40
Drive belt length, condition, and deflection
are all important for peak performance.
1. With the engine off, remove the left-
side access panel.
2. Make sure the drive belt is sitting at
the top of the driven clutch sheaves.
3. Place a straightedge on the top of the
drive belt. The straightedge should
reach from the drive clutch to the top
of the driven clutch.
4. Using a stiff ruler centered between
the drive clutch and driven clutch,
push down on the drive belt just
enough to remove all slack and note
the amount of deflection. The deflec-
tion should be within the range of
28.5-31.8 mm (1 1/8-1 1/4 in.).
NOTE: Push down on the belt with
the ruler only until the bottom of the
belt flexes upward; then read the
amount of deflection.
NOTE: On the ZR 4000 RR, the
amount of deflection should be
experimented with or tested to
obtain best start-line performance.
5. To correct drive belt deflection on the
6000/8000/ZR 4000 RR, loosen the
jam nut on the belt width adjuster on
the stationary sheave; then using an
Allen wrench, adjust the set screw as
needed. While holding the set screw,
tighten the jam nut securely.
NOTE: Turning the set screw
clockwise increases distance
between the sheaves (increases belt
deflection measurement); turning
the set screw counterclockwise
decreases distance between the
sheaves (decreases belt deflection
measurement).
6. To correct drive belt deflection on
the ZR 4000 LXR, remove the
sheave adjuster from the clutch,
remove or add shim washers to the
adjuster, and install the adjuster.
NOTE: Adding shim washers will
decrease belt deflection and remov-
ing shim washers will increase belt
deflection. Available shim washers
from Arctic Cat are p/n 0648-714
(0.090 in.) - one included in the tool
kit, p/n 0648-715 (0.030 in.), and p/n
0648-716 (0.060 in.).
NOTE: Removing/adding shim
washers may be done by the snow-
mobile owner if qualified to do so. If
the owner does not feel qualified,
take the snowmobile to an autho-
rized Arctic Cat Snowmobile dealer
for this service. This service is at the
discretion and expense of the snow-
mobile owner.
Track Tension
Track tension is directly related to the
overall performance of the snowmobile. If
the track is too loose, it may slap against
the tunnel causing wear or it may “ratchet”
on the track drive sprockets. If extremely
loose, the idler wheels may climb over the
track lugs forcing the track against the tun-
nel causing the track to “lock.” Arctic Cat
recommends that the track tension be
checked daily during the first 300 miles of
operation and once a week thereafter and
adjusted according to need. The track will
stretch and take a “set” during break-in.
Track deflection must be maintained
within the recommended range.
Checking Track Tension
1. Remove excess ice and snow buildup
from the track, track drive sprockets,
and the inside of the skid frame.
2. Elevate the snowmobile on a
shielded safety stand high enough to
use a spring scale.
! WARNING
Track tension must be properly main-
tained. Personal injury could result if
a track is allowed to become exces-
sively loose.
! WARNING
DO NOT attempt to check or adjust
track tension with engine running.
Turn ignition key to the OFF position.
Personal injury could result from
contact with a rotating track.
