How to Test Snowmobile Oil

Snowmobile engines need a method of keeping them lubricated. Engine oil is employed for this purpose, and like any other style of fuel-powered engine, the oil eventually needs to be changed. Before you spend the money on new oil and take the time to change the oil, verify the old oil is in fact corroded and ready to be changed. Test snowmobile oil using two methods: a dipstick and paper test and a smoke test.

Things You'll Need

  • Fresh quart snowmachine oil
  • Piece of white paper
  • Rags
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Instructions

  1. Paper Test

    • 1

      Open a new quart of snowmobile oil and dip the stick into the container. Place a small drop of the oil onto a white sheet of paper.

    • 2

      Wipe the dipstick off and open the oil cap on the snowmobile engine. Dip the stick into the oil tank and place one drop of the oil next to the fresh oil drop on the white paper. Compare the two drops.

    • 3

      Look for black coloration on the old engine oil. Check it against the color of the new oil. Hold the paper up to the light and look for grit and particle in the old oil. If present, replace and change the oil in the snowmobile with new oil.

    Smoke Test

    • 4

      Start the snowmobile and leave the clutch in neutral. Make sure the snowmobile is outside and not in an enclosed work space.

    • 5

      Feather the throttle to a high RPM, and watch the tail exhaust for billowing white smoke. If there is a large cloud, the oil needs changing.

    • 6

      Combine this test with the paper test for redundancy in the tests.