Snowmobile Operation; Prestart Inspection - Arctic Cat Cougar Service Manual

32
NOTE
A socket of the correct size can often be
used as a seal driver. Select a socket that
fits the seal's outer diameter properly
and clears any protruding shafts.
d. Oil seals should be installed with a seal
driver placed on the outside of the seal as
shown in Figure 77. Make sure the seal is
driven squarely into the housing. Never in-
stall a seal by hitting against the top of the
seal with a hammer.
SNOWMOBILE OPERATION
Snowmobiles are ideal machines for travelling
through otherwise inaccessible areas during win-
ter months. However, because snowmobiles are
often operated in extreme weather conditions,
over rough terrain, and in remote areas, they
should be checked before each ride and main-
tained on a periodic basis.
WARNING
Never lean into a snowmobile's engine
compartment while wearing a scmf or
other loose clothing when the engine is
running or when the driver is attempting
to start the engine. If the scmf or cloth-
ing should catch in the drive belt or
clutch, severe injury or death could re-
sult.
Prestart Inspection
A pres tart inspection should always be per-.·
formed before heading out on your snowmobile.
While the following list may look exhaustive, it
can be performed rather quickly after you be-
come familiar with it.
1. Familiarize yourself with your snowmobile.
2. Clean the windshield with a clean, damp
cloth. Do not use gasoline, solvents or abrasive
cleaners.
3. Check track tension (Chapter Three) and ad-
just if necessary.
CHAPTER ONE
4. Check the tether switch and the emergency
stop switch for proper operation. If your machine
is new or if you are using a friend's machine,
practice using the tether or stop switch a few
times so that its use will be automatic during an
emergency.
5. Check brake operation. Be sure the brake
system is correctly adjusted and operates prop-
erly.
6. Check the fuel level and fill as needed.
7. Check the oil injection tank. Make sure it is
full.
8. Check the coolant level.
9. Operate the throttle lever. It should open and
close smoothly.
10. Open the belt guard and visually inspect the
drive belt. If the belt appears worn or damaged,
replace it. Chapter Fourteen lists drive belt wear
limit specifications. Close the belt guard after
inspecting the belt. Make sure the belt guard
mounts are not loose or damaged.
11. While the engine shroud is open, visually
inspect all hoses, fittings and parts for looseness
or damage. Check the tightness of all bolts and
nuts. Tighten as required.
12. Check the handlebar and steering compo-
nents for looseness or damage. Do not ride the
vehicle if any steering component is damaged.
Tighten loose fasteners as required.
13. After closing the shroud, make sure the
shroud latches are fastened securely.
14. Check the skis for proper alignment (Chap-
ter Three). Check the ski pivot bolt for tightness
or damage.