How to Start a Snowmobile with a Drill?
Starting a snowmobile in cold weather can be challenging. The pull cords can freeze up and the engines struggle to turn over. Using a drill with a socket adapter allows you to spin the engine faster to start it more easily.
This guide will teach you how to safely start your snowmobile with a drill.
What is a Snowmobile?
A snowmobile is an off-road vehicle designed specifically for snow travel. Snowmobiles have skis in front, an enclosed cab area for the rider, and a tracked drive system in back powered by a gasoline engine. Understanding the basic parts of a snowmobile helps when trying to start one with a drill.
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Reasons for Needing to Start with a Drill
Trying to pull-start a snowmobile in freezing temps can be nearly impossible. The manual recoil system moves slowly and tends to bind up. Using a powered drill avoids this issue and makes starting the engine much simpler.
Overview of Process
Starting a snowmobile with a drill involves accessing the pull cord housing, attaching adapted socket bits to the drill, properly positioning the machine, then running the drill to turn over the engine. Proper preparation and safety precautions are key.
Things You’ll Need
There are just a few items needed to use a drill for snowmobile starting:
- Snowmobile – With fuel and properly adjusted/lubed engine
- Cordless Drill – With charged battery and torque for engine size
- Socket Adapters – To connect drill chuck to engine pulley nut
- Fuel – Fresh clean fuel of proper octane rating
- Oil – Proper weight/level for engine
Make sure you have all equipment before beginning.
Accessing the Engine
The first steps in using a drill involve accessing the pull start housing and removing components to clear space:
Locating Pull Cord Housing
The manual pull cord and pulley assembly is located low on one side of engine. This is where the drill will attach.
Removing Belt Guard
Take off the outer belt guard to expose the clutch and engine pulley.
Taking Off Pull Start Assembly
Remove pull cord assembly to open up the engine pulley nut.
With open access to the pulley, you can now mount the drill.
Attaching the Drill
Adapters connect the drill chuck to the pulley nut to transfer spin:
Socket Adapters
Use a female hex bit socket with a 1/2 inch male quick connect. This fits most cordless drill chucks.
Connecting Drill
Thread socket bit onto the engine pulley nut. Insert the quick connect end into the drill chuck. Tighten the chuck securely.
The drill can now engage and turn the engine pulley.
Starting Procedure
With the drill mounted, follow these steps to start engine:
Priming and Fueling
Prime the fuel system per instructions. Make sure there is adequate fresh gas.
Oil Check
Check oil level and condition. Top off if needed.
Throttle Positioning
Adjust throttle to part but not fully open.
Starting Drill
Turn drill on, allowing it to spin engine over for 10 seconds maximum. Avoid over-cranking.
The engine should start if systems are go. Detach drill once running.
Troubleshooting Issues
If the engine fails to start, issues may be:
Spark Problems
Check spark plug, wiring, and magneto parts. Allow parts to dry if wet.
Fuel Problems
Verify fuel is flowing. Clean or replace filter and pump if needed.
Battery Problems
Charge battery or jump with good battery if turning over weakly.
Mechanical Issues
Feel for compression and check movable parts if drill spins but no start.
Fix any found issues before attempting drill start again.
Safety Tips
Always prioritize safety when using a drill on a snowmobile:
Proper Drill Use
Keep a solid grip to control torque reaction. Avoid entanglement.
Avoiding Entanglement
Keep yourself and clothing clear of spinning components. Remove loose items.
Stay alert when using a drill and keep bystanders away.
Conclusion
Starting a snowmobile with a drill is straightforward with some mechanical know-how. The key steps are accessing the engine pulley, securely mounting a high-torque drill, and spinning the engine over until started.
Taking basic precautions greatly enhances safety and success. With practice, drill starting becomes an easy fix for cold-weather issues.
FAQs
What Size Drill Do I Need?
Generally a 18-20 volt cordless drill with 500 in-lb of torque can start most snowmobile engines up to 500cc.
How Long Should I Run the Drill?
Max out at 10 seconds running time. Then allow a 60 second cool down before the next attempt.
Can This Damage My Snowmobile?
It is low risk if done properly, but potential for some pulley/cord wear over time with repeated use.
What If the Drill Doesn’t Work?
Check for other issues impeding startup – battery charge, fuel delivery, compression, etc. Fix any found problems.
Is This Bad for My Drill?
It shouldn’t harm the drill but there is some wear from straining against compression, so limit use to only when necessary.
