Arctic Cat M 8000, Service Manual

Page: 7 / 210

6
4. Inspect the drive belt for cracks and tears. Check belt
specifications. Replace if damaged or worn. Install
the drive belt.

NOTE: If the old belt is worn but in reasonable con-
dition, retain it with the snowmobile as a spare in case
of emergency.
5. Adjust the throttle cable. Inspect all fuel hoses and
oil hoses for deterioration or cracks; replace if neces-
sary. Make sure all connections are tight.
6. Fill the oil-injection reservoir with the recommended
2-cycle oil; then inspect each spark plug. Replace,
gap, or clean as necessary.
 NOTE: After prolonged storage on the 8000, Arctic
Cat recommends one tankful of 100:1 gas/oil mixture
be used in conjunction with the oil-injection system to
ensure proper lubrication.
7. Tighten all nuts, bolts, and cap screws making sure
all calibrated nuts, bolts, and cap screws are tight-
ened to specifications.
8. If not done during preparation for storage, lubricate
the rear suspension with an all-temperature grease.
9. Check the coolant level and all coolant hoses and
connections for deterioration or cracks. Add properly
mixed coolant as necessary.
10. On electric start models, charge the battery; then
connect the battery cables making sure to connect the
positive cable first. Test the electric start system.
11. Inspect the entire brake system, all controls, head-
light, taillight, brake light, ski wear bars, and head-
light aim; adjust or replace as necessary.
12. Adjust the track to the proper tension and alignment.
After Break-In
Checkup/Checklist
Certain areas require adjustment after the break-in period
in order to obtain peak performance. These areas are the
following.
DRIVE BELT DEFLECTION — Drive belt deflection
is very important to the snowmobile. Even if it is checked
and is correct when the snowmobile is set up, it does
change (more so during the break-in period). This is
because the rubber engine mounts and the rubber snubber
on the torque link will all take a “set” during the first 100
miles allowing the distance between the drive clutch and
driven clutch to shorten. When this happens, the snow-
mobile will appear to have too long of a drive belt. To
add to this, the drive belt wears and stretches. This some-
times leads to a reduction in low-end performance, and if
not corrected, can cause premature drive belt wear.
After the break-in period, drive belt deflection should be
checked according to the instructions given in the Drive
Train/Track/Brake Systems section of this manual.
DRIVE CLUTCH/DRIVEN CLUTCH
ALIGNMENT (OFFSET) — The alignment between
the drive clutch and driven clutch are set at the factory.
Normally, no adjustment is necessary; however, if prema-
ture drive belt wear or poor performance is experienced,
the drive clutch/driven clutch alignment must be
checked. See “Checking Offset” in the driven train sec-
tion in this manual.
TRACK TENSION AND ALIGNMENT — A certain
amount of stretch occurs on all tracks during the first 500
miles. The track must be inspected/adjusted after the first
50 to 100 miles to the specifications given in the Track
Specifications sub-section of this section and periodically
thereafter. If these adjustments aren’t performed, the
track may “derail” which leads to track and slide rail
damage.
Along with these major areas, other areas should be
checked and adjusted.
Below is a list of items to check after the break-in period.
The recommended mileage for this inspection is between
100 and 300 miles.

Check drive belt deflection - drive clutch/driven
clutch alignment

Adjust track tension and alignment

Check throttle cable tension

Check oil-injection pump adjustment (4000/8000)

Check engine idle

Check coolant level

Check chain case lubricant level

Check lights (high/low beam, brakelight)

Check safety switch operation

Check engine compartment for any rubbing com-
ponents

Check steering hardware for tightness

Check skid frame and A-arm mounting hardware
for tightness

Check brake lever travel and adjustment

Grease all lubrication points