Snowmobile Arctic Cat (2002 year). Manual - part 3
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A. Carburetor jetting
B. Drive belt deflection
C. Track tension and alignment
CARBURETOR JETTING
(2-Stroke Carbureted
Models)
— Altitude, temperature, and the use of oxygen-
ated gasoline affect the carburetion needed for optimum
engine performance. The carburetor main jets must be
changed in conjunction with changes in operating alti-
tude, oxygenated gasoline usage, and temperature.
DRIVE BELT DEFLECTION — Drive belt deflection
is very important to the snowmobile. Even if it is checked
and is correct when the snowmobile is set up, it does
change (more so during the break-in period). This is
because the rubber engine mounts and the rubber snubber
on the torque link will all take a “set” during the first 100
miles, which allows the distance between the drive clutch
and driven pulley to shorten. When this happens, the
snowmobile will appear to have a too long drive belt. To
add to this, the drive belt itself wears and stretches some-
what. This all leads to a low-end performance problem
and, if not corrected, causes premature drive belt wear.
After the break-in period, drive belt deflection should be
checked according to the instructions given in this man-
ual. To correct for too much deflection, washer(s) from
between the driven pulley sheaves can be removed to
“tighten the drive belt” and allow the belt to return to the
proper ratio for drive clutch engagement.
DRIVE BELT BREAK-IN — It is critical for maximum
drive belt life to allow the belt to break in before subject-
ing it to hard use such as wide-open-throttle operation or
hill climbing.
The first 20 miles on the drive belt should be at 1/2 throt-
tle or lower. This will allow the belt to cure totally before
it is subjected to hard use.
If this procedure isn’t followed, it is possible to destroy a
new drive belt in less than 50 miles. This should be
explained to customers at the time of drive belt sales.
To increase the life of a drive belt, it is very important that
the belt be warmed up before subjecting it to any type of
use. In cold temperature (0° or below), the engine should
be allowed to idle for a period of 8 to 10 minutes. This
will allow heat from the engine compartment to soften the
drive belt. Not only will this procedure increase belt life
but will also help prevent engine damage from cold sei-
zure.
Each operator should be instructed to drive the snowmo-
bile for several minutes at a low throttle setting to warm
the belt up before using wide-open-throttle. This practice
should be followed on all models for maximum belt life.
TRACK TENSION AND ALIGNMENT — There is a
certain amount of stretch on all tracks during the first 500
miles. The track must be adjusted after the first 50 to 100
miles to the specifications given in the Setup and Pre-
delivery Manual and periodically thereafter. If these
adjustments aren’t performed, the track may “derail”
which leads to track and slide rail damage.
Along with these three major areas, there are also other
areas that should be checked and adjusted during the
“After Break-In Checkup.” A checklist to assist you with
this service follows. Not only will the customer be hap-
pier, but it also gets the customer back into your dealer-
ship, which in many cases will mean additional sales in
accessories, belts, oil, etc.
After Break-In
Checkup Checklist
Below is a recommended list of items to check after
the break-in period. By performing this inspection,
warranty cost can be reduced and customer satisfac-
tion can be increased.
The recommended mileage for this inspection is
between 100 and 300 miles. Please encourage the cus-
tomers to have this important checkup done.
❏
Jet carburetor(s) according to average
temperature, type of gasoline being used, and
altitude
❏
Adjust drive belt deflection
❏
Adjust track tension and alignment
❏
Adjust throttle cable tension
❏
Check oil-injection pump adjustment
❏
Check engine idle
❏
Check coolant level
❏
Check chain case lubricant level
❏
Check lights (high/low beam, brakelight)
❏
Check safety switch operation
❏
Check driveshaft area for any rubbing
components
❏
Check steering hardware for tightness
❏
Check skid frame and A-arm mounting
hardware for tightness
❏
Check brake lever travel and adjustment
❏
Grease all lubrication points
! WARNING
When following the above procedure, the operator
must not leave the snowmobile unattended during
the warm-up period.