Arctic Cat Pantera 1978 User manual

•
Speedometer Kit No. 0134-953
(Revised 3-3-77)
INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS
Form No. 0153-072
~----------------
0725·087
Kit consists of the following:
Part No. Oty. Description
0123-700 2Nut, w/Washer
0120-285 1 Speedometer Head
0120-284 1
Drive Adaptor
0120-253 1Ring Bracket
0120-248 1Cable, Drive
Adaptor
Part No.
0120-247
0120-246
0120-286
Oty.
1
1
--t
Description
Bushing, Drive
Bracket
Cable,
Speedometer Dr.
II
NOTE: The 77-78 Pantera models and 77-78
Lynx models require the use of a cable
conversion kit, P.N. 0136-027.
Equipment Necessary: Pliers, Hammer
3/8-inch
Wrench, and 1/2-inch Socket.
1. Place the drive bushing in position and drive
into the track drive shaft; then insert the short
drive adaptor cable.
5. Remove the dash insert
from the console; then
slide speedometer head into position.
6.
Slide bracket over mounting studs; then secure
in place
with two lock nuts.
II
NOTE: For installation on all 1976 models
except Jag, the brown harnesswire w/terminal
must be secured to either mounting stud. For
previous models, this is not necessary.
2. Remove the three lock nuts securing bearing
flange on the exposed end
of the track drive
shaft. DO
NOT REMOVE BOLTS.
3.
Check the setting of the drive adaptor. The unit
can be used for either RH or LH drive. To
change setting, just remove cap and place on
opposite side of drive adaptor. Use the ref-
erence marks on the housings.
7.
Connect the remaining end of speedometer
cable to the speedometer head.
8.
For all 1976 models except Jag, plug the
speedometer harness in main wiring harness.
On 1976 Jag and previous models,
cut the
connector off the speedometer harness; then
install the spad-type terminal supplied in the kit
on the white w/black wire. Discard the
connector.
4. Connect one end of the speedometer cable to
the drive nut.
II
NOTE: The cable must be threaded through
the hole in the front end side plate (justbehind
tie rod cut-out) on the 1976 Pantera.
9. Plug the wire onto an open terminal on the back
of the
light switch, adjacentto the white w/black
wire.

)
c Arctic Enterprises, Inc.
Thief River Falls, Minnesota 56701
FOREWORD
This comprehensive manual contains service,
maintenance and
troubleshooting information
for the 1978 Pantera, Panther, Cheetah, Jag and
Lynx Arctic Cat snowmobiles. The manual is
designed to aid service personnel in service-
oriented application as well as use as a textbook
for service training.
The manual is divided into sections. Each section
of the manual covers a specific snowmobile
component or system and, in addition to the
standard service procedures, includes general
troubleshooting and inspection instructions.
The service technician should familiarize himself
with the operation and construction of each
component or system of the 1978 Pantera,
Panther, Cheetah, Jag and Lynx by carefully
studying this manual. This manual will assist the
service technician to become more aware of and
efficient with servicing procedures. Such effici-
ency not only helps build consumer confidence
but saves time and labor too.
At the
time of publication, all information, photos
and illustrations were technically correct. Be-
cause
Arctic Enterprises, Inc. constantly refines
and improves its products, no retroactive
obliga-
tion is incurred.
Keep this manual accessible in the
shop area for
use as a reference tool.
Technical Publications
Arctic Enterprises, Inc.
.. "••• ~ U1K""'.
II nu" • . .. .5111

TABLE OF
CONTENTS
Page
General Information
1-4
Spec ifi cati ons
5-12
Set-Up
13-20
Engine
21-65
Fuel System
66-79
\."'4 ;
Drive System
80-109
Suspension System
110-127
Electrical System
128-163
Steering and Body
164-179
Accessories
180-211
Troubleshooting
212-227
Aids for Maintenance
228-235

SECTION 1- GENERAL INFORMATION
TABLE OF
CONTENTS.
Break-In Procedure 2
Fuel
Mixing 2
Genuine Parts 2
Summer Storage 3

.-
•
CAUTION
•
Break-In
Procedure
The 1978 Pantera, Cheetah, Panther, Jag and
Lynx snowmobiles require a short break-in when
new or after the engine has been overhauled.
Strict adherence to the following break-in
procedure will contribute to optimum perfor-
mance and longevity of the Arctic Cat Spirit
engine.
For thefirstten (10) hours, the engine must not be
subjected to heavy load conditions or prolonged
full throttle operation. During break-in, a maxi-
mum of 3/4 throttle is recommended. Operating
speeds should be varied with short bursts of full
throttle operation. Do not run the engine at a
steady speed
or at wide open throttle (WOT) for a
prolonged period of time.
The 1978 Arctic Cat snowmobile carburetors
have been calibrated for a mixture of gasoline
(88 octane minimum. 92 octane minimum)
and Arctic Cat Snowmobile Oil. Therefore.
unless absolutely necessary DO NOT use
regular brand snowmobile oils. If regular
brand snowmobile oil is used. however. mix
gasoline (88 octane minimum. 92 octane
minimum) and oil using a 20: 1 ratio (20 parts
gasoline to 1 part oil). DO NOT use outboard
motor oil or regular mineral oils because
engine damage will likely result.
I /
VIU((!ly
. IIlI /
GAS 'I
88
OCTANE 1/
After the engine is broken-in, the top speed may
gradually be increased.
II
During any break-in period, only a 25:1 fuel
mixture ratio is recommended.
PANTERA FC
PANTHER,CHEETAH
JAG, LYNX
PANTERA FA
0725-022
f
Fuel Mixing
The two-cycle Arctic Cat Spirit engine requires a
lubricating oil to be mixed with the gasoline for
lubrication and internal engine cooling. The oil is
used to
lubricate the crankshaft, connecting
rods, bearings, pistons and cylinder walls;
excessive wear will also be prevented. Because of
the importance of a good engine lubricant, Arctic
recommends the following fuel and oil:
Fuel 88
Octane minimum -Pantera FC,
Panther,
Cheetah, Jag, Lynx
92 Octane minimum - Pantera FA
Oil
Arctic Spirit 50:1*
*If this oil is not available, use a good quality SAE
30 W
snowmobile oil.
The correct ratio of gasoline to oil is 50:1 (fifty
parts of 88 or 92 octane minimum grade gasoline
with one part of snowmobile oil). This is
equivalent to one pint of Arctic Spirit 50:1 oil to 6
US
gallons of gasoline.
Genuine Parts
When replacement of a part is necessary, use
only genuine Arctic Cat replacement parts. They
are precision-made to ensure high quality and
correct fit. Referto the 1978 Pantera Parts Manual
(Form No. 0185-107), Panther Parts Manual
(Form No. 0185-104), Cheetah Parts Manual
(Form No. 0185-103), Jag Parts Manual (Form
No. 0185-102) or
the Lynx Parts Manual (Form
No. 0185-101) for the correct part number,
quantity needed and description.

Summer Storage
Priorto storing the snowmobile forthe summer, it
must be
properly serviced to prevent rusting and
component deterioration. Arctic recommends
the
following procedure to prepare the snowmo-
bile for storage.
1. Remove the seat cushion from the tunnel.
Wash the
cushion with a damp rag and store
the
cushion in a dry place.
II
NOTE: On some models the cushion cannot
be removed, clean with the seat in place.
2.
Thoroughly clean all dirt, oil, grassand other
foreign matter from all areas of the snowmo-
bile, being careful to keep water out of any
part of the
engine or intake silencer.
3. Drain all fuel
from the tank(s); then allow the
engine to idle until it stops from lack of fuel.
4. Plug the hole in the
muffler and air intake
silencer
with clean rags.
5. Remove the spark plugs
from the cylinder
head. Pull the recoil until the piston reaches
TDC; then pour one ounce of Arctic Cat
Engine Preservative or
snowmobile oil into
the spark plug hole. Repeat on the opposite
cylinder and install spark plugs. Pull the
recoil several times.
6. Remove
the chain case cover and drain the
lubricant. Install the cover and pour 8 ounces
of Arctic Chain Lube into the filler hole.
7. Remove the
drive belt and place in a card-
board sleeve.
8.
Check the drive clutch and driven pulley for
wear.
9.
Apply a light coat of oil on all steering post
bushings, ski spindles and the front and rear
arm pivot
bushings of the skid frame.
10.
Lubricate the grease fittings on the rear arm
of the skid frame and the
lower steering post
brackets
with a low-temperature grease.
II
NOTE: Lube grease fittings on front arm if
so equipped.
11. Loosen the
track tension bolts and rotate the
track
occasionally during the storage period.
12.
Tighten all nuts, bolts and screws.
13. Clean and
polish the hood, console and
chassis
with an automotive cleaner wax.
II
NOTE: Do not use spray waxes containing
silicone. Silicone will damage plastic parts.
14.
Block the entire machine off the ground and
use a cover to
protect it from dust and dirt.
:3

I~
SECTION 2- SPECIFICATIONS
TABLE OF
CONTENTS
General Specifications 6
Engine Specifications . 7
Drive System Specifications 8
Fuel
System Specifications . 9
Ignition System Specifications .10
Engine Fastening Torque Specifications .11
Engine Torque Patterns ........ .. .12
5

GENERAL SPECIFICATIONS
ITEM
PANTERA FC
PANTERA FA PANTHER CHEETAH 5000 JAG 2000 JAG 3000
LYNXT LYNXS
4000 5000
Length cm 261 261 265 258 257 257 241 241
wlSkis in. 103 103 104.5 102 101.5 101.5 95 95
Height cm 107 107 107 107 100 100 107 107
w/Windshield in. 42 42 42 42 39.5 39.5 42 42
Height wlo cm 81 81 85 85 82 82 82 82
Windshield in. 32 32 33.5 33.5 32.5 32.5 32.5 32.5
Overall cm 96 96 86 86 86 86 84 84
Width in. 38 38 34 34 34 34 33 33
Track cm 41 41 43 43 38 38 38 38
Width in. 16 16 17 17 15 15 15 15
Curb kg 199 207 198 194 183 183 175 166
Weight Ib 438 457 436 427 403 403 385 365
Dry kg 176 173 180 176 165 165 154 146
Weight Ib 389 381 396 387 365 365 340 322
Fuel Tank L 26.9 26.9 or 38.2 24.6 24.6 24.6 24.6 24.6 24.6
Capacity USgal 7.1 7.1 or 10.1 6.5 6.5 6.5 6.5 6.5 6.5
Ski cm 76 76 66 66 71 71 69 69
Centers in. 30 30 26 26 28 28 27 27
Brake Type Caliper Disc Caliper Disc Caliper Disc Caliper Disc Caliper Disc Caliper Disc Caliper Disc Caliper Disc

(
",
It
ENGINE SPECIFICATIONS
ITEM PANTERA FC
PANTERA FA PANTHER 4000 PAN/CHE 5000 JAG 2000 JAG 3000
LYNXT LYNXS
Model AE50A2
AC50F2 AC44A3 AB50A3
AA28F3 AA34F3
AA28F2/F3 AB25F1
Type 2 cycle 2 cycle 2 cycle 2 cycle 2 cycle 2 cycle 2 cycle 2 cycle
No. of Cylinders 22 2 2222 1
Lubrication System Gas/Oil Mix Gas/Oil Mix GastOil Mix Gas/Oil
Mix Gas/Oil Mix Gas/Oil Mix Gas/Oil Mix Gas/Oil Mix
Manual Start Std. Std. Std. Std. Std. Std. Std. Std.
Electric Start Optional
N/A
Optional Optional Optional Optional
N/A N/A
Bore (mm) 70 70 65 70 54 60 54 70
(ln.)
2.756 2.756 2.559 2.756 2.126 2.362 2.126 2.756
Stroke (mm) 65 65 65 65 60 60 60 65
(in.)
2.559 2.559 2.559 2.559 2.362 2.362 2.362 2.559
Displacement (cc) 500 500 431 500 275 339 275 250
(CU in.) 30.50 30.50 26.29 30.50 16.77 20.67 16.77 15.25
Compression
Ratio 6.5:1 6.9:1 6.6: 1 6.5:1 6.5:1 6.8:1 6.5:1 6.8:1
Piston Ring
End Gap Wear (mm) 0.20 -0.83 0.20 - 0.83 0.15 - 0.80 0.20 - 0.83 0.15 - 0.80 0.15 - 0.80 0.15 - 0.80 0.20 - 0.83
Limit
(tn.) 0.008 - 0.033 0.008 - 0.033 0.006 - 0.031 0.008 - 0.033 0.006 - 0.031 0.006 - 0.031 0.006 - 0.031 0.008 - 0.033
Piston
Skirt/
Cylinder (mm) 0.05 - 0.06 0.05 - 0.06 0.05 - 0.06 0.05 - 0.06 0.04 - 0.06 0.04 - 0.06 0.04 - 0.06 0.05 - 0.06
Clearance"
(in.)
0.0020 . 0.0025 0.0020-0.0025 0.0020-0.0025 0.0020-0.0025 0.0015-0.0025 0.0015-0.0020 0.0015-0.0025 0.0020-0.0025
Piston Pin (rnrn) 18 18 18 18 16 16 16 18
Diameters
(in.)
0.7085-0.7087 0.7085-0.7087 0.7085-0.7087 0.7085-0.7087 0.6297-0.6299 0.6297-0.6299 0.6297-0.6299 0.7085-0.7087
Piston Pin (mm) 18 18 18 18 16 16 16 18
Bore Diameters
(in.) 0.7085-0.7089 0.7085-0.7089 0.7085-0.7089 0.7085-0.7089 0.6298-0.6301 0.6298-0.6301 0.6298-0.6301 0.7085-0.7089
Connecting Rod
Small End (mm) 23.00-23.03 23.00-23.03 23.00-23.03 23.00-23.03 21.00-21.01 21.00-21.01 21.00-21.01 23.00-23.03
Diameter
(in.) 0.9059-0.9067 0.9059-0.9067 0.9059-0.9067 0.9059-0.9067' 0.8268-0.8273 0.8268-0.8273 0.8268-0.8273 0.9059-0.9067
Connecting Rod (rnrn) 0.02-0.03 0.02-0.03 0.02-0.03 0.02-0.03 0.02-0.03 0.02-0.03 0.02-0.03 0.02-0.03
Radial Play (in.I 0.0008-0.0012 0.0008-0.0012 0.0008-0.0012 0.0008-0.0012 0.0008-0.0012 0.0008-0.0012 0.0008-0.0012 0.0008-0.0012
Crankshaft
[rnm)
0.05-0.10 0.05-0.10 0.05-0.10 0.05-0.10 0.05-0.10 0.05-0.10 0.05-0.10 0.05-0.10
End Play
(in.) 0.002-0.004 0.002-0.004 0.002-0.004 0.002-0.004 0.002-0.004 0.002-0.004 0.002-0.004 0.002-0.004
Crankshaft (mm) 0.05 0.05 0.05 0.05 0.06 0.05 0.05 0.05
Runout
(in.)
0.002 0.002 0.002 0.002 0.002 0.002 0.002 0.002
..... *The specifications in the abovechart are manufacturing tolerances. The piston skirt/cylinder clearance wear limit for all models is0.15 mm or 0.006 of an inch.