Snowmobile Arctic Cat (2009 year). Manual - part 14

MAINTENANCE

49

SPARK PLUGS

(2-Stroke Models)

 NOTE: Always use the recom-
mended spark plugs in the engine.
See the appropriate specifications
chart for correct spark plug gap.

Varying terrain conditions and operat-

ing usage may require spark plugs of a

different heat range. For example, sus-

tained cross-country riding will usually

require colder heat-range spark plugs

while trail riding or other continual

slow speed operation will usually

require hotter heat-range spark plugs.

Removing/Installing 

Spark Plugs (Crossfire/

M-Series Models)

1. Remove the springs securing the

expansion chamber to the exhaust

manifold and resonator; then move

the expansion chamber out of the

way to access the spark plugs.

2. Remove the spark plug caps from

the plugs.

3. Using a spark plug wrench,

remove the plugs.

4. Install the plugs and finger-tighten.

5. Tighten the spark plugs to 19 ft-lb;

then install the spark plug caps.

6. Place the expansion chamber into

position and secure to the exhaust

manifold and resonator with the

springs.

Removing/Installing 

Spark Plugs (Bearcat 

570/570 XT - F-Series/

T-Series Models)

1. Remove the two torx-head screws

securing the console to the head-

light support bracket.

0743-428

2. Lift the rearward end of the con-

sole and disconnect the main/hood

harness connector; then remove

the console.

3. Remove the spark plug caps from

the plugs.

4. Using a spark plug wrench,

remove the plugs.

5. Install the plugs and finger-tighten.

6. Tighten the spark plugs to 19 ft-lb;

then install the spark plug caps.

7. Place the console into position on

the headlight support bracket

keeping the rearward end slightly

elevated; then connect the main/

hood harness connector.

8. Lower the rearward end of the

console into position; then install

the two torx-head screws. Tighten

securely.

Checking Spark Plugs 

(2-Stroke Models)

To see if the spark plugs being used are

of the proper heat range (after the

snowmobile has been operated under

normal driving conditions), remove the

spark plugs and examine the condition

of the center electrode insulator of each

spark plug.

50

MAINTENANCE

AO352A

A. TAN or LIGHT BROWN insu-

lator indicates correct spark

plugs (heat range).

B. LIGHT GRAY or WHITE

insulator indicates over-heating

of the engine. This condition is

caused by a too lean condition

or incorrect spark plugs (heat

range too hot).

C. BLACK insulator indicates

fuel in the combustion chamber

is not burning completely. This

condition is caused by a too

rich condition, too much oil, or

incorrect spark plugs (heat

range too cold).

 NOTE: If the center electrode
insulators are light gray, white, or
black and if the carburetor adjust-
ments (on carbureted models), oil-
injection pump synchronization,
and ignition timing are correct, dif-
ferent heat-range spark plugs may
be necessary. Authorized Arctic Cat
Snowmobile dealers have detailed
spark plug information. Consult a
dealer before changing spark plugs,
as incorrect heat-range spark plugs
could cause poor engine perfor-
mance or engine damage.

CHECKING/

ADJUSTING VALVE 

CLEARANCE

(1100 cc Models)

After 5000 miles or prior to seasonal

storage, valve clearance should be

checked and adjusted as necessary.

 NOTE: Take the snowmobile to
an authorized Arctic Cat Snowmo-
bile dealer for inspection and ser-
vice. This service is at the
discretion and expense of the
snowmobile owner.

BATTERY (Electric 

Start Models)

These standard and sealed batteries

after being in service require regular

cleaning and recharging in order to

deliver peak performance and maxi-

mum service life. The following proce-

dures are recommended for cleaning

and maintaining standard and sealed

batteries. Always read and follow

instructions provided with battery char-

gers and battery products.

! CAUTION

If a spark plug is light gray, white,
or black and another is tan or light
brown, take the snowmobile to an
authorized Arctic Cat Snowmobile
dealer for inspection and service. If
not under warranty, this service is
at the discretion and expense of
the snowmobile owner.

! CAUTION

It is critical that the checking/
adjusting valve clearance be done
at the recommended intervals or
severe engine damage may occur.

MAINTENANCE

51

 NOTE: Battery maintenance may
be done by the snowmobile owner
if qualified to do so. If the owner
does not feel qualified, take the
snowmobile to an authorized Arc-
tic Cat Snowmobile dealer for this
service. This service is at the dis-
cretion and expense of the snow-
mobile owner.

To remove and charge the battery, use
the following procedure:

1. Remove the negative battery

cable; then remove the positive

cable and on the standard battery,

the battery vent tube. Remove the

battery from the snowmobile. Care

should be taken not to damage the

vent tube.

2. Thoroughly wash the battery with

soap and water.

 NOTE: If battery posts or cable
ends have a build-up of white/
green powder residue, apply water
and baking soda to neutralize acid;
then flush off with warm soapy
water.

3. Using a wire brush, clean the bat-

tery posts and cable ends removing

all corrosive buildup. Replace

damaged cables or cable ends.

4. On a standard battery, add clean

distilled water to bring fluid level

to the UPPER level line.

5. Using a multimeter, test the battery

voltage. The meter must read no

less than 12.5 DC Volts for a fully

charged battery.

 NOTE: At this point if the meter
reads as specified, the battery may
be returned to service (see step 9).

6. If the meter reads less than speci-

fied voltage, charge the battery

using the following guidelines.

A. When using an automatic bat-

tery charger, always follow the

charger manufacturer’s instruc-

tions.

! WARNING

Any time service is performed on a
battery, the following must be
observed: Keep sparks, open
flame, cigarettes, or any other
flame away. Always wear safety
glasses. Protect skin and clothing
when handling batteries. When
servicing battery in enclosed
space, keep the area well-venti-
lated. Make sure battery venting is
not obstructed.

! WARNING

Battery posts, terminals, and
related accessories contain lead
and lead compounds, chemicals
known to the state of California to
cause cancer and reproductive
harm. Wash hands after handling.

! WARNING

Avoid spillage and contact with
skin, eyes, and clothing.

! CAUTION

Do not charge the battery while it
is in the snowmobile with the bat-
tery terminals connected.

! CAUTION

Do not remove seal strip on a
sealed battery.

! WARNING

Battery acid is harmful if it con-
tacts eyes, skin, or clothing. Care
must be taken whenever handling
a battery.

! CAUTION

Never use electrolyte (sulfuric
acid) to “top off” the battery. Use
only distilled water or severe bat-
tery damage may occur.

52

MAINTENANCE

B. When using a constant-current

battery charger, use the follow-

ing Battery Charging Chart.

 NOTE: If the battery voltage is
11.5 DC Volts or less, some char-
gers may “cut off” and fail to
charge. If this occurs, connect a
fully charged booster battery in
parallel (positive to positive and
negative to negative) for a short
period of time with the charger
connected. After 10-15 minutes,
disconnect the booster battery
leaving the charger connected and
the charger should continue to
charge. If the charger “cuts off,”
replace the battery.

7. After charging the battery for the

specified time, remove the battery

charger and allow the battery to sit

for 1-2 hours.

8. Connect the multimeter and test

the battery voltage. The meter

should read no less than 12.5 DC

Volts. If the voltage is as specified,

the battery is ready for service.

 NOTE: If voltage in step 8 is
below specifications, charge the
battery an additional 1-5 hours;
then retest. Recheck electrolyte
level (standard battery) and the
battery is ready for service.

9. Place the battery into position in

the snowmobile; then coat the bat-

tery posts and cable ends with a

light coat of multi-purpose grease.

10. Connect the battery cables (posi-

tive cable first).

FUSES

(Electric Start Models)

Fuses protect the snowmobile electrical

system from overloading. If electrical

parts in the snowmobile are not work-

ing, the system may have been over-

loaded and caused a blown fuse.

Before repairing or replacing any elec-

trical part, check the appropriate fuses.

If a fuse blows (opens a circuit), all the

parts of the snowmobile that use that

circuit will not work.

! CAUTION

Never exceed the standard charg-
ing rate.

! WARNING

An overheated battery could
explode causing severe injury or
death. Always monitor charging
times and charge rates carefully.
Stop charging if the battery
becomes very warm to the touch.
Allow it to cool before resuming
charging.

Battery Charging Chart 

(Constant-Current Charger)

Battery 

Voltage 

(DC)

Charge

State

Charge Time 

Required

(at 1.5-2.0 

Amps)

12.5

(minimum)

100%

None

12.2-12.4

75%-99%

3-6 hours

12.0-12.2

50%-74%

5-11 hours

11.0-11.9

25%-49%

13 hours 

(minimum)

11.5 or less

0-24%

20 hours 

(minimum)

! CAUTION

Before installing the battery, make
sure the ignition switch is in the
OFF position.

! CAUTION

Connecting cables in reverse (pos-
itive to negative and negative to
positive) can cause serious dam-
age to the electrical system.