Engine And Chassis Serial Numbers - Arctic Cat Cougar Service Manual

GENERAL INFORMATION
part. It is frequently possible to perform the
preliminary operations yourself and then take the
defective unit to the dealer for repair at consid-
erable savings.
13. If special tools are required, make arrange-
ments to get them before you start. It is frustrat-
ing and time-consuming to get partly into a job
and then be unable to complete it.
14. Make diagrams (take a video or Polaroid
picture) wherever similar-appearing parts are
found or parts must be installed in a certain order
or location. For instance, crankcase bolts may
have differing lengths. A faulty memory can
result in costly mistakes. Laying out parts in their
proper order is a good practice, but if the parts
are disturbed the exercise is a waste of time.
15. When assembling parts, be sure all shims
and washers are replaced exactly as they came
out.
16. Whenever a rotating part butts against a
stationary part, look for a shim or washer. Use
new gaskets if there is any doubt about the con-
dition of the old ones. A thin coat of silicone
sealant on non-pressure type gaskets may help
them seal more effectively.
17. If it is necessary to make a cover gasket and
you do not have a suitable old gasket to use as a
guide, you can use the outline of the cover and
gasket material to make a new gasket. Apply
engine oil to the cover gasket surface. Then place
the cover on the new gasket material and apply
5
pressure with your hands. The oil will leave a
very accurate outline on the gasket material that
can be cut around.
CAUTION
If purchasing gasket material, measure
the thickness of the old gasket (at an
uncompressed point) and purchase gas-
ket material with the same approximate
thickness.
18. Heavy grease can be used to hold small parts
in place if they tend to fall out during assembly.
Be sure to keep grease and oil away from elec-
trical components.
19. A carburetor is best cleaned by disassem-
bling it and cleaning the parts in hot soap and
water. Never soak gaskets and rubber parts in
commercial carburetor cleaners. Never use wire
to clean out jets and air passages because that
will damage them easily. Use compressed air to
blow out the carburetor only if the float has been
removed first.
20. Take your time and do the job right. Do not
forget that a newly rebuilt engine must be broken
in just like a new one.
ENGINE AND CHASSIS
SERIAL NUMBERS
Arctic Cat snowmobiles are identified by
frame and engine identification numbers. The
frame or Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) is
stamped on the right side of the tunnel just below
the front of the seat (Figure 5). The engine
number is stamped on the side of the crankcase
as shown in Figure 6. The engine model number
is also listed on a decal located on the fan or
magneto housing as shown in Figure 7.
Write all the serial numbers and model num-
bers applicable to your machine in the front of
this book. Take the serial numbers and model
numbers with you when you order parts from the
dealer. Always order parts by year and engine
and machine numbers. If possible, compare the