Snowmobile Polaris 600 IQ Widetrak (2017 year). Manual - part 15

63

OPERATION

Fuel Recommendation

For peak performance, POLARIS recommends the use of 91 octane fuel 
or higher. Although 87 octane fuel is usable, some engine performance 
will be lost and fuel economy will decrease. Do not use lower than 87 
octane fuel. Do not use fuel containing more than 10% ethanol. Never 
use E85 in your snowmobile).

NOTICE: Operating with obstructed fuel systems will result in serious engine 

damage. Always perform maintenance as recommended.

Prolonged exposure to petroleum based products may damage paint. 
Always protect painted surfaces when handling fuel.

Fuel System Deicers

If you use non-ethanol fuel (sometimes labeled “non-oxygenated”), 
POLARIS recommends the regular use of isopropyl-based fuel system 
deicer. Add one to two ounces per gallon (8-16 ml per liter) of gasoline 
to prevent damage resulting from fuel system icing. Never use deicers 
or additives containing methanol. POLARIS also recommends the use 
of Carbon Clean. See page 116 for the part numbers of POLARIS 
products.

If you use fuel with up to 10% ethanol (sometimes labeled 
“oxygenated”) do not add deicers or additives that contain any form 
of alcohol.

64

OPERATION

Break-In Period

Engine Break-In

Always follow these recommended break-in procedures for new or 
rebuilt engines. The first tank of fuel is considered the break-in period 
for the engine. 

Premix the first tank of fuel as outlined below. Oil added to the fuel and 
oil injection systems will provide the necessary engine lubrication.

Tip: The Premium Blue oil will seat the rings faster than the VES oil.

See page 116 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.

Initial Fuel Premix

Always premix fuel in 5-gallon (19-liter) increments in a separate fuel 
container. Never add oil directly to the fuel tank.

Oil Recommendations

First Tank of Fuel:

POLARIS Premium Blue 2-Cycle Oil

After Break-in:

POLARIS VES 2-Cycle Oil

Extreme Arctic Conditions, 

sustained temperature is at or 

below -40° F (-40° C)

VES RACE 2-Cycle Oil

Fuel

Premium Blue Oil

Ratio

Each 5 gal. (19 l)

16 oz. (473 ml)

40:1

65

OPERATION

Break-In Period

Engine Break-In

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 vehicle speeds to reduce friction on all close-
fitting machined parts, allowing them to break in slowly without 
damage.

NOTICE: 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 
snowmobile.

Oil Injection System

Always check and fill the oil bottle when refueling. See page 68.

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

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

Never mix brands of oil. Serious chemical reactions can cause injection 
system blockage, resulting in serious engine damage. They 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. See page 64 for oil recommendations.

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 
engaging throttle.

66

OPERATION

Starting the Engine

1. Turn the key to the ON position.

NOTICE: Engaging the starter when the engine is running WILL result in serious 

engine damage, especially if the transmission is in reverse. Never 
engage the starter when the engine is running.

2. Pull the engine stop switch up to the RUN position.

3. Turn the key to START to crank the engine. Release the key to the 

ON position when the engine starts. If using the starter rope, grasp 
the starter handle and pull slowly until the recoil engages; then pull 
abruptly to crank the engine.

TIP: Don't pull the starter rope to the fully extended position and don't allow it to 

snap back into the housing. Damage may result.

4. If the engine does not start after several attempts, slightly depress 

the throttle no more than 1/4 inch (6 mm) open while cranking the 
engine. When the engine starts, immediately release the throttle.

CAUTION! To avoid injury and/or engine damage, do not operate the electric 
starter or pull-rope starter while the engine is running.

NOTICE: Operating the vehicle immediately after cold starting could cause 

engine damage. Allow the engine to warm up for several minutes 
before operating the vehicle. If cold drive-away is attempted, the 
engine RPM may stumble slightly to protect the engine.