35
8. When the engine starts, allow it to warm up for
approximately 30 seconds with the lever in the
full-choke position. After the 30-second warm-up,
move the lever to the middle position. The lever
should be moved to the OFF position when engine
is warm. Slight throttle control lever compression
may be necessary after the engine starts and during
warm-up. Idle the engine several minutes until the
engine has reached normal operating temperature.
9. Flooding — If the engine does not start when the
choke is being used but seems ready to start, move
the choke lever to the OFF position. Engage the
brake lever lock; then compress the throttle control
lever fully and try to start the engine. When the
engine starts, release the throttle control lever
immediately. After the warm-up, release the brake
lever lock.
NOTE: Continued choking will cause the engine
to flood more.
NOTE: If the engine fails to start during the
attempt with the throttle control lever compressed,
remove the spark plugs and clean and dry them
thoroughly or install a new set of properly gapped,
recommended spark plugs.
10. To shut off the engine, either depress the emer-
gency stop switch to the OFF position or pull the
tether switch cap off the tether switch.
Braking
Operating a snowmobile with hydraulic brakes is dif-
ferent from operating a snowmobile with mechanical
brakes. The following items are items that the operator
must be familiar with when operating this snowmobile
and its hydraulic brake system.
NOTE: Important additional information on the
proper maintenance of the brake system is found
in the maintenance section of this manual.
1. Use the brakes wisely. Each time the brakes are
applied in all hydraulic brake systems (including
automotive applications), heat is transferred to the
brake fluid. The amount of heat transferred during
high speed stops and/or repetitive use may be high
enough to boil the brake fluid and cause the brakes
to either fade or may cause an unexpected loss of
brakes. If this occurs, the brake fluid requires a cool
down period before the brakes will again function
properly. This cool down period will vary depending
upon the ambient air temperature and the tempera-
ture of the brake fluid. If loss of brakes has occurred
because of high fluid temperatures, do not operate
the snowmobile until the cool down period has
expired and brake lever firmness has returned.
2. Be sure to maintain the brake fluid at the proper
level and take care not to get any moisture in the sys-
tem as moisture in the brake fluid lowers the boiling
point. If the brake fluid is ever boiled (by high speed
stops or repetitive use) or if moisture is allowed to
enter the system, it must be changed. Never substi-
tute or mix different types or grades of brake fluid.
3. Never ride the brake. Even maintaining minimal
pressure on the brake lever will cause the brake
pads to drag on the disc and may overheat the
brake fluid.
4. The brake lever lock is not a parking brake and
should not be applied for periods exceeding 5 min-
utes. NEVER OPERATE THE SNOWMOBILE
WITH THE BRAKE LEVER LOCK ENGAGED.
5. Pumping the brake lever is permissible but not accept-
able on a snowmobile designed for racing; therefore,
if pumping the brake lever more than twice is neces-
sary to obtain the necessary stopping power, the sys-
tem must be serviced. If the operator does not feel
qualified to service the brake system, see an autho-
rized Arctic Cat Snowmobile dealer for this service.
CAUTION
It is extremely important that the engine is properly
warmed up before subjecting the engine to high speed
operation or heavy loads. Do not idle the engine for
excessively long periods of time. The engine should
be allowed to idle at least 1-2 minutes before it is oper-
ated at more than 1/2 throttle. In extremely cold condi-
tions, the warm-up time will be longer. Cold seizure
and piston scuffing caused by insufficient warm-up
will not be covered by warranty. Also, do not idle the
engine for excessively long periods of time.
! WARNING
Excessive repetitive use of the hydraulic brake for
high speed stops will cause overheating of the brake
fluid and premature brake pad wear which will result
in an unexpected loss of brakes.
! WARNING
Use only Arctic Cat approved brake fluid. Never sub-
stitute or mix different types or grades of brake fluid.
Brake loss can result. Check brake fluid level and pad
wear before each use. Brake loss can result in severe
injury or even death.
! WARNING
The brake lever lock is not a parking brake and should
not be applied for periods exceeding 5 minutes. The
brake lever lock maintains the brake lever in the com-
pressed position and maintains pressure against the
brake disc; however, after a period of time, the pres-
sure applied to the brake disc may relax below the
amount required to hold the snowmobile stationary.
