BOMBARDIER Ski-Doo Alpine 74 1959 User manual

1959
THE YEAR
OF OUR MILLIONTH
MACHINE
Wewish J. Armand Bombardier could be around to see that
millionth machine come off the production line this year. What
would the inventor of the snowmobile think about todav's jet-
age styling? Or the incredible technical advances under the
sleek cowling? We
think he'd be amazed -- and proud.
In this year of the
millionth machine, J. Armand Bombardier
would have a lot to be proud about. First of all, a million is an
impressive number
of machines. But there's something more
important than quantity. The Ski-Doo* line-up of today reflects
all the experience and
know-how gained from the making of a
million machines.
At Bombardier, we've had time to learn all the tricks of
power and flotation. We've found out the pitfalls of operating
an engine in freezing
conditions over every conceivable winter
terrain. And our experience shows. It shows in Ski-Doo* styling,
performance and dependability.
Another thing our founder wouldn't recognize is the factory.
From its start in a small garage, it's grown into the most advanced
snowmobile factory in the world. Bombardier employs designers,
engineers, specialists and craftsmen by the thousand.
They put
every Ski-Doo* through its paces, both in the versatile test labora-
tory, and on our outdoor speed track.
We've discovered
that the best testing ground of all is the race
track. We're in racing
not only to win, but to learn. This year,
we've been able to make some
pretty impressive technical improve-
ments
to all our machines -- improvements made on the track to
help
you on the trail.
It adds up to a machine you can depend on, all the time. Your
Ski-Doo* will give you excellent performance in all weathers, on
all terrains.
Look after it well, and it will serve you well. Your
Ski-Doo dealer is always ready with information, parts and acces-
sories. He is backed up by an international Ski-Doo
distributor
and Dealer network whose factory trained personnel are equipped
to give
you prompt and efficient service wherever you are in
snow
country.
Ride safe ... and have fun!
Laurent Beaudoin
President
Bombardier Limited
•Registered Trademark of Bombardier Limited

Bombardier
Elite
Everest
'The following are trademarks of Bombardier
Limited.
Ski-Doc J'NT
Ski-Boose Eilin
Nord~ Siizzard
Alpine Cllrry·Boose
PATENTS lind DeSIGNS
This vehicle is covered by one or more of the
foHowing patents and design registrations.
Canadian Patents: 605, 317 . 710, 592·724,
395 853, 505 . 895, 749 ·897,747· !314,
457 . 916, 204
United States Patents: 2,899.242·3,066,546·
3.536,153 . 3,637.254 • 3,666.323 .
3,673,884 . 3,693,884 . 3,693,992 .
3,104,9'11:1.
Cam,,;!ian Designs: 01/217 F!28172 ·01/249
1=/31317 and 316 ·D32,479 . D32,535 .
D32,655 to 657 • 032,661 to '669 . 33,982
·34,000 end '007.
United DeSign Patents:
Des. 221,332 to '334·
Des 221,637 and '638·
Des. 222,244 to '247
Others: Design No. 6038·
SWiss No. 104,756·
Norwegian De~i!ln No. 51,444.
Other patent and design application. pending.
WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW
BEFORE FIRST RIDE 2
SERVICE AREAS 3
CONTROLS/INSTRUMENTS 4, 5
FUEL
MIXING , 115, 1
BREAK-IN PERIOD .1
-----------------
PRE-START CHECK 8
STARTING PROCEDURE 9
lUBRICATION , 10.11, 12
MAINTENANCE ,13,14,15,16,11
EMERGENCY GUIDE.. , 11
TROUBLE SHOOTING 18, 19
Off-SEASON STORAGE 20. 21
PRE-SEASON PREPARATION..22
SPECifiCATIONS 23
WARRANTY 24

other
in
parts of your snowmobi!e.
• Your snowmobfie is not designed to
be operated on public streets. road or
highways. In most Statesand Provinces,
it
is considered an inegal operation.
lID Hidden telephone guy wires or road-
Side ditches ca n cause serious
accidents.
• Your snowmobite is not designed to
be or operated on black top. bare
or ather abrasive surfaces. Abner-
excessive wear of critical parts
can prove
to be dangerous.
cNever run the engine at high R.P.M.
when the tracks of the vehicle are raised
off the ground.
cIt can be dangerousto run engine with
the cab open..
.. Prolonged sitting while ridIng over
rough terrain may cause kidney
and! or
spinal discomfort. specially for the driver
or passenger having an existing back
weakness.
dI Gasoline is
under certain cOlnditions.
procedures in a ventilated Do
not smoke or allow open flames or sparks
in the vicinity. If gasoline fumes are no-
ticed while driving, the
cause should be
and corrected without delay.
110 should you
or
scarves that
entanqled with moving
To many of us. Winter is a revealing ex-
penance. Weather. atmospheric condi-
tions. snow surfaces. mdividual dnving
habits and vehicle usage have consider-
able affects. We ask
that you familiarize
yourself with them
... read the owner's
manual; tt has been prepared to ac-
quaint you
with the operation of your ve-
hicle. its safety aspects and systems as
well as preventative maintenance
procedures that must be periodically
upheld
... all aimed toward amore en-
jovable Winter season
Observe tile following prEtcaution:s:
• Throttle mechanism should be
checked for free movement
before
starting engine
• Engine should be running onty when
pulley is secured In place
• Never run engine without drive belt
installed. an unloaded
2

CANADIAN DISTRIBUTORS
BOMBARDIER QUE LTD Quebec
1350 Nobel St Bouchervilie. Que.
AMERICAN DISTRIBUTORS
Moine
New Hampshire
Vermont
North Dakota
South Dakota
Minnesota
Wisconsin
Iowa
M!SSOUri
Upper Michigan
ininois
Lower Michigan
Indiana
Ohio
Tennessee
Kentucky
\AI Virginia
TIMBERLAND MACHINES INC.
10 Mam SI North, Lancaster.
New Hampshire 03584
HALVORSON iNCORPORATED
325 South Lake Avenue.
Duluth 2, Minn.
55802
HEATH INTERNATIONAL INC.
33737 ~ 32 Mile Road.
Richmond, Mleh
48062
New York
Coverage Area
Massachusetts
Connecticut
Rhcde Island
Cahforma New Mexicc
Nevada Amana
Montana Kansas
Idaho
Wyoming W'l$hi,ng·ton
Utah Oregon
Colorado
CRAIG TAYLOR EQUIPMENT CO. Alaska
P.O. Box 3338. Anchorage,
Alaska
99501
ELliOTT & HUTCHiNS INC
Ea3t BAain Street
Malone. New York 1
Name of Distributors
BOMBARD!ER EAST INC
Railroad St. Lee,
Massachusetts 01238
BOMBARDIER WEST iNC
609 West Broadway,
Idaho Falls, idaho 83401
Coverage Area
British Columbia
Prince Edward Island
Magdalen lsland
Nova Scotia
New Brunswick
Ontario
Yukon
Alberta
Manitoba
Saskatchewan
Ncrtb-vvest
Territories
Newfoundland
HUDSON'S BAY CO.
121 Richmond \AI.
Tororrto.Dnt.
\AI RA.NDALL LTD
Box
757. Comer Brook.
Newfoundland
BROOKS EQUIPMENT LTD.
Box 985. \Ninnlpeg 21. Man.
EQUIPMENT LTD
114th Ave,
Edmonton. ,1>,1ta
Name of Distributors
ALPINE DISTRIBUTORS
3206 ~ 28th Ave. Vernon. BC
ATLANTIC SKI~DOO LTD
PO Box 670. Shediac N.B.
BOMBARDIER ONTARIO LTD
28 Currie St. Barrie. Ont.
3

4
Steering
Rotation of the handlebar causes a push
pul! action on the linkage and
forces the ski to turn in required di-
rection. Incorporated In the crash pad-
ded handlebar are the dimmer switch,
kill button, brake and throttle levers.
Throttle lever (A)
Located on right Side of handlebar
When depressed, the lever controls the
!!;nml'leSl::IlQfl'l.1 and the engagement of
the tnll'Ulmisslion. When lever is re-
leased speed returns automat-
ically to
Brake Lever
Located on Side of handlebar. When
lever is depressed, the brake is applied
When released, it automatically returns
to its effect is
appued pressure on
Ignition flight Switch (C)
(Manual Models only)
Key
operated, 3 position switch
(OFFION I LIGHTS). To start engine,
first turn key clockwise to ON position
To stop engine, turn key counter-clock-
wise to OFF position. Turning key fu!ly
clockwise with engine running, illumi-
nates both headlamp and taillight.
Ignition flight Switch
iElectnc Models
Keyed, 4 position swit ch.
(OFFI ION/START). To start
engine, turn key fully clockwise to
START position and hold Return key to
m~ position immediately has
started To Illuminate both
and taillight turn key to LiG
position.
Headlamp Dimmer Switch (D)
The dimmer switch, located on [eft side
of handlebar, allows correct selection of
headlarnp beam To obtain Hi or Low
beam simply depress switch
Note: The angle of your headlarnp
beam has been pre-adjusted prior to de-
livery Should you Wish readjustment,
remove headlamp chrome and turn
or lower adjusting screws to ob-
desired beam position
Kill Button
A. button switch located on
of
handlebar For emergency stops,
press button down into
lower oosition
Before re-startmp engine always de-
press button into released upper
driver of this vehicle should familiar-
ize himself
with the function of this de-
vice It several times on first
tnerebv being rnentallv prepared

for emergency situations Its
use. After such a situation. the source of
malfunction should be determined and
corrected before re-starting enqrne
Manual Starter (F)
Auto-rewind type located at lower fight
side of console To start enqme. pull
handle (See
Starting Procedure)
Choke (G)
Apush-puli button, Pull button to en-
choke, push to The
should always be easier
cold starts After engine is
warmed up however, It 1$ oat necessary
to use choke when ~tFlrt,nn
Gear Sh.ift lever (H)
A 3 position. (FORWARD I PARK/ RE-
VERSE) gear shift lever. Push
lip for for-
ward,
center for park and down for
reverse.
Warning: Ilo not activate gear shift
lever while snowmobile is in motion.
Never run the engine $'1: .highR.P .M
when lever is in park position .
Acces$Ooor (J)
To gaul access to the carburetor or
spark plugs, lift pressure lock
tab and
pull open access door. To adjust
device
turn nut In required direction
Fuel Gauge
Graduated dipstick gauge with screw on
fuel cap. Unscrew cap and with-
draw to check fuel level.
Seat Compartment
RAn1tl\!A backrest ana tilt seat Ideal lo-
cation for spare plugs, belt, rope, etc.
Tips
Erne ncv materials should be
in foam or similar materiel
possible damage to
when over
terrain.

fuel Mixing Procedure
To mix the gasoline and oil always use a
separate clean
container, Never mix
directly in your snowmobile tank For
best results,
acquire two containers, ei-
ther plastic or metal. Draw from one un-
til empty then use the second one.
Warning: Gasoline is flammable and
under certain conditions.
AI\lvI)I'li's pl9rtc:)rm pr()cs,dures il1 a well
ve;nti!at.ad area. 110t smoke or al-
low flames or sparks in the vi-
cinity. gasoline fumes are noticed
while driving, the cause should be
determined and corrected without
Never add fuel whil~ is
5recommended 1
can oil ce correct fuel mixture.
Note: To facilitate fuel mixing, ali
should be kept at room temperature.
Caution: The carburetors of the 1974
Ski-Doo snowmobile have been calibrated
for a mixture of gasolineand concentrated
Ski-Doo oil.
Unless absolutely necessary, do not use
regular
snowmobile oil. if such oil is
used, observe
mixmg instructions on the
container Never use outboard or
strarqnt mineral oils
Fuel Ratio
The importance of uSing the correct fuel
mixture
cannot be overstressed Prior
experience has shown that an incorrect
fuel ratio results in serious dam-
age. The correct fuel/oil ratio is
With Ski-Doo snowmobiles, the oil must
be added to the gasoline in pre-mea-
sured amounts then both oil and gaso-
line should be thoroughly mixed to-
gether before the tank
Which Gasoline to Use
The correct gasoline
(not less
than 92 octauer,
all service stations,
Caution: Never cv .... or;m"n+ with other
than recommended or fuel ratios,
Never use no lead gasolinet', naphta.
methanol or similar products,
Which Oil to Use
Use ooooemrated Ski-Doo
oil available
from 'lour Ski-Doo dealer. This type of
oil has formulated oil bases to
meet the lubrication of the
Bombard ier-Rotax
6

1. Pour approximately one gallon of gas·
cline into adean container.
2. Add the ful~ amount of concentrated
Ski-Doo oil.
3. Shake the container thoroughly.
4. Add the remainder of the oasoline.
5. Once again
thoroughly ~ the
container. Using a funnel a fine
mesh screen to prevent the entry of water
and particles, transfer mixture
from into the snowmobile tank.
Note: When
ways shake the "rtrtB""">r
the oil has a to settle.
fuel, al-
as
Warning: Never 'toP beiore
placing vehic§e in a wartnarea. At cet~in
temperatures, gasoline will exPiloo and
overflow.
fuel consumption
A good Idea is for you to rate the fuel
consurnptron of snowmobile at the
first with a full fuel
tank, your departure
then note time until tank is
halt-full. on different oc:caSIC7l1S
a mean average of
With Ski-Doo snowmobile engines. a
break-in is
before run-
the vehicle at throttle. Manu-
facturer's recommendation for the
Bombardier-Borax engine is 10 to 15
hours During this period.
maximum throrne shoutd not exceed %.
However. brief full accelerations and
variations contribute to a
Continued Wide ooen throttle
accelerations, prolonged' "cruisinq
are detrimental our-
After the breaK-,n period. we suggest
that each Ski-Doo snowmobile has an
check This is at
the
dis:cr~i'tic"1 and expense of the ve-
hide owner.
7

~ . ----'Er --- - ... ---._-_. --._--------_.
have been drilled,
Tips
raisinc the outer attachment of the
wheel sets vehicle manoeuverabil-
deep snow wiil increase. You will
note
that there are partially drilled
holes, located approx. 1
%" above the
original cross shaft holes of the frame
To reposition bogie wheel sets, drill
holes fully through using a
~;'~fI dia drill.
Remove rews securing bogie
wheel cross to frame and reinstall
in
new position.
Throttle and Brake
Depress and release levers several
times to check that they operate eaSIly
and smoothly. The throttle lever should
return
to the idle position when re-
leased The brake lever should be fully
applied when it has mimmum clearance
from the handlebar Main-
tenance, If the do not re-
turn swiftly, remove cables and/or
and replace Re-check lever
Fuel Tank Quantity
Check that there is sufficient fuel in the
tank for your trip Agood habit to ac-
quire IS to refiii the tank before
starting
out each day
Since mixed fuel has a
tendency to
settle overnight, agitate the fuel in the
ta nk by standing on the footboards and
rocking the vehicle from side to side.
Steering Operation
Check operation of steering mechanism
by moving the ski several times from
side to side. if roughness or is
felt, check for ice or snow that mav
blocking the mechanism
8

is difficult to start, contin-
only lead to a 'flooded'
not started after the first
appe,Hs ready to start re-
position. Depress
and try to start the
sible cause.
the
removed or
clockwise until
3.
throttle lever "Ht"",V
4 Turn
starter engages.
Ca,utiefl: Do not en'qa~le starter longer
seconds. does not
start on first key must turned fully
to OFF each time. starter to
cool for 2 mH1utes
5 Release throttle and immedi-
9

FrE~CiUllnc:y of lubrication
It is recommended that the
mechanism and be lubricated
monthly' or after every 40 hours of
However, if the vehicle is
operated in wet snow, the suspension and
steering system should be lubricated more
Cab Remova!
Unlock latches disconnect iunction
block at of remove
fuel tank cap and lift cab.
WiIlH1Iinj!;: It can be to nm
enginl6with cab off.
Guard Removal
Remove cab.
2. Pullout retaining clip and push on
spring bolt to disengage pin from
bracket.
3. Move pulley
toward front of ve-
hicle to disengage it from bracket.
Engine should be rorming
pulley is secured
Drive Belt Removal
1. Remove cab and
2. Remove half cotter
brake adjusting screw
brake housing from lower
3. Remove the two
lower disc brake bracket
Disconnect
switch connector.
the brake bracket half a
push the sliding half then hold in open
oosition
[) Slip the belt out from the drive pulley
and remove from vehicle by passing it
under the driven pulley and disc brake
assembly.
6. To install drive belt follow reverse
procedure Check brake adjustment
WIUfllin!f:J: Never run the with-
out drive bait installed. an
unloaded can prove to be
10
turn.
4. the driven Twist and

Steering Mechanism
light machine
spring located on
housing,
contact
steering arm,
dipped in low
steering arm ball
at on~::l.~"::' 1~I'ffjin ...
the
each
ap"llalrs at the
the
on its
Or€lSSIJre or: track to ex-
"'"''):!''' Also grease rear

Drival"l
With removed, grease the driven
pulley shaft as follows
1. Remove pulley guard and
drive belt. Open the driven pulley,
and twist sliding half).
2Thoroughly clean the driven pulley
shaft.
3Apply a coat of iow-temo
on the Always lubricate
and wipe off surplus.
Note: Activate the half several
times to distribute lubricant over ful!
of shaft Be careful that lubricant
does not get on inner halves of
plug hole.
3. Thoroughly clean the inner pulley
shaft using fine steel wool and a clean
cloth.
4. Apply alight coat of approved grease
to the four (4) flyweights of the cerrtrltu-
governor.
5 Install spring and outer half, Making
sure that the mark on inner
half With the aligning
of the outer pack inside
shaft
6 machine oil, the
governor bolt threads and install gover-
nor. bolt to 33AO
ftllbs
Note: Installation IS reversed
im::1 .rmo that the rope is Inserted into
cvliinejer when is %" ap-
top dead center.
Wlill'nling;: Make that the gover~
i$ before rill-
mo"in~ rope trOin c,f!in(~er,
rAntr,t"n~1 governor as
plugs and position
TO.) piston %" to
dead center,
closes
«> manual starter to rotate crank-
shaft until bears
Drive Puiiey
Note: The drive pulley "f the Alpine
640ER modal is self-lubricating and re-
manual lubrication only at
storage.
1. Remove cab and pulley guard then
off drive belt.
bott. remove
centrifl.ligal governor, outer haif and
12 pull rope from

Burnt
13

14
(W2) Ba'tlerv
Remove battery caps then check elec-
trolyte level at each cell. Electrolyte
level must touch
bottom of filler hole. If
necessary, add distilled water.
(W3) Suspension Springs
With engine off, visually inspect suspen-
sion springs any weak or bro-
ken spring.
(W4) Tracks
Lift rear of vehicle and support it off the
UiCIUflU. Place gearshift lever in forward
nosrtion. With off, rotate tracks
hand and inspect condition. if bad
cuts or track inserts are noted,
seeyour dealer.
Note: Without these inserts continua!
abrasion would wear and cut the track
reotace a or
as soon as possible.
(W5) Track Tension and Alignment
Lift the rear of vehicle and support it off
the ground. Using a rule, check track
tension.
On Alpm8 model, check measure at the
second set of bogie wheels from rear.
The tension of each track should be
21;4" ±Va" between inside of
track and bottom of footboard
To adjust track use the
procedure:
1. Loosen link plate spring lock nuts (4)
located on inner side of link
springs
2. Tum outer side adjuster OOlt(s) dock-
wise to trackts). counter-crock-
wise to slacken
3. Start and allow tracks to ro-
tate Check If tracks are well
centered tum on the rear
sprockets. The distance between track
edges and Imkplates should be equal.
To correct:
1. Tum inner side adjuster bolt(s) coun-
ter-clockwise to track closer to
center link plateis). clockwise to
withdraw track(s) from link !JlcHtlll:>1
2. Tighten link plate spring nuts.
3 Rotate tracks slowly and recheck
Warning: Before track
a~ignment, ensure that the is
free of aU part§ciea which could be
thrown out while track is rotating.
Kelip feet and clear
·oftrack.

Air Siiencer Box
Lecated in the front section of the stor-
compartment. When the
15

5
(W1) Drive Belt Condition
With engine off, inspect drive belt. If
belt is less tha n18 II wide or if It shows
abnormal or uneven
wear it should be
replaced,
Note: Probable cause of abnormal wear
is pulley misalignment. Contact your
dealer
(Wa) Drive Chain Tenslon
Run vehicle forward so that true free-
play can be taken. Check tension then
turn driven pulley V2 turn counter-clock-
wise and recheck Starting from max-
imum reading, adjust chain tension to
% II free-play.
1. Remove capscrew locking chain ten-
sioner in place. is located at
bottom left of gear box).
2. Rotate the tensioner as to
obtain correct chain tension.
3. capscrew to lock chain ten-
sioner place.
(M 1) Carburetor Flange Nuts
After the first· 2hours of operation,
check tightness of carburetor flange
nuts. Open
tab locks, tighten nuts and
close tab locks
Caution: Tab locks must be replaced
afteropening
them three times.
(M2) Brake
Brake should be fully applied when lever
is
1" from handlebar To adjust:
1 With cab removed. slacken cable
lock nut located at cable end nearest
frame. Manoeuver the lower brake lever
and brake cable until the pushers
are seated directly in the
'cam" of
brake lever. Lock cable in position.
2. Tighten the caliper' nut until a
disc/puck friction is felt. Back off nut
slightly.
3 Check of brake.
Note: Always check the stop light to
see if it functions after performing brake
adjustment To adjust, loosen stop-light
switch lock nuts and adjust to proper
length.
(M3) Steering Adjustment
Ski should be perpendicular to handle-
bar. To align
1. Remove bolt securing handlebar to
steenng column.
2. Remove handlebar to expose splined
end of steering column.
3. Reposition handlebar on splines so
that it is perpendicular with ski. Install
and fully tighten
bolt
{M4} EnGineHead Nuts
After the first 5 hours of operation, check
that engineheadnuts are tight and
torqued (16 to 18
ft/lbs when
Repeat monthly.

(M5) Engine Mount Nuts
With cab and console removed, check
engine mount nuts. Retighten if
necessary.
(M6) Vehicle General Inspection
With cab removed. check electrical wir-
and components, retighten loose
connections. Check for stripped wires or
darnaqed insulation Repair or replace
as necessary Thoroughly inspect the
vehicle and tighten loose bolts, nuts and
install cab and clean the
Burnt light Bulb
If headlamp is burnt
remove cab. Unfasten
clips.
Detach bulb and replace
light is burnt, expose bulb by
removing
red plastic lens. To remover unscrew
two (2) Phillips head screws.
Note: Before replacing bulb, check con-
dition of fuse.
Broken Throttle
Remove
Check fever nn,,,,r,,,t,nn
the end of erner-
and
wind rope
Pull vigorously as
See your dealer
f starter unit.
tools which the
you should also
P"rhr,,,,,,, Phers-i-Adjust-
t'luq--urive belt-
\Q--Startina and tow-
spare

may be worn or out of adiustrnent.Contact 'lour dealer.
mixture. Check for possible
Maintenance Section) If car-
cap then hold wire
starting procedure and if no
not
attempt to repair. Contact
contact your dealer Seizure IS a direct result of
Drain the fuel tank and refill With the correct gas / Oil mixture
Remove and clean the fuel filter. Change filter cartridge if necessary Check condi-
tion and connections of fuel lines. Check the cleanliness of the fuel tank. Clean tank
if necessary. Fuel Tank, Section).
First make primary on
carburetor
burstor is stil! faulty. contact your dealer for
._----_._---------
In the case of a seized
poor lubrication
Humlling with a lean fuel mixture may excessive wear ''''''''Wl''':-J in
enQl()8
comoression.It this occurs, contact your dealer at once.
Disengage choke, wait 60 seconds or more then depress
throttle lever tully
and try to start Release throttle lever after engine starts.
What To Do
Check the tank level and fill up with correct
cl099m9 of fuel line, item 5
Check for fouled or defective spark plug. Disconnect spark plug wire. unscrew
plug and remove from cvlinder head. Reconnect Wire and ground exposed plug on
engine head, careful to hold away from spark hole. Follow start-
check for if no sparks appear, replace plug If
"n, ,hi:", persists, chec k item 3
18