How to Lean Out a Snowmobile

Running a snowmobile lean is a useful tactic when riding at high altitudes or when the weather turns a bit cold. To run the snowmobile lean you need to adjust the ratio of oil to gas in the machine. It is best to have pre-calculated amounts of gas to oil in a plastic fuel can when ready to run the rig on a lean setting. Try and run the majority of the oil-rich gas out of the system before beginning the lean process.

Things You'll Need

  • Funnel
  • SDI OIl
  • Plastic fuel can
  • Gas
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Instructions

    • 1

      Run the snowmobile at lower altitudes to burn out the oil-rich gasoline. If this is not possible, add straight gasoline into the mixture to dilute the gas from the oil.

    • 2

      Calculate the gas to oil ratio needed for your machine. Consult your user manual to see the recommended oil to gas ratio for your snowmobile. Most snowmobiles fall within the 20-to-1 through 80-to-1 range, depending on how lean you wish to run the machine. Use a ratio calculator to determine your needed mixture.

    • 3

      Open the snowmobile gas cap. Open the fuel can and mix your gas to oil according to the ratio needed for your lean. Close the cap and shake slightly to mix the gas and oil.

    • 4

      Pour the mixture into the snowmobile gas tank. Close the cap and start the snowmobile.

    • 5

      Run the snowmobile at a low speed for 5 minutes before opening it up after changing the ratio for a lean run. Listen for engine grinding noise and feel the coupling for excess heat coming off the engine. If present, you need to add a little more oil as you are running too lean.