Shock Absorbers; General Lubrication - Arctic Cat 500 Operato's Manual

CAUTION
Continued operation of the ATV with
high engine temperature may result
in engine damage or premature wear.

NOTE: High engine RPM, low vehi-
cle speed, or heavy load can raise
engine temperature.
engine RPM, reducing load, and
selecting an appropriate transmis-
sion gear can lower the temperature.

Shock Absorbers

Each shock absorber should be visibly
checked weekly for excessive fluid leak-
age (some seal leakage may be observed
but it does not indicate the shock is in
need of replacement), cracks or breaks in
the lower case, or a bent shock rod. If any
one of these conditions is detected,
replacement is necessary.

NOTE: When the ATV is operated
in extremely cold weather (-23°C/-
10°F or colder), a small amount of
leakage may be present. Unless the
leakage is excessive, replacement is
not necessary.
The shock absorber has a spring force
adjustment sleeve with five adjustment
positions to allow the spring to be
adjusted for different riding and loading
conditions. If the spring action is too soft
or too stiff, adjust it according to the
chart.

NOTE: Before attempting to adjust
suspension, clean dirt and debris
from the sleeve and remove load
from the suspension; then use the
spanner wrench to adjust the sleeve
to the desired position.
66
Position
1
2
3
4
Decreasing
5

General Lubrication

Cables
None of the cables require lubrication;
however, it is advisable to lubricate the
ends of the cables periodically with a
good cable lubricant.
Engine/Transmission Oil
and Filter

NOTE: Refer to the recommended
oil viscosity chart (on page 61) in
this manual for the proper engine oil.
Change the engine oil and oil filter at the
scheduled intervals. The engine should
always be warm when the oil is changed
so the oil will drain easily and completely.
1. Park the ATV on level ground.
2. Loosen the oil level stick. Be careful
not to allow contaminates to enter the
opening.
3. Remove the drain plug from the bot-
tom of the engine and drain the oil
CD453
into a drain pan.
Spring
Setting Load
Force
Soft Light
Stronger Stiff Heavy
CF109M