For those in frigid climes, hibernation is fact of life; preparing your motor will avoid problems next spring. These tips, from long-time two-stroke expert Alex Varv (www.Aerocorsair.com) will help. This is like “Pickling” but of shorter duration. Here is another article on the topic.
1) Fuel system:
- Start engine, warm-up, disconnect the fuel line from the carburetor, start the engine and run the carburetor completely dry; this way you will prevent gum-up; if your membranes are over one year old, better overhaul the whole carburetor.
- Empty fuel tank and check the pick-up line for stiffness, cracks and make sure all the connections are sound and protected with at least cable ties
- Clean the in-tank check valve with filter if you have one (you should have one)
- Clean the in-line fuel filter or simply replace it
2) Electrical system:
- Check all cables for damaged insulation, repair/replace and anchor them to prevent excessive vibration which may rupture the cable by connectors.
- Check spark plug cap/high voltage cable for unrestricted continuity, clean any black powder or replace spark plug cap
- If you have a battery, check torque on the positive and negative post screws an if loose, remove screws, use LO strength Locktite and re torque
- Connect battery to a battery tender (you can leave it connected all the time
3) Mechanical:
- Loosen propeller bolts especially if you have a wooden propeller and store the propeller in a horizontal position
- Remove belt, clean rubber cake from the reduction pulley grooves
- Check big pulley for play on shaft or bearings and repair
- Check play on the main bearings (crankshaft bearings) by pushing in and pulling out the small reduction pulley
- Overhaul carburetor if membranes are over one year old
- Inspect reed valve for damaged petals
- Tighten all the bolts and nuts on engine according to specs
- Lubricate electric starter Bendix shaft
- Lubricate ball joints (male and female) of exhaust manifold and tuned pipe (antiseize compound or HI Temp Hondabond)
- Lubricate tuned pipe end and muffler flange connection (anti seize compound or Hi temp Hondabond/Yamabond)
- Cover exterior of reduction belt and all rubber mounts (engine and exhaust) with Armorall to prevent cracking
4) Cage/Frame:
- Check fuel tank connection to the frame (bolt or Velcro)
- Check any worn Velcro if existing
- Check for loose or broken strings on the cage
- Replace any bent tubes on frame or cage
5) Harness:
- Check all stitches
- Check all straps for wear and tear, repair or replace
6) Internal engine protection:
- Remove spark plug
- Pour one spoonful of two stroke oil into combustion chamber when the piston is down (or fog the engine with a special oil available at boat stores)
- Move piston up and down a few times
- Install spark plug
- Once a month, move the piston up and down (by turning the propeller clockwise and counterclockwise. (It has been suggested that this step may do more harm than good)
7) Parts replacement:
- – if you noticed any worn parts, now is the time to repair or replace them
These instructions will help make your paramotor ready when spring arrives.