Arctic Cat 2014 XF 2-STROKE, Service Manual

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4
M/XF High Country
As snow cover and riding conditions change, several dif-
ferent adjustments can be made to change the ride and han-
dling characteristics for operator preference. Located on
the front suspension arm are limiter straps. They limit the
amount of “fallout” the front arm can have. These straps
may be adjusted in or out due to conditions and riding
style. The more the straps are brought up, the more steering
power the operator has due to the amount of ski pressure.
Another adjustment that can be made on the rear suspen-
sion is the front arm shock spring tension. As trail condi-
tions change, the spring pre-load may be used to decrease
the chance of the front end “bottoming out.” With a stiffer
spring pre-load, the ride of the snowmobile will improve on
the trail but will affect the performance in the deep powder
snow. In deep powder snow, the stiffer spring pre-load will
cause the front-end to “dig” and possibly take longer for it
to plane off. Several different-rate springs are available for
different riding styles and terrain conditions.
On the standard models, the front shock springs are also
individually adjustable for the terrain conditions and
driving style of the operator. The spring adjuster has been
set at the factory so the correct amount of threads are
exposed between the spring adjuster and the shock hous-
ing as an initial setting. Additional ski pressure can be
obtained by tightening the spring tension; ski pressure
can be decreased by relaxing spring tension. Springs with
different spring rates are available for operator choice
and snow conditions.
A limit exists as to how far you can pre-load the springs
before “coil bind” takes effect where the wire on the
spring actually runs into itself and causes binding. Equal
adjustments should be maintained on both sides of the
snowmobile. On the Sno Pro models with air shocks,
they are individually adjustable for the terrain conditions
and driving style of the operator. The shocks are preset at
the factory (see chart) as an initial setting; however, it is
possible to “fine tune” the shocks to match the operator’s
weight, riding style, and terrain conditions.
Checking and adjusting air pressure must be done at riding
temperature (outside). Also, it is advisable to check air pres-
sure when the outside temperature varies more than 25°.

NOTE: Care should be taken to have equal pressure
in the ski shocks before operating the snowmobile.
Finally, track tension should be looked at to make sure that it
is within recommended specifications to affect the efficiency
of the snowmobile. On models with the torque sensing link,
the track is actually tightening as the suspension moves
through its range of motion causing the track to sag in the
middle and rub on the top part of the rear suspension arm.
Track
Carefully matching the riding requirements to the type of
track will ensure the maximum use of all available engine
power. Lug height and track durometer are the two main
concerns when selecting a track for various riding styles.
Tracks exist with lug heights from 0.750” up to 2.6” to
accommodate various snow conditions. Generally, the
deeper the snow, the taller the lug. It must be noted that
the installation of any deep-lug track may reduce top end
speed and promote premature wear strip wear in marginal
snow conditions.
Durometer is a measurement of how hard a rubber is. The
lugs on most tracks range between 60 and 85 durometer.
On the durometer scale, the higher the number, the harder
the lugs. For riding in deep powder snow, a softer durome-
ter track works best. The softer rubber allows the track to
“give” a little and pack the snow creating lift rather than
digging its way straight down. When hill-climbing, the
harder lug of an 80 durometer track works the best due to
penetrating the hard snow creating more bite.
Some tracks come with a dual durometer rating, such as a
track with a 80/60 durometer rating. The lugs on this track
are 80% 80 durometer rubber, and the top 20% is made of
the softer 60 durometer rubber. This track is designed to be
a good all-around track for riding mostly in deep powder
snow but can climb the occasional hard snow hill.
Preparation For Storage
Prior to storing the snowmobile, it must be properly ser-
viced to prevent corrosion and component deterioration.
1. Clean the seat cushion with a damp cloth and Arctic
Cat 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; then start the engine and allow to idle.
Spray an Engine Storage Preserver into the intakes
until the engine exhaust starts to smoke heavily or
until the engine starts to drop in RPM. Turn engine
off. Install the intake boots.
4. Plug the exhaust system outlet with a clean cloth.
5. With the ignition switch in the OFF position:
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.
Initial Setting Chart
Model Front Shock (Ski) Rear Arm Shock
ZR Sno Pro
5.3 kg/cm
2
(75 psi)
N/A
M Sno Pro
6.3 kg/cm
2
(90 psi) 10.2-10.6 kg/cm
2
(145-150 psi)
XF Cross Country
5.3 kg/cm
2
(75 psi) 10.19 kg/cm
2
(145 psi)
XF Cross-Tour N/A
10.19 kg/cm
2
(145 psi)
RR 250 psi (nitrogen)
25/225 psi (air)
250 psi (nitrogen)
CAUTION
Do not run the engine without the belt guard in place
and secured.
CAUTION
Never crank the engine over without grounding the
spark plugs. Damage to coils and/or ECM may result.