Snowmobile Polaris 550 IQ / 550 Shift (2012 year). Manual - part 12

OPERATION

Emergency Stopping

The following chart lists methods for stopping the snowmobile in the
event of an emergency. See page 56 for more information about the
engine stop switch and throttle safety switch.

Break-In Period

Engine Break-In

No single action on your part is as important to long, trouble-free
machine life as proper break-in of a new or rebuilt engine. Premix the
first tank of fuel with one pint of POLARIS injection oil for each five
gallons of fuel. This, in addition to the lubrication supplied by the injec-
tion system, will assure proper engine break-in.

NOTICE: Excessive heat build-up during the first three hours of operation will

damage close-fitted engine parts. Do not operate at full throttle or high
speeds for extended periods during the first three hours of use. Vary
the throttle openings and machine speeds to reduce friction on all
close-fitting machined parts, allowing them to break in slowly without
damage.

Use of any lubricants other than those recommended by POLARIS
may cause serious engine damage. We recommend the use of
POLARIS lubricants for your vehicle.

Drive with extra caution during the break-in period. Perform regular
checks on fluid levels, lines, and all other important areas of the
machine.

SYSTEM

WHAT IT DOES

THROTTLE

CONDITION

Ignition Switch

Interrupts ignition circuit

All

Brake

Slows jackshaft

All

Choke

Floods engine

Half throttle or less

Engine Stop Switch

Interrupts ignition circuit

All

Throttle Safety Switch

Interrupts ignition circuit

All

Tether Switch (accessory) Interrupts ignition circuit

All

OPERATION

Break-In Period

Oil Injection System

Always check and fill the oil tank when refueling. See page 53.

NOTICE: Serious engine damage can occur without the proper lubrication.

Check the oil tank level often during the first tank of fuel. If the oil level
doesn't go down, contact your dealer immediately.

Oil Recommendations

Engine lubrication comes from oil added to the fuel and oil injection
systems. POLARIS recommends the use of POLARIS Premium 2-
Cycle Semi-Synthetic Oil or VES Gold Plus 2-Cycle Oil for this engine.
See page 98 for the part numbers of POLARIS products.

Never mix brands of oil. Serious chemical reactions can cause injection
system blockage, resulting in serious engine damage. Oils may also be
incompatible and the result could be sludge formation, filter blockage,
and reduced cold weather flow rates. All POLARIS oils are compatible
with each other.

Drive Belt Break-In

The break-in period for a new drive belt is 30 miles (48 km). During this
time, vary the throttle position under 50% and limit full throttle use.

New drive belts that feature a sanded finish should be first washed with
warm, soapy water and allowed to air dry prior to use.

Always take time to warm up the belt and driveline prior to operating
the snowmobile. Free the track and skis from the ground before engag-
ing throttle.

OPERATION

Track Warm-Up

WARNING! A loose track or flying debris could cause serious injury or death.
Stand clear of the front of the machine and the moving track. Never hold the
snowmobile up or stand behind it while warming up the track. Do not use
excessive throttle during warm-up or when the track is free-hanging. Use a
stable rear support.

WARNING! Use of traction products such as studs, ice growsers, etc. will
increase the possibility of track damage and/or failure. This could cause loss of
control, resulting in serious injury or death. Always inspect for track damage
before operating the snowmobile.

Follow these steps to ensure proper warm-up of the engine, drive train
and track.

1. Use an appropriate stand to securely support the rear of the snow-

mobile at the rear bumper. The track should be about 4I (10 cm) off
the ground.

2. Start the engine and allow it to warm up two to three minutes.

3. Depress the throttle abruptly and allow the track to rotate several

revolutions.

Tip: It will take longer to warm up the track sufficiently during colder outdoor

temperatures.

4. Release the throttle, apply the brakes, shut off the engine and lower

the machine to the ground.

5. Grasp the skis by their front loops and move them from side to side

to loosen snow and ice.

Slide Rail and Track Cooling

Inadequate cooling and lubrication will lead to overheating of the slide
rail and track, resulting in premature wear and failure.

1. Reduce speeds and frequently drive into fresh snow to allow ade-

quate cooling and polishing of the slide rail and track surfaces.

2. Avoid operating on ice, hard-packed surfaces or roads.

OPERATION

Fuel

Gasoline is highly flammable and explosive under certain conditions.

• Always exercise extreme caution whenever handling gasoline.

• Always refuel outdoors or in a well-ventilated area.

• Always turn off the engine before refueling.

• Do not overfill the tank. Do not fill the tank neck.

• Do not smoke or allow open flames or sparks in or near the area where refu-

eling is performed or where gasoline is stored.

• If gasoline spills on your skin or clothing, immediately wash it off with soap

and water and change clothing.

• Never start the engine or let it run in an enclosed area. Engine exhaust fumes

are poisonous and can cause loss of consciousness or death in a short time.

• Turn the fuel valve off whenever the snowmobile is stored or parked.

The engine exhaust from this product contains chemicals known to cause
cancer, birth defects or other reproductive harm. Operate this vehicle only
outdoors or in well-ventilated areas.

WARNING

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