Performance Tips; Preparation For Storage - Arctic Cat 2014 SNO PRO 500 Operator's Manual

Performance Tips

Operating a high performance snowmobile requires a
special attention. Often, a minor adjustment will result in
a large increase in performance. This section is intended
to highlight minor conditions that adversely affect per-
formance and the adjustments needed to correct them.
Be sure, however, to thoroughly read and understand this
entire manual especially the section on spark plugs, track
tension and alignment, and suspension.
DRIVE BELT — This link between the engine and
drive train is often the most neglected component. The
drive belt must have the proper fit in the drive clutch and
driven clutch. Proper fit is when the top surface of the
drive belt is flush with the top or up to 1/16 in. higher
than the driven clutch sheaves (with the sheaves fully
closed). If the belt sits below this level, the snowmobile
will bog at slow speeds and will have a slower maximum
speed. To correct this condition, first determine if the
drive belt is within specifications (see Drive Belt sec-
tion) and replace if worn or too long. Secondly, always
run the drive belt in the same direction. Installing the
drive belt so the part number can be read will ensure that
the drive belt is always run the same direction.
DRIVE CLUTCH AND DRIVEN CLUTCH —
Keeping the drive clutch and driven clutch clean should
be the primary consideration of the operator. The clutch
sheaves can be cleaned of any drive belt accumulation
using a clean cloth and parts-cleaning solvent. All pivot
points can be maintained clean using compressed air.
CAUTION
Use Clutch Puller (p/n 0744-062). Never substitute a
different puller or drive clutch damage will occur.

Preparation For Storage

Prior to storing the snowmobile, it must be properly
serviced to prevent corrosion and component deterio-
ration. To prepare the snowmobile for storage, Arctic
Cat recommends the following procedure.
1. Clean the seat cushion with a damp cloth and
Vinyl Protectant.
2. Clean the snowmobile thoroughly by hosing dirt,
oil, grass, and other foreign matter from the skid
frame, tunnel, hood, and belly pan. Allow the
snowmobile to dry thoroughly. DO NOT get water
into any part of the engine.
3. Place the rear of the snowmobile up on a shielded
safety stand. Remove the air-intake silencer boots
from the throttle bodies.
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4. Start the engine and allow to idle. With the engine
idling, spray an Engine Storage Preserver into the
throttle bodies until the engine exhaust starts to
smoke heavily or until the engine starts to drop in
RPM. Turn engine off.
5. Plug the exhaust system outlet with a clean cloth.
6. With the tether switch cap removed:
A. Disconnect the high tension leads from the spark
plugs; then remove the plugs, connect them to the
leads, and ground them on the cylinder heads.
CAUTION
Never crank the engine over without grounding the
spark plugs. Damage to coils and/or ECM may result.
B. Pour 29.5 ml (1 fl oz) of SAE #30 petroleum-
based oil into each spark plug hole and pull the
recoil starter handle slowly about 10 times.
C. Install the spark plugs and connect the high ten-
sion leads.
7. Fill the gas tank to its rated capacity; then add Arctic
Cat Fuel Stabilizer (p/n 0436-907) to the gas tank fol-
lowing directions on the container for the stabilizer/
gasoline ratio. Tighten the gas tank cap securely.
8. Drain the chain-case lubricant. Remove the chain-
case cover and inspect chain, sprockets, and chain
tensioner for wear and the chain for proper tension.
Install the chain-case cover and seal; then pour Arc-
tic Cat Synthetic Chain Lube (p/n 5639-038) into the
oil level stick filler hole according to specifications.
9. Remove the drive belt from the drive clutch/driven
clutch. Lay the belt on a flat surface or slide it into
a cardboard sleeve to prevent warping or distortion
during storage.
10. Clean and inspect the drive clutch and driven clutch.
11. Apply light oil to the upper steering post bushing
and shafts of the shock absorbers.
12. Lubricate the rear suspension and bellcranks with
an all-temperature grease.
13. Tighten all nuts, bolts, and cap screws making sure
all calibrated nuts, bolts, and cap screws are tight-
ened to specifications. Make sure all rivets holding
the components together are tight. Replace all
loose rivets.
14. Clean and polish the hood, console, and chassis
with Cat Cleaner (p/n 4639-371). DO NOT USE
SOLVENTS. THE PROPELLANT WILL DAM-
AGE THE FINISH.
15. If possible, store the snowmobile indoors. Raise
the track off the floor by blocking up the back end
making sure the snowmobile is secure. Loosen the
track adjusting bolts to reduce track tension. Cover
the snowmobile with a machine cover or a heavy
tarpaulin to protect it from dirt and dust.