39
7. Inspect the chain for proper engagement with the
clutch sprocket and the chain sprocket.
8. Inspect that the chain tensioner assembly is in place
and functioning properly.
9. Install the rear sprocket cover and secure with the
self-tapping screws. Tighten securely.
NOTE: At this point, proceed to TRACK TENSION
sub-section.
TRACK TENSION
NOTE: Track tension and track alignment are
interrelated; therefore, always check both, even if
only one adjustment seems necessary.
Track tension is directly related to the overall perfor-
mance 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. Arctic Cat recommends that the
track tension be checked once a month and adjusted
accordingly.
Checking
1. Remove excess ice and snow buildup from the track,
track drive sprockets, and the inside of the skid
frame.
2. Place the rear of the snowmobile up on a safety stand
high enough so the track is free of the floor.
3. Without exerting any pressure on the track, measure
the distance between the bottom of the wear strip and
the inside surface of the track. The measurement
must be within specifications. If the measurement is
not within 1/4-3/8 in., an adjustment is necessary.
0744-945
Adjusting
1. Loosen the idler wheel cap screws.
2. Loosen the rear idler wheel adjusting bolt jam nuts.
0744-947
NOTE: To ensure proper track tension adjustment,
perform all adjustments on both sides of the snowmo-
bile.
3. If the deflection (distance between the bottom of the
wear strip and the inside of the track) exceeds speci-
fications, tighten the adjusting bolts to take up exces-
sive slack in the track.
4. If the distance between the bottom of the wear strip
and the inside surface of the track is less than speci-
fied, loosen the adjusting bolts to increase the slack
in the track.
5. Check track alignment (see TRACK ALIGNMENT
sub-section).
6. When proper track tension is obtained, tighten the
adjusting bolt jam nuts against the axle housings.
7. Tighten the idler wheel cap screws securely.
NOTE: Since track tension and track alignment are
interrelated, always check both even if only one
adjustment seems necessary.
TRACK ALIGNMENT
Proper track alignment is obtained when the rear idler
wheels are equal distance from the inner track drive lugs.
Excessive wear to the idler wheels, drive lugs, and track
will occur if the track is improperly aligned. Arctic Cat
recommends that the track alignment be checked once a
week or whenever the track tension is adjusted.
Checking
1. Remove excess ice and snow buildup from the track,
track drive sprockets, and the inside of the skid
frame.
! WARNING
Track tension must be properly maintained. 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.
! WARNING
If jam nuts are not tightened properly, the adjusting
bolts could loosen causing the track to become
extremely loose and, under some operating conditions,
allow the idler wheels to climb over the track lugs forc-
ing the track against the tunnel causing the track to
“lock.” If a track “locks” during operation, severe per-
sonal injury could result.
! WARNING
Make sure the ignition key is in the OFF position and the
track is not rotating before checking or adjusting track
alignment. Personal injury could result if contact is
made with a rotating track.
