Snowmobile Polaris Rush (2010 year). Manual - part 14

57

PRE-RIDE INSPECTIONS

Before Starting the Engine

n

Steering System

WARNING! Ice and snow build-up may interfere with the steering of your 

snowmobile, resulting in serious injury or death. Keep the underhood area free 

of snow and ice.

Before driving, manually turn the skis to the left and right to be sure ice 

and snow are not interfering with full left and right steering. If difficulty 

is encountered, remove ice and snow build-up that may be obstructing 

the steering linkage.

n

Track

Track damage or failure caused by operation on ice or poor lubrication 

conditions voids the track warranty.

WARNING! Operating the snowmobile with a damaged track increases the 

possibility of track failure, which could cause loss of control resulting in serious 

injury or death. Always inspect the track for damage before using the vehicle.
WARNING! Use of traction products such as studs increases the possibility of 

track damage and/or failure. Driving at high speeds for extended periods of time 

in marginal lubrication could severely damage track rods, break track edges, 

and cause other track damage. Examples of marginal lubrication would include 

frozen bodies of water without snow cover, icy trails, and no-snow conditions.

n

Hood and Side Panel Fasteners

The hood and side panels of the snowmobile protect the operator from 

moving parts. Never operate a snowmobile with the hood or side panels 

open or removed. Always ensure that the hood and side panels are 

securely in place before starting the engine.

n

Seat Latches

If your snowmobile is equipped with a removable seat, ensure that the 

seat is properly installed and securely latched before each use of the 

snowmobile.

n

Recoil Rope

Inspect the recoil rope and handle for excessive wear, and make sure the 

knot securing the rope inside the handle is secure. If excessive wear is 

found, see your Polaris dealer for replacement.

58

PRE-RIDE INSPECTIONS

Start the Engine and Check

Before starting the engine, always refer to all safety warnings pertaining 

to snowmobile operation. Never engage the starter when the engine is 

running. Never start the engine without checking all vehicle components 

to be sure of proper operation. See Before Starting the Engine beginning 

on page 54.

n

Engine Stop Switch

Check the auxiliary shut-off switch for proper operation. Push the 

switch down to stop the engine. Pull it up to allow restarting.

n

Ignition Switch

Make sure the engine stops when the ignition switch is turned to OFF.

n

Tether Switch (if equipped)

If your snowmobile has a tether switch, remove the tether from the 

switch to make sure the engine stops immediately.

n

Lighting

Check the headlight (high and low beam), taillight, and brake light. 

Replace burned out lamps before operating.

n

Mirrors (if equipped)

Adjust the mirrors so they can be used to their full advantage.

n

Operating Area

Before driving away, check your surroundings. Be aware of obstacles 

and make sure bystanders are a safe distance from the snowmobile. 

59

OPERATION

Starting the Engine

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.

1. Turn the key to the ON position.
2. Pull the engine stop switch up to the RUN position.
3. If equipped with electric start, turn the key to START to crank the 

engine. Release the key to the ON position when the engine starts.

4. If not equipped with electric start, 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.

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

the throttle (no more than 1/4I 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.

Restarting an Engine

If the rider stops the engine by pushing the engine stop switch down, 

restart the engine using the normal starting procedure. If the engine fails 

to start using the normal procedure:
1. Push the engine stop switch down to the OFF position.
2. Turn the key to the OFF position.
3. With both switches OFF, squeeze and hold the throttle in the wide 

open position.

4. Crank the engine several times to clear the engine.
5. Release the throttle.
6. Restart the engine using the normal starting procedure.

60

OPERATION

Engine Break-In

No single action on your part is as important to long, trouble-free snow-

mobile 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 gal-

lons of fuel. This, in addition to the lubrication supplied by the injection 

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 vehicle 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 snow-

mobile.