it, cover with some decent insulation blanket. Water has much more energy capacity than exhaust gases so will work pretty good. Also i've seen examples of using gasoline blow torch with steel pipe to achieve same result. But that's pretty dangerous, open flame.
lot of surveyors keep a length of flexible dryer venting pipe in there trucks to use the truck exhaust to heat up the atv or snowmobile engines. works great. Add a battery booster pack to your kit as well. I had a 2 stroke skandic wt because i wanted some thing that could sit in a snowbank for a week at -40 and start right up but for long runs the fuel economy alone would be reason enough to go 4 stroke and carry a little generator in your sleigh. My gas was free.
Great idea Benson!! I have a length of Shop-Vac hose which I use the same way at times (for both my snowmobile and my snow blower). The shop-vac hose is pretty much the same size as my exhaust pipe so there's very little heat loss on the source end 👍
Question for anyone. I have a 2015 Skandic 900 ACE. Its has about 1800 miles on it. This year its has been giving me serious starting issues. I replaced the battery with a lithium battery to help turning it over at cold starts. Now it will turn over several times and then trips something. I have nothing at the starter switch. I disconnect and reconnect the battery and it seems to reset and will turn over and start. Is this a relay issue?
One more tip: Don't try to crank a cold 4-stroke skidoo while the onboard electronics and fuel pump are priming up. Pull your kill switch, press your starter once quickly to boot up, wait until fuel pump is primed, ensure drive mode is in Sport mode (higher idle) then crank over. Stop, let fuel pump reprime and crank again if no firing after 3-5 seconds of cranking. My 3 year old 1200 expedition (original battery) will start in -36 with out problem.
Good tips. If I’m not mistaken your expedition has a 400 CCa battery as opposed to a 310 cca in a 900 ace. I have that battery on order as it will fit in my 900 ace as well with some minor tweaking.
downymaster I did the same thing when I was up at Barrage Gouin, QC, it was -35F, I had the key on but gave a quick tap to the start switch to prime the engine , Then started it, the engine started right up. Great idea leaving in sport mode for high idle, mine was on standard mode, had a rental 2019 Ski Doo Renegade 900 NA 👍
See I once tried to start a BSA motorcycle in freezing conditions and went right to starting a wood fire under it. Fire just can't burn long enough without damage to warm anything.
Good one too. I’ve done it where use the old pipe get as close to exhaust port as you can and wrap around with tin foil and let heat go right in engine as long as you don’t have some crazy old smoker of course.
LOL I tried using a hairdryer in -40 before to warm up a water pump flanged while changing a thermostate - just makes a wind chill. There isn't enough oomph to make any heat at those temps.
Been to Wabash and stayed at the two seasons. They told me the two seasons are last winter and this winter. It was -46 C without windchill and not plugging in my rental resulted in a coolant leak. Thankfully I got back to the airport before the car broke down and I froze to death.
it started very well with the exhaust of the gen set the only thing is that your engine is gone get a little dirty There is more than one way to skin a cat. Thanks for the video, specially made in that extreme cold
I've started mine at the same temps without any heat. Pull the kill switch tap the start button once and let the fuel pump prime. Then hold start button. Works every time without heat
You can also make an emergency heater from a large coffee can or tomato can that you can fit a toilet paper roll into. Put the TP roll into the can, pour in something flammable, preferably diesel fuel. Otherwise use gasoline but be careful as it is very volatile. Place the heater where it can warm the engine but not burn any plastic or rubber.
Absolutely would be the best option. However, my earlier 4-stroke never had the plug accessory nor do a ton of other machines. So I’ve used this technique to get me (as well as other people) through in a pinch
anyone ever try hooking up one of those hand held boosters to give the battery the extra juice for the start in those extra cold mornings? I carry one incase the battery goes tits up, but wondered if it would help in the really cold.
I'm curious if you can put synthetic oil in the 900 ACE. Do you use conventional or synthetic? In my experience working up north, the synthetic was very helpful for very cold weather starts.
Chuck, hope your getting your snowfall at this time of year, i know we are were iam not to cold but cold enough :), i know for me if it's -40c outside i wont be going outside my hermit side will kick in and id watch movies all day,
-40 -45! i won’t even be caught riding in that kind cold weather, even just in a vehicle is pretty hard in this very cold weather but thank you another great idea to pre warm up a engine block in -45!.
Sometimes, while on a muti-day trip, you get caught by an unexpected cold snap. I don't start out on trips in -40 but I can easily imagine getting caught out in it.
Get one of them battery booster packs.. keep in the cabin. Take it out with you when you go to start the sled. It will whirl great and start right up. The battery setting outside. Looses half its cranking amps at minus 15.. imagine at minus 40.. Problem solved.. and you'll be much happier. And Change the oil to 0.. not the 5w 40 that comes in them.
Thank you for taking your time to make the video. I learned something useful. These assholes making shitty comments will most likely never be put in a situation where this could literally mean life or death. I appreciate you. P.S. I made your hidden sled deck. It works but good god it's SO heavy I can't use it. I had to buy an aluminum one that weighs 1/10.
I haven’t bothered yet I guess mainly because I upgraded the battery and it seems to start 99.5% of the time. I do plan to install one though for peace of mind
I find it interesting that there’s all these comments about “get a two stroke”. I have owned almost 30 different two strokes and then a 600 Ace and now a 900 Ace. The Ace with a good battery will start better than any two stroke I have owned. And yes I have owned a Bravo... I live in northern canada and anywhere where people use snowmobiles for dependable transportation and not just for fun, you will see a large majority of Aces.
Pax, Maybe things or different where you live because the V800 sure isn’t coveted around here. In fact, it’s known as junk because of the endless timing chain issues. And I don’t know of anybody with TPS issues on the Ace. The Ace in general has been basically flawless and the triple is much smoother than a twin.
Boost boost boost . I boost my Apex when it’s below -30f and starts after 5sec or so of cranking and keep it cranking till it’s on it own.. more cyl and works for me every time .Also block sleds from any wind 💨, like a tree or trees , big snow pile or rock etc . Good job btw .!
Chuck Porter - Everything Outdoors . Yes find one with big amps . 500 or more . Charge again pack after it fires up , takes a lot from it . Before start you can also turn clutch by hand a few times to loosen up pistons, cams etc .Also replace battery with a bigger CCA . I went up to 110CCA from stock , it’s bigger dimensions in size make sure it will fit in the area your battery goes first . I went with Yausa 310CCA .
Chuck Porter - Everything Outdoors Great! Can’t say for sure it will work for your exact sled and situation, but works for me with 1 more cyl and more valves .. 👌
Thats a neat trick. Thanks for sharing. Sooo if I got this right, all the cold engine needs is some heat to thaw it..would it be than advisable to make an actual fire nearby and lead the hot smoke with a pipe as you did? Say from a camping stove and its chimney if you lay it side ways so the chimney runs along the ground? Or even boil a container with water and lead the steam in there as well? Just brainstorming different heating sources if no other fuel/electric driven machines are around. Thanks for the video.
All good ideas, however, when it’s that cold you need a fair amount of heat and it has to be constant to ‘combat’ the surrounding extreme cold. Thanks for the suggestions tho. I appreciate your view👍
Starts 99% of the time. This was actually a first for my 900 ace. Happened only once with my 600 ace. And that’s over 7 winters so I certainly won’t complain over that 👍
It would be easier IF it was too cold to start both machines. The two stroke could be pulled with a cord whereas the four stroke you can’t. You have to wait for the temp to warm up or warm up the machine with an external source. Having said that, there’s rarely a time when the four stroke won’t start👍
Hahha. I am counting down the days until I sit on a warm balcony in Punta Cana Dominican Republic!! Just a few more now!! As for now, though, I’ll continue to enjoy winter and try not to freeze my fingers as they will have to hold my coffee cup on that balcony when it get there!😂. Thanks for the comment. Appreciate it as always!
She spent the week with me and every day it dipped below -40. She never once indicated she wanted to go back inside the cabin. Her coat serves her well!!!
Old timers from north told me this trick, turn on ignition and high beams or other load for 30-60 seconds (don't crank) turn off load and ignition, wait 60 seconds then try to start. Supposed to wake up the battery? My old sled always started on third pull no mather how cold, but then again it had no electronics, 340cc yamaha, bullet proof 😀
My sons 600 sport carb won't start are -30 when my ace fires right up. Ace also turn the stiff track effortlessly compared to the 2 stroke that needed a heat gun on the block for 5 mins. Think the choke is too lean. The old Bravo went but I had to turn the track buy hand to help it out.
They are available but for 99% of the time starting isn’t a problem (and that’s good odds!). I will get one eventually. This video was mainly about providing an alternative method if you got stuck in a pinch
Big part of life here for sure....they are fun but mostly a tool for us to get from A to B and haul firewood etc. A nice long trip every now and then is enjoyable too, as long as your snowmobile is reliable. Thanks for watching from Kentucky!
@@ChuckPorterEverythingOutdoors Mm. If you have a little extra to spend, a Noco booster is pretty nice. They don't suffer from the cold like generic battery packs do
I have two of the NOCO genius GB40 booster packs. They retain their charge capacity very, very well. I’m pleased with them overall during warmer months (spring, summer, fall). However, they have let me down on more than one occasion when I really needed them (extreme cold). They do better if you warm them up first but this may not be an easy option. A couple times now I’ve put them inside my warm clothes and that seemed to help.
@@ChuckPorterEverythingOutdoorsOh I see. The booster I use is a gb150, it has a bit more power than the 40 lol. But it's was pretty hard on the wallet. We use them at work too and we left one outside in -40 C. It did surprisingly well at retaining its charge.
Unrealistic? It’s worked for me (and others) many times just in my circle of friends. That’s realistic. It’s just one more tactic one can use without the fear of the fire and tarp method, which, wouldn’t happen if you didn’t have a tarp, and, the generator method gives someone a method that is a whole lot safer than the open fire method....any day I don’t possibly burn my snowmobile AND get it going safely is a good day.
Yes. Completely different category but oh so reliable all the same for what it is. My first bravo I bought was second hand and I put 22,000 kms on it. Awesome starter machine.
Old trick : you put your spark plugs un aluminum paper, then in to your fire place warm it red hot, then while the plugs are heating up put one Thea spoon of gas in each cylinder, when the plugs are reasonable very hot install it fast and start it. It save my ass many time in the past.
@@ChuckPorterEverythingOutdoors I am from the province of Québec in Canada, one of the biggest Ski-Doo dealer was in Terrebonne Laval the dealer name is Contant . My father and Gaston Contant the owner were friends, one day he proposes a prototype of a new Ski-Doo one of the first Skandic. We were in 1981 - 82 . They use an Ski-Doo Citation 4500 1981, they stretch the tunnel to fit an Alpine track under it . It was my baby light nimble in deep snow, at that time no reverses lol no cheat mode. The trick I told you to star in cold cold temperatures , I did it at -55c even if I try to pull the cords the engine was moving with a lot of difficulty.
Or just build a little shed and keep your sled in there instead of going through this every time it gets cold.....also much easier on all the other sled components
I actually have 4 sheds at my cabin and just recently installed a wood stove in one of them.....it is VERY rare for the snowmachine not to start though....it starts easily at -35 and it's not common to dip down below -40 base temp
Haha. Good suggestion but I had three VK’s and put over 65,000 kms on them...and they served me well....however, I’ve owned a 600 ace since 2013 and now the 900 ace and haven’t had a tenth of the trouble I had with the vk. Again, great machine but I’d never go back now after the past 6 years with the ace motors and especially the SWT!!!!
I’ve got a 600 ACE in my Tundra LT. Starts at -42, so far. I live in Yellowknife, so I ride it to work a lot. Battery is usually in top charge because of that. Press the button for a second to prime the pump, then crank it until it starts, which at the most is about 3 or 4 seconds in the -40’s.
I cannot understand why everyone seems to be dumping all over a guy for trying to help out.
Thanks for posting this. I have used this method using different engines for heat sources. I had never thought of using a generator and a 1/2” pipe!! Well done! Thanks again for sharing
Thanks Phil. Certainly helped me and if it helps someone else than that would be great also 👍
You are absolutely right. Those plastics don’t bend or pull at low temperatures when we need to access the engine they are frozen stiff. manufacturers should take note.
Great idea, could’ve used this tip earlier in the season when I froze my sled up solid. Been really enjoying the channel, all sorts of things I am doing or want to do but with your methods might make my life easier. Thanks a lot.
The last winter was -39c in Sodankylä Finland.We was have Lynx 59yeti 600 ace engine ,same sled is ski-doo sandic.The weather was very freeze and we think, can four stroke sled cold start with no pre heating.I walk go to sled and pull kill switch on, and press the start button.What happened, start motor spin very slow some round but motor start fire up!These sleds work very hard conditions, and pull heavy loads on the 100cm deep snow.In the arctic circle is lots of safari shop, they trust only on rotax 600 ace engines.Best kilometers what I had to see is 30000km.I think ACE engines was not powerful of the markets, but there is fuel effency and they you can trust every conditions :)
Hello from Northern Canada!! Thanks so much for telling us this story. It is an excellent testimony to the durability of these machines. I absolutely love the ace motor. I had a 600 ace for many years, and just recently upgraded to the 900 ace. Extremely reliable. So good to hear from Finland!!! We had a couple of people from Finland run the “Cain’s Quest” snowmobile endurance race here at one point (3200 kms). They used the Lynx as you spoke about. Thanks again for your wonderful story that you shared. 👍
Lived in the interior of Alaska for many years. I would open the cowling at night and put either a hot air corn popper or hair dryer inside, close the cowling and put a blanket over it. Run the extension cord into the house and about 20 minutes before I wanted to use the snowmachine the next day I would plug in the chord. Made pulling the starter chord easy and the belts would work fine.
Great tip. Thanks👍
Excellent. I Added a block heater and battery trickle charger so when the generator is running it gets 3 way starting power. Keep up the good ideas of common sense life thats not so common anymore.
Cheers
Practical Porters Alaska.
Great solution to a northern problem. Thanks for sharing your knowledge and ideas.
Thanks Marcel. 👍
Hi Chuck, I am a fellow trapper from Alaska and trap up on a line north of the Arctic Circle. I hope to buy a Skandic 600 ACE in the future . I have started machines in very cold weather, but this was a slick trick I have never used. Thanks for sharing. God bless and protect you this winter. Arctic Circle Dave
It works perfectly on the 600 ace. Exact same setup. I had a 600 ace for 5 years prior to buying my 900 ace and there was only ONCE it wouldn’t start (again, at -41 that time). I was stuck in a pinch and thought of my generator and gave it a try. Works incredibly well. Gotta stay and watch it tho as the generator tends to want to drift with the vibration.
Btw, LOVE watching the Alaska shows on television. Such incredible scenery. Being a trapper you must see it all....all the best to you and I hope you safe and happy trails
Hi Dave and Chuck. Nice trick ... if you have a generator. What I have used is Sterno Fuel can. Get the "Chaffing Fuel" type which has a wick under the cap. Position it under the exhaust manifold. On my 600 ace I used bailing wire and a hose clamp around the can to hang it. You may want to open the cowl, stuff a blanket in there. One ... two hours, and good to go. Those cans run 6 to 8 hours, so one can will do a few starts. Used that trick this last week in the Kaltag Portage to Galena route, -33F on two stroke 550's. Worked perfect too. Sterno is gelled alcohol, spill proof.
David Schmitz
I'm in Fairbanks and just bought a 2021 600 WT. Did you eventually get one?
Cheers
@@ramongandia8163 Wowo love this idea.
I also carry a portable battery booster for the 4 stroke.
@@ChuckPorterEverythingOutdoors Hi Chuck. Good tip. Looking everywhere and can’t find how to remove seat on my in laws 2020 SWT. Looks to be same chassis as yours. Do u know how? I see 2 screws up front on each side and the plastic tabs that tuck underneath near the front and then I’m stumped. Any info would be greatly appreciated. Great vid btw.
Ingenius!!! Well done Mate.
Nice trick. You could also plug in a heat blower or a hairdryer to the generator for extra heat. Travel size hairdryer is easy to keep along with the generator at the cabin.
Yes and that works good until you get to a certain temp (cold). I couldn’t get it to work any lower than approx -20. Thanks for the comment!!
You need to loosely cover entire engine with blanket shut up hood and point hair dryer down at crankcase base. Usually an hour will do it. Have had success to -48F.
I will also pull drive belt on shut down if I know it’s going sub zero. Take inside it will help to prevent burning a narrow spot trying to get it to roll over.
Good morning Chuck. We have been seeing pretty mild winters here in northern ontario for the last decade. Have not seen minus 40 and only a few days a year at minus 30 so I have not had any issues starting my machines. I like your idea though. It might come in handy. I have a 2009 expedition 800 4 stroke with the original battery. It's never failed me. Gonna change the battery this fall, still works good but it's certainly time.lol. I mostly use the old girl for breaking trail and hauling wood. Save my 2019 , 900 expedition for fishing and long trips. Great video.
I’ve had two of the 4-stroke ace motors now over the past ten years and find them entirely dependable. Fingers crossed, o haven’t been left in the cold yet👍
Good trick, I've actually done this in -42 with a Big buddy heater under my old chevy trucks oil pan and within about 20 minutes the oil was warm enough to flow and it started right up.
I purchased one of those big buddy heaters last year as well. Very handy outfits. I use mine on my snowblower and wood splitter. Works great👍
First thing when I bought my 900 SWT I got a block heater installed and it takes less than 30min to heat up the engine down -25 so I put my hands on the engine and it is warm and 1hour would be plenty at -43 because the engine is enclosed, the engine heater is very efficient
Yes I’m thinking in getting one of those. Would be an asset living in the North for sure.
Like it, that's a cool idea and I will hopefully remember it. I like to bring the battery in myself :)
What I use on these machines is a can of Sterno "Chafing Fuel". This is identical to regular sterno cans, but has a wick once the take the lid off. Open the door panel, and stick it
under the exhaust manifold where it comes off the motor. Do your morning chores, come back to the machine and instant start. Guaranteed to -44F within an hour or two.
No generators to lug around. You can carry the can of stern in your parka pocket.
On my new 2021 Expedition 900 ACE SWT, the sterno can was precarious in there, so I
cut a little piece of plywood and a little piece of wood. Put that in, above the starter,
and your sterno on top. It is now secure, and even if the machine rocks in the wind, wont
come off.
For crying out loud, don't drive off with the sterno burning in there!
Ramon, Nome, Alaska USA
Well you’re thinking outside of the box! That’s a good idea.
Great video I actually miss those cold mornings in Labrador
Had a cold one earlier in the week. -33. Beautiful and crisp👍
I live in AK. When it gets even -25 F I use a hairdryer to warm my snogo. Just put the dryer under the hood blowing towards the engine block. Go in and have a cup of coffee. It will fire right up when I come out and be much happier.
WOLFMAN TROY , where in Ak? I’m in Fairbanks.
@@tlewisAK 150 south of you down the Parks.
My SWT 900 has always stared for me so far in Goose Bay knock on wood. Best sled I’ve ever owned.
Same here sir. I had the same machine with a 600 ace previously but this one is just that much better again. Thanks for the comment
I’ve done this trick in the opposite direction lol.I used a flexible metal dryer hose to direct exhaust from my Skandic WT 900ace to my generator to get it started
Hilarious lol. Love it. I’ve used a shop vac hose from my truck exhaust to warm up the engine on my snowblower so it would start. Amazing what you think of when you’re caught in a pinch. Thanks for the comment
Hilarious lol. I’ve used a shop vac hose from my truck exhaust and directed it to my snowblower engine to warm it enough to comfortably haul it over to start it. Amazing what you can think of when you’re caught in a bind with little resources around. Thanks for the comment.
I've done a similar trick starting out diesel trucks after a weekend of riding. It was a cold weekend in northern ontario and our 2 stroke sleds were working well. But when we needed to pack up and leave our trucks wouldn't start so we piled snow around the truck engine and the front of the truck and put a sled exhaust right by it and sealed it up. Let the sled run for a while while throwing snow on the condenser and the truck fired right up. The only downfall of the cummins 5.9 engine
Ingenious!! It's amazing what you can come up with when it really gets down to it.....love those techniques!!
Very neat info. I love that puppy of yours. Looks so smart & playful.:-)
Ha. Yeah she goes with me wherever I go. She’s an Australian shepherd and just a year old so lots of energy for sure!! Extremely smart (almost too smart sometimes!). Doesn’t mind the cold at all and just loves the outdoors. Great companion. 👍
Hot water coud be used just as well. Boil it, fill some plastic bottles and place near the engine or below it, cover with some decent insulation blanket. Water has much more energy capacity than exhaust gases so will work pretty good.
Also i've seen examples of using gasoline blow torch with steel pipe to achieve same result. But that's pretty dangerous, open flame.
lot of surveyors keep a length of flexible dryer venting pipe in there trucks to use the truck exhaust to heat up the atv or snowmobile engines. works great. Add a battery booster pack to your kit as well. I had a 2 stroke skandic wt because i wanted some thing that could sit in a snowbank for a week at -40 and start right up but for long runs the fuel economy alone would be reason enough to go 4 stroke and carry a little generator in your sleigh. My gas was free.
Great idea Benson!! I have a length of Shop-Vac hose which I use the same way at times (for both my snowmobile and my snow blower). The shop-vac hose is pretty much the same size as my exhaust pipe so there's very little heat loss on the source end 👍
Question for anyone. I have a 2015 Skandic 900 ACE. Its has about 1800 miles on it. This year its has been giving me serious starting issues. I replaced the battery with a lithium battery to help turning it over at cold starts. Now it will turn over several times and then trips something. I have nothing at the starter switch. I disconnect and reconnect the battery and it seems to reset and will turn over and start. Is this a relay issue?
Good idea thanks for sharing
One more tip: Don't try to crank a cold 4-stroke skidoo while the onboard electronics and fuel pump are priming up. Pull your kill switch, press your starter once quickly to boot up, wait until fuel pump is primed, ensure drive mode is in Sport mode (higher idle) then crank over. Stop, let fuel pump reprime and crank again if no firing after 3-5 seconds of cranking.
My 3 year old 1200 expedition (original battery) will start in -36 with out problem.
Good tips. If I’m not mistaken your expedition has a 400 CCa battery as opposed to a 310 cca in a 900 ace. I have that battery on order as it will fit in my 900 ace as well with some minor tweaking.
downymaster I did the same thing when I was up at Barrage Gouin, QC, it was -35F, I had the key on but gave a quick tap to the start switch to prime the engine , Then started it, the engine started right up. Great idea leaving in sport mode for high idle, mine was on standard mode, had a rental 2019 Ski Doo Renegade 900 NA 👍
See I once tried to start a BSA motorcycle in freezing conditions and went right to starting a wood fire under it. Fire just can't burn long enough without damage to warm anything.
Good one too. I’ve done it where use the old pipe get as close to exhaust port as you can and wrap around with tin foil and let heat go right in engine as long as you don’t have some crazy old smoker of course.
Excellent idea. Love to hear everyone’s techniques.
You can also put a hair dryer on the battery for about 10 mins
Absolutely. Great idea. Thanks Dempsey
LOL I tried using a hairdryer in -40 before to warm up a water pump flanged while changing a thermostate - just makes a wind chill. There isn't enough oomph to make any heat at those temps.
Well done
Awesome tip. Will definitely put that in the back pocket
Well one thing for sure is u get the same temps as I do lol. Thanks for watching bud and I hope it helps u out someday.
Been to Wabash and stayed at the two seasons. They told me the two seasons are last winter and this winter. It was -46 C without windchill and not plugging in my rental resulted in a coolant leak. Thankfully I got back to the airport before the car broke down and I froze to death.
Hahah. Yes sir. That’s the joke here for sure lol!!!
You could also bring the battery inside to give it back its cranking amps ?
I have a little thing I'm working on with batteries for my skidoo.....will be out in a few days on a video ! ;)
it started very well with the exhaust of the gen set the only thing is that your engine is gone get a little dirty
There is more than one way to skin a cat.
Thanks for the video, specially made in that extreme cold
Nice lil trick thanks for sharing.!
You’re welcome. Feel free to share the link. I hope it helps someday
I've started mine at the same temps without any heat. Pull the kill switch tap the start button once and let the fuel pump prime. Then hold start button. Works every time without heat
You can also make an emergency heater from a large coffee can or tomato can that you can fit a toilet paper roll into. Put the TP roll into the can, pour in something flammable, preferably diesel fuel. Otherwise use gasoline but be careful as it is very volatile.
Place the heater where it can warm the engine but not burn any plastic or rubber.
Would be nice to have a pre heat like on a diesel .
Yes would be great. 👍
Great tip! Thanks!
If you happen to have a generator at your cabin, why not just ensure you've had a heater installed in the Skandic and plug it in?
Absolutely would be the best option. However, my earlier 4-stroke never had the plug accessory nor do a ton of other machines. So I’ve used this technique to get me (as well as other people) through in a pinch
anyone ever try hooking up one of those hand held boosters to give the battery the extra juice for the start in those extra cold mornings? I carry one incase the battery goes tits up, but wondered if it would help in the really cold.
Yes I carry one as well (Brand Name: Genius, 1000A). It''ll definitely get you out of a jam for sure
I'm curious if you can put synthetic oil in the 900 ACE. Do you use conventional or synthetic?
In my experience working up north, the synthetic was very helpful for very cold weather starts.
I use whatever comes in the brp kit. That way I’m safe either way
Awesome technique thanks for sharing :)
Thanks Jim. Cool name BTW (I guess you’ve heard that a few times ;)
Chuck, hope your getting your snowfall at this time of year, i know we are were iam not to cold but cold enough :), i know for me if it's -40c outside i wont be going outside my hermit side will kick in and id watch movies all day,
Haha. No we havent gotten any real cold weather yet. It’s been a very unusual year. But it’ll come for sure!
Can you guys put me on to winter kit websites please. I work in a -35F freezer
Also live in NY, I do however have a 500 Indy Super wide 151
-40 -45! i won’t even be caught riding in that kind cold weather, even just in a vehicle is pretty hard in this very cold weather but thank you another great idea to pre warm up a engine block in -45!.
Thanks Leon
I grab the ether bunny
Sometimes, while on a muti-day trip, you get caught by an unexpected cold snap. I don't start out on trips in -40 but I can easily imagine getting caught out in it.
Get one of them battery booster packs.. keep in the cabin. Take it out with you when you go to start the sled. It will whirl great and start right up. The battery setting outside. Looses half its cranking amps at minus 15.. imagine at minus 40.. Problem solved.. and you'll be much happier. And Change the oil to 0.. not the 5w 40 that comes in them.
Thank you for taking your time to make the video. I learned something useful. These assholes making shitty comments will most likely never be put in a situation where this could literally mean life or death. I appreciate you. P.S. I made your hidden sled deck. It works but good god it's SO heavy I can't use it. I had to buy an aluminum one that weighs 1/10.
Thank You Chuck :)
Tell me again why you don't have a block heater?
I haven’t bothered yet I guess mainly because I upgraded the battery and it seems to start 99.5% of the time. I do plan to install one though for peace of mind
Cool Wabush I’m in Goose Bay. We only had one day at -40 this winter but I would need to do this trick on my 800 etec even at -30
I do a few trips over your way on snowmobile whenever I can.....plan to come over next month to do some smelt fishing etc
Install a block heater, works the best especially if you have a generator anyways,run 1/2- to one hr guaranteed to start.
Dang right, every piece of plastic breaks at that temperature, got to be careful. 4 strokes are still worth the trouble in my book.
I find it interesting that there’s all these comments about “get a two stroke”. I have owned almost 30 different two strokes and then a 600 Ace and now a 900 Ace. The Ace with a good battery will start better than any two stroke I have owned. And yes I have owned a Bravo... I live in northern canada and anywhere where people use snowmobiles for dependable transportation and not just for fun, you will see a large majority of Aces.
What part of Canada are you in? I was in cold lake Alberta, now back in Newfoundland.
Wabush, Labrador 👍
Pax, Maybe things or different where you live because the V800 sure isn’t coveted around here. In fact, it’s known as junk because of the endless timing chain issues. And I don’t know of anybody with TPS issues on the Ace. The Ace in general has been basically flawless and the triple is much smoother than a twin.
Two strokes get pull starts. 90% of the time it isn't the engine, it's the battery.
What about the gearbox?
Great idea!
Let me know if you ever try it. Would like to hear others experiences. Or other tricks!
Good to know!! Thanks!!
Hope it helps if you ever get caught in a pinch!
You are the man!
I’m not the man on anything lol. But thanks for the comment. Let me know if you ever try it or have similar hacks. Thanks for watching.
I just plug the block heater on my 900 Ace and it takes less than 1 hour and the engine is above 0c and ready to start (1000 W generator)
Yes that’s a great addition for sure 👍
what an awesome tip!
A wonderful week. I usually do a week long trip like this every winter. 👍
Very ingenious
Certainly got me out of a jam a couple times. Happy to share with all.
using 0-40 synthetic I've had no trouble down to minus 40
Yes makes a big difference. I put it in my generators, wood splitter etc
What boots are you wearing?
They are insulated rubber boots called “Nats”
Boost boost boost . I boost my Apex when it’s below -30f and starts after 5sec or so of cranking and keep it cranking till it’s on it own.. more cyl and works for me every time .Also block sleds from any wind 💨, like a tree or trees , big snow pile or rock etc .
Good job btw .!
You mean you boost it from another battery? One of those small booster packs?
Chuck Porter - Everything Outdoors . Yes find one with big amps . 500 or more . Charge again pack after it fires up , takes a lot from it . Before start you can also turn clutch by hand a few times to loosen up pistons, cams etc .Also replace battery with a bigger CCA . I went up to 110CCA from stock , it’s bigger dimensions in size make sure it will fit in the area your battery goes first . I went with Yausa 310CCA .
Excellent sir. I have a 1000 A compact booster pack (made by genius).
Chuck Porter - Everything Outdoors Great! Can’t say for sure it will work for your exact sled and situation, but works for me with 1 more cyl and more valves .. 👌
Thats a neat trick. Thanks for sharing. Sooo if I got this right, all the cold engine needs is some heat to thaw it..would it be than advisable to make an actual fire nearby and lead the hot smoke with a pipe as you did? Say from a camping stove and its chimney if you lay it side ways so the chimney runs along the ground? Or even boil a container with water and lead the steam in there as well? Just brainstorming different heating sources if no other fuel/electric driven machines are around. Thanks for the video.
All good ideas, however, when it’s that cold you need a fair amount of heat and it has to be constant to ‘combat’ the surrounding extreme cold. Thanks for the suggestions tho. I appreciate your view👍
Holding the starter button in like that when it won't start are a great way of killing both battery and starter
Starts 99% of the time. This was actually a first for my 900 ace. Happened only once with my 600 ace. And that’s over 7 winters so I certainly won’t complain over that 👍
I'm ready for the cold to be here! Bring on the hard water and snowmobiles.
It your opinion, would it be easier to start the new 600 two stroke?
It would be easier IF it was too cold to start both machines. The two stroke could be pulled with a cord whereas the four stroke you can’t. You have to wait for the temp to warm up or warm up the machine with an external source. Having said that, there’s rarely a time when the four stroke won’t start👍
4 stroke drives off after starting with no fuss burning the belt to turn the track. Almost magic that low rpm clutch engagement
Use a good synthetic oil also.
Absolutely👍
WoW, very impressive trick, hope I will not have to face -42, will choose the balcony for sure at that point Lol
Borrowed Time Where are you ? What Was it with wcf?
Hahha. I am counting down the days until I sit on a warm balcony in Punta Cana Dominican Republic!! Just a few more now!! As for now, though, I’ll continue to enjoy winter and try not to freeze my fingers as they will have to hold my coffee cup on that balcony when it get there!😂. Thanks for the comment. Appreciate it as always!
Borrowed Time oh la la !!!! stay inside with warm soup !
Chuck Porter - Everything Outdoors I’m pretty sure, next time, you will not film on the balcony ah ah ah Lol
Indeed I will! It’s a must now!! Lol
А лучше заносить либо с вечера в тепло либо с утра ежели не ожидал мороза ночью. На пару часов в тепло и будут слёзы счастья тебе после запуска
And thats why i bought swt with a 600 etec and installed a pull start on it i am never stuck out there.
I had to boost a 600 etec up North last year from my machine....it has a lot to do with battery maintenance
you got a generator why not a block heater on the motor
That will probably be my next investment 👍
Good trick. Hair dryer, or generator exhaust.
Absolutely. A heat gun on low and being VERY careful as well...
Brilliant!!!
I have a 2000 watt gen and it is lighter than a 5gal jerry ca
That's one hearty dog...
She spent the week with me and every day it dipped below -40. She never once indicated she wanted to go back inside the cabin. Her coat serves her well!!!
Old timers from north told me this trick, turn on ignition and high beams or other load for 30-60 seconds (don't crank) turn off load and ignition, wait 60 seconds then try to start. Supposed to wake up the battery? My old sled always started on third pull no mather how cold, but then again it had no electronics, 340cc yamaha, bullet proof 😀
My dad had a 340 and it started ALL the time as well. Great Machines. I’ve heard of the truck you mentioned. I have tried it and it started. 👍
Should have started the dodge. Put a rubber pipe on the exhaust and just fed the sled hot exhaust gasses. Way faster and more effective
Yes I’ve done that before when my snowblower wouldn’t start. Used a shopvac hose to direct the exhaust. Perfect. 👍
I got a renegade 600 and its been -35°c for like 4 days and starts easy everytime
👍
My sons 600 sport carb won't start are -30 when my ace fires right up. Ace also turn the stiff track effortlessly compared to the 2 stroke that needed a heat gun on the block for 5 mins. Think the choke is too lean. The old Bravo went but I had to turn the track buy hand to help it out.
cool
Needs a block heater
They are available but for 99% of the time starting isn’t a problem (and that’s good odds!). I will get one eventually. This video was mainly about providing an alternative method if you got stuck in a pinch
carry a 1000 watt genes and you plug the them thing one hour and it starts like summer
Yes I plan to install a block heater in the near future 👍
Класс 👍👍👍
Thanks for the thumbs up. Feel free to share the link. I hope it helps you or a friend someday.
That was a cool trick, and I don"t own a snowmobile. I live in Kentucky! LOL
Big part of life here for sure....they are fun but mostly a tool for us to get from A to B and haul firewood etc. A nice long trip every now and then is enjoyable too, as long as your snowmobile is reliable. Thanks for watching from Kentucky!
It's amazing how much a booster pack can do to help your engine crank. Just saying.
I have a couple booster packs. However, when they get down to this temperature they don’t perform very well.
@@ChuckPorterEverythingOutdoors Mm. If you have a little extra to spend, a Noco booster is pretty nice. They don't suffer from the cold like generic battery packs do
I have two of the NOCO genius GB40 booster packs. They retain their charge capacity very, very well. I’m pleased with them overall during warmer months (spring, summer, fall). However, they have let me down on more than one occasion when I really needed them (extreme cold). They do better if you warm them up first but this may not be an easy option. A couple times now I’ve put them inside my warm clothes and that seemed to help.
@@ChuckPorterEverythingOutdoorsOh I see. The booster I use is a gb150, it has a bit more power than the 40 lol. But it's was pretty hard on the wallet. We use them at work too and we left one outside in -40 C. It did surprisingly well at retaining its charge.
This is an unrealistic method. A quick tarp shelter over your Skandic and decent size fire will be enough to warm up your oil enough to start it.
Unrealistic? It’s worked for me (and others) many times just in my circle of friends. That’s realistic. It’s just one more tactic one can use without the fear of the fire and tarp method, which, wouldn’t happen if you didn’t have a tarp, and, the generator method gives someone a method that is a whole lot safer than the open fire method....any day I don’t possibly burn my snowmobile AND get it going safely is a good day.
Yamaha bravo would start no problem
Now that I would absolutely agree!! Not sure if you saw my other video on the “Buried Bravo Bustout”?
ruclips.net/video/qaXsSVO4oUw/видео.html
The yam bravo is a 2 stroke with a primer and choke. And the engine is a pull start 250cc. It is not even in the same category.
Yes. Completely different category but oh so reliable all the same for what it is. My first bravo I bought was second hand and I put 22,000 kms on it. Awesome starter machine.
Old trick : you put your spark plugs un aluminum paper, then in to your fire place warm it red hot, then while the plugs are heating up put one Thea spoon of gas in each cylinder, when the plugs are reasonable very hot install it fast and start it. It save my ass many time in the past.
Great trick Michel. My dad used to heat up the plugs with a propane torch. Same principle I’d say
@@ChuckPorterEverythingOutdoors I am from the province of Québec in Canada, one of the biggest Ski-Doo dealer was in Terrebonne Laval the dealer name is Contant . My father and Gaston Contant the owner were friends, one day he proposes a prototype of a new Ski-Doo one of the first Skandic. We were in 1981 - 82 . They use an Ski-Doo Citation 4500 1981, they stretch the tunnel to fit an Alpine track under it . It was my baby light nimble in deep snow, at that time no reverses lol no cheat mode. The trick I told you to star in cold cold temperatures , I did it at -55c even if I try to pull the cords the engine was moving with a lot of difficulty.
Wow Michel. That some great skidoo history there! Thanks for sharing!
You must be from the east!
Yes sir. Labrador 👍
It takes a Yamaha to start a Brp......
Haha. Irony in all things daily 👍
Я в России в -43 заводил с 1го раза, всё ок!
Wonderful!!! These machines really are the best in my opinion. Excellent and thanks for your input
Акумулятор перед запуском включением света разогревать нужно, пряник епта
Yes it certainly helps if you can warm it up first.....the cold drains it real quick
Or just build a little shed and keep your sled in there instead of going through this every time it gets cold.....also much easier on all the other sled components
I actually have 4 sheds at my cabin and just recently installed a wood stove in one of them.....it is VERY rare for the snowmachine not to start though....it starts easily at -35 and it's not common to dip down below -40 base temp
or... OR here's a better idea. Don't buy an EFI 4 stroke in places with extreme temperatures. Polaris WideTrak or Yamaha VK540 all the way
Haha. Good suggestion but I had three VK’s and put over 65,000 kms on them...and they served me well....however, I’ve owned a 600 ace since 2013 and now the 900 ace and haven’t had a tenth of the trouble I had with the vk. Again, great machine but I’d never go back now after the past 6 years with the ace motors and especially the SWT!!!!
I’ve got a 600 ACE in my Tundra LT. Starts at -42, so far. I live in Yellowknife, so I ride it to work a lot. Battery is usually in top charge because of that. Press the button for a second to prime the pump, then crank it until it starts, which at the most is about 3 or 4 seconds in the -40’s.
lol or get a sled with a pull rope and not rely on electric start, 2 pulls and im off laughing at you and your little generator
Ha. But try and pull start a 850 cc two-stroke in the same temps and get back to me....not easy....some would say impossible. Not fun at all.
@@ChuckPorterEverythingOutdoors regardless of whether its hard or easy it starts... and doesnt leave you stranded
These ace machines works when pull starting from the primary clutch so there ya go
but then it won't make the torque to turn the track and you smoke your belt off