Gtx RFI winterize mishap

[rob04064]

Hey guys ran into some trouble trying to winterize my 2000 GTX RFI.

One of the first steps in my manual says to disconnect the quick connect fitting on the magneto cover. Anyways this snapped off (has the grey TEMPO line hard as a rock) so i took off the magneto cover only to find that its made of plastic.

Anyways its getting cold so i need to winterize this thing quick. The magneto cover has two nipples. The one i didnt break off goes up to a T fitting that goes to the exhaust pipe.

Can I abandon the existing yellow hose off the T and tie the grey tempo line to it (essentially bypassing the magneto cover) in order to proceed with the winterizing? In the pics I have already done this but havent proceeded any farther. Also included a pic of the magneto cover.

 

[etemplet]

I broke one of those off. Go buy a brass threaded fitting. I think I went 1/4" pipe to 1/4" hose connector and drilled and tapped the cover. It will tap just find. When installing the fitting Put some pipe dope on the threads and screw it in. Don't tighten it up too much. Good Luck

 

[etemplet]

If you have the cover off there can be no water in that area. I'd just blow air through the gray line which would empty the bottom section but for your question, Yes you can bypass that cover and go right to the gray line. Good Luck.

 

[rob04064]

Thanx for all the excellent responses. One last question. The grey line is hard as a rock. I am not sure a hose clamp would even pinch it tight (or will it?) but the line goes underneath to the bottom of the motor. I can feel it but cant see it. Is there a way to replace this line with motor installed in the ski or should i just keep the grey line installed.

 

[etemplet]

Yep that is what I was worried about for you. I don't know if it is possible to get to that line without lifting the engine and it's so dang hard I have had to CUT the hose off the fitting (see bottom picture) If possible at all it would be absolutely miserable... blood would flow. My suggestion would be to leave the gray line in place and do what you can to seal it on the cover even to the point of using some silicone or whatever helps it stay on there and not leak. It is very low pressure so don't worry about all that much.

Two issues with replacing that gray line. The new hose if not cut to the correct length could kink a bit and restrict flow and the shape makes it prone to "kinking." All the more reason not to replace the grey line. You'll open up a BIG can -0-worms messing with that and it will take an egregious amount of whoop azz. to put that genie back in the bottle. Good Luck.

 

[rob04064]

Thanx for the great advice. I had to cut the grey line as well. I guess i could get a barbed hose coupling and splice on a short piece of line to tie back in to the magneto cover, and then just hose clamp it.

A buddy here at work suggested to winterize by running the machine while pumping antifreeze in thru the garden hose connection in the back till it spits thru the telltale. Think that is a good idea? I know to pump only when the motor is running.

 

[etemplet]

There are a lot of guys here that winterize. I'd go for @AKnarrowback 's advice.... colder than shiznit where he lives and he knows his stuff. I live in South Louisiana..... we don't do well when it is below 32 degrees and most people don't winterize their skis.

I have a picture of the AKnarrowback from last year. GIT SUM !!!!

 

[rob04064]

That is a crazy pic. Well i think i got it all back together. That grey line is some weird stuff. I also messed up my T fitting and had to build one out of brass. Still havent winterized but should be able to this weekend. Thanx again for all the help

 

[etemplet]

Got R Did !! Yay !!!