Arctic Cat 500 Sno Pro, Operator'S/Performance Manual

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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 performance and the adjustments needed to cor-
rect them. Be sure, however, to thoroughly read and
understand this entire manual especially the section on
spark plugs, track tension and alignment, and suspen-
sion.
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 pulley. 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 pulley 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 section) 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 PULLEY —
Keeping the drive clutch and driven pulley 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.
CARBURETOR MAIN JETS — Proper carburetion,
specifically proper main jets, is absolutely necessary to
obtain peak performance. Since ambient temperature
and operating altitude both affect the main jet size
needed for optimum engine performance, the main jets
will often need to be changed whenever the tempera-
ture changes 20° F (11° C) or whenever operating alti-
tude varies by more than 1000 feet.
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 Arc-
tic Cat Vinyl Protectant (p/n 0636-173).
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.
4. Start the engine and allow to idle. With the engine
idling, spray Arctic Cat Engine Storage Preserver
(p/n 0636-177) 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 cyl-
inder heads.
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 Arc-
tic Cat Fuel Stabilizer (p/n 0638-165) to the gas
tank following 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 ten-
sion. Install the chain-case cover and seal; then
pour Arctic Cat Transmission Lube (p/n 0636-
817) into the oil level stick filler hole according to
specifications.
9. Remove the drive belt from the drive clutch/driven
pulley. 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 pul-
ley.
11. Apply light oil to the upper steering post bushing
and shafts of the shock absorbers.
12. Lubricate the rear suspension and bellcranks with
a low-temperature grease.
CAUTION
Use Clutch Puller (p/n 0744-062). This is a new puller
for 2010, so never substitute a different puller or drive
clutch damage will occur.
CAUTION
Never crank the engine over without grounding the
spark plugs. Damage to coils and/or ECU may result.