Winterizing ATVs.

I have a 2008 Polaris Sportsman 500 HO carb version. The machine will be snowbound in the shed at my hunting property all winter, I don’t have any other place to keep it and I’m anticipating that once my very long driveway is snowed in, I won’t be able to get to it to use it again until at least March.

I’m wondering what owners of similar machines do to winterize their machines?

I’m currently running non-ox fuel and I have added Stabil to the tank when I filled it last and I’ve run the engine for a few miles so I know the Stabil is run into the system.

Two main questions:

1. It HAS a fuel shutoff valve, so I’m wondering do other owners turn the valve off and run them dry? Or just leave it with a full tank and Stabil in the fuel? Fog the cylinder or not?

2. What about the battery? Take it out or leave it in? Does it matter?

It had an oil change in the late summer, so it really doesn’t need another. Anything else I should do?

Many thanks.

Grouse

I would turn the fuel off and run it till it stalls to remove excess fuel from sitting in carbs. I might even fog it. Either through the carb or plug holes if that is a problem. I would even pull the battery so you can maintain it through the off season. You have a better chance of it working next year.

Ditto above… pull the battery so you can keep it charged inside. I run mine out whenever not using it for a while… if a couple months, I tend to go overboard, and drain the tank, adding all fresh fuel later – but I can’t easily get non ethanol gas. After running it out gas, if easy access, some carbs have a small spring loaded screw on the bottom for draining gas out of the carb. Even after it quits running, there will be a little left that will slowly evaporate. If you can get to the bowl drain, it isn’t a bad ideal to do that as well. I spray everything metal (except brake areas) with a little wd40 as well.

Do you guys put the ATVs up on blocks to prevent the tires from flat spotting? Or is that not an issue with ATV tires?

Appreciate all the advice. Looking to avoid problems come spring. The storage situation is not ideal, but that’s the only option available.

Grouse

Two of mine are stored in my heated garage at home and get relocated periodically anyways when I push them to make temp space to work on something. The 3rd is on active duty all year so I dont have any that are 100% stationary during the winter.