Arctic Cat M 8000, Service Manual

Page: 189 / 210

188
ADJUSTING SKI SHOCKS (Fox Float)
The float shocks are individually adjustable for the ter-
rain conditions and driving style of the operator. The ski
shocks are initially preset at the factory (see the General
Information section). However, the shocks can be “fine
tuned” to match the operator’s weight, riding style, and
terrain conditions.

NOTE: Care should be taken to have equal pressure
in the shocks before operating the snowmobile.
To increase or decrease air pressure, use the following
procedure.

NOTE: The shocks should not be under load when
adjusting.

NOTE: Adding air pressure will increase the air
spring force; reducing air pressure will decrease air
spring force.
1. With all the weight removed from the front of the
snowmobile, remove the air valve cap from the
shock; then thread the valve of Shock Absorber Air
Pump onto the shock air valve approximately six
rotations.

NOTE: As the pump is being attached to the shock,
the hose will fill with air resulting in a lower gauge
pressure 0.14-3.52 kg/cm
2
(2-5 psi).
2. To decrease air pressure in the shock, press the black
bleed valve button half way down and hold until
desired pressure is attained.
 NOTE: Pressing the button fully down and releasing
it will allow only a small amount of air to escape
(micro-adjust).
3. To increase air pressure in the shock, pump until
desired pressure is attained.
4. Remove the pump valve from the shock air valve.

NOTE: As the pump valve is being removed from
the shock, the sound of air loss is from the pump hose,
not from the shock.
5. Install the air valve cap onto the shock.
ADJUSTING REAR ARM SHOCKS (Fox
Float)
The float shock is adjustable for the terrain conditions
and driving style of the operator. The shocks is initially
preset at the factory. However, the shock can be “fine
tuned” to match the operator’s weight, riding style, and
terrain conditions.
To increase or decrease air pressure, use the following
procedure.

NOTE: The shock should not be under load when
adjusting. Raise the rear end of the snowmobile.

NOTE: Adding air pressure will increase the air
spring force; reducing air pressure will decrease air
spring force.
1. With all the weight removed from the front of the
snowmobile, remove the air valve cap from the
shock; then thread the valve of Shock Absorber Air
Pump onto the shock air valve approximately six
rotations.

NOTE: As the pump is being attached to the shock,
the hose will fill with air resulting in a lower gauge
pressure 0.14-3.52 kg/cm
2
(2-5 psi).
2. To decrease air pressure in the shock, press the black
bleed valve button half way down and hold until
desired pressure is attained.

NOTE: Pressing the button fully down and releasing
it will allow only a small amount of air to escape
(micro-adjust).
3. To increase air pressure in the shock, pump until
desired pressure is attained.
4. Remove the pump valve from the shock air valve.
 NOTE: As the pump valve is being removed from
the shock, the sound of air loss is from the pump hose,
not from the shock.
5. Install the air valve cap onto the shock.
FRONT ARM SPRING TENSION
Having very light front arm spring tension is desirable.
When riding in 4 in. or more of snow, the machine will be
quicker if the front spring tension is adjusted lightly.
If the spring tension is adjusted too stiff, the track angle
at the front of the skid frame is steep. This steep angle
prevents the snowmobile from getting up on plane and
slows down by 5 to 8 mph. Also, the following could
occur.
1. Slows machine down in loose snow.
2. Causes the snowmobile to dart and dive as a result of
less track on the ground on deceleration.
 NOTE: A tight front arm works well under only two
conditions: sticky snow conditions in the spring of the
year and in hill climbing on hard packed snow.
With the front arm adjusted too soft, the spring retainer
may fall off of the spring.
! WARNING
Do not exceed 10.5 kg/cm
2
(150 psi) in the shock and 21
kg/cm
2
(300 psi) in the EVOL (if equipped).
! WARNING
Do not exceed 10.5 kg/cm
2
(150 psi) in the shock and 21
kg/cm
2
(300 psi) in the EVOL (if equipped).