Snowmobile Polaris 550 IQ Shift / 550 IQ 136 / 550 IQ LXT (2013 year). Manual - part 18

74

MAINTENANCE

Carburetor

The number stamped in the end of the main jet indicates the jet size. The 
jet installed at the time of manufacture is not necessarily correct for your 
elevation. It's your dealer's responsibility to make sure the correct main 
jet is installed.

NOTICE: Operating the snowmobile with incorrect jetting can result in serious 

engine damage. Have your POLARIS dealer perform all carburetor 
adjustments to ensure all adjustments are done correctly.

Carburetor Adjustments

The frequency at which the carburetors are synchronized or balanced is 
important.  Properly adjusted carburetors can greatly improve engine 
performance, fuel economy, engine life, and reliability.

If you notice any of the following conditions, the carburetor may need 
adjustment:
• Hard starting
• Poor idle
• Overheated pistons and cylinder walls
• Plug fouling
• Poor engine response to various throttle valve openings

75

MAINTENANCE

Carburetor Water/Sediment Trap

Most POLARIS snowmobiles contain patented carburetor bowl water/
sediment traps located at the bottom of each carburetor. The trap, con-
sisting of a hose with a plug, should be drained about every 1000 miles 
(1600 km) and inspected for contamination.

WARNING! When draining the traps, fuel spillage will occur. Always work in a 
well ventilated area away from anything that may cause the fuel to ignite, such 
as open flames, sparks, heaters, trouble lights, cigarettes, etc. Review the fuel 
warnings on page 51.

Cleaning Procedure

1. Turn the fuel valve off.

2. Place a container or shop 

towels below the plug to 
catch drained fuel.

3. Slide the clamp (1) away 

from the drain plug (2) and 
remove the drain plug from 
the sediment tube.

4. Wipe residue from the plug and reinstall it.  Reposition and tighten 

the clamp. 

5. Repeat the draining procedure for any remaining traps. 

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2

76

MAINTENANCE

Drive Chain Tension

Check drive chain tension weekly and 
before each long trip.  To obtain correct 
chain tension:  

1. Rotate the driven clutch counter-

clockwise to move all chain slack to 
the tensioner side. Lock the brake 
lever lock, or have an assistant hold 
the brake lever firmly.

2. Loosen the adjuster bolt jam nut (1).

3. Finger tighten the adjuster bolt (2) 

until it can no longer be adjusted by 
hand, then back off 1/4 turn.

4. Tighten the jam nut while holding 

the adjuster bolt.  Torque to 21 ft. 
lbs. (28 Nm).

5. Release the brake lever lock.

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1

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77

MAINTENANCE

Brakes

Hydraulic Brake Inspection

Inspect brake lever travel before each use of the snowmobile. See page 
42.

Brake pads must be replaced when the brake pad material becomes thin-
ner than the backing plate (approximately 1/16” or 1.5 mm). A kit is 
available for replacing brake pads. See your dealer.

WARNING! Brake failure during operation can result in serious injury or death. 
Properly functioning brakes are vital to your safety. Be sure the brake pads do 
not drag on the disc and that brake lever travel is not excessive. Always replace 
brake pads when the brake pad material becomes thinner than the backing plate 
(approximately 1/16” or 1.5 mm

Brake Components

1. Brake Caliper

2. Brake Disc

3. Brake Pad Material 

(Replace when thickness is 
less than 1/16” or 1.5 mm).

Excessive Lever Travel

Hydraulic brakes are self-
adjusting, but if excessive 
brake pad clearance develops, 
bring the machine to an autho-
rized POLARIS dealer for 
inspection and adjustment.

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1

3