BOMBARDIER ski-doo elan 1973 User manual

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"Trademark Bombardier Limited

In 1957 and 1958, tests began on
what is considered the forerunner of the
Ski-Doo'. We experimented with many
different frames and enqines-i-in search
of a light machine for one or two pas-
sengers. By the fall of '58. the first pro-
totype was ready. Initial tests made it
obvious the machine could hold its own
in the recreation
market Production be-
gan one year later and 225 machines
were sold at about $1 ,000 each.
Like
it's predecessors the '73 Ski-Doo
snowmobile is a combination of light-
ness, economy, strength and depend-
ability And yet, with all this. it has one
other additional feature
... personality.
Each model in each senes has a com-
pleXity of characteristics that distin-
guishes itself as part of a bold breed
.. . the Ski·Coo snowmobiles,
At Bombardier. we fully realize that the
purchase of a snowmobile is a very im-
portant decision. For this reason. we
have ensured that each Ski-Doo snow-
mobile is backed up by an international
Ski-Doo Distributor and Dealer Network
whose factory trained personnel are
equipped to give you prompt and ef-
ficient service wherever you are in Snow
Country.
Furthermore, each dealer is prepared to
serve you with information, parts and
accessones Feel free to contact him
At this time we would like to thank you
for your patronage and welcome you to
Winter. Enjoy yourself but remember:
Safety depends on you. the driver. the
condition of your vehicle and nature of
the terrain.
All of the information, illustrations and
component! system descriptions con-
tained in this manual are correct at the
time of publication. However. Bomb-
ardier Limited reserves the right to
make changes in design and specifica-
tions.
and/ or to make additions to or
improvements in its products without
imposing any obligations upon itself to
install them on its products previously
manufactured.
This manual has been published by the
Technical Information Centre, Bomb·
ardier Limited. 8600 Decarie Blvd.
Montreal 307. Quebec. Canada
'Trademark Bombardier Limited

Skandlc
Carry-Boose
Bombardier
'The following are trade marks of Bomb-
ardier Limited.
Ski-Doo Valmont
Ski-Boose
T'NT
Nordic Elan
Alpine Blizzard
PATENTS and DESIGNS
This vehicle is covered by one or more of the Iol-
lOWing patents and desiqn registrations.
Canadian Patents
605.31 7 710.592
724,395 - 853,505
United States Patents 2.899242 ·3066546 -
3,536.153
Canadian Desiqns 01/217 F 128172 -D!! 249
F/31317 and '316 ·032,479·032,535-
032,655 to '657 . 032,661 to 669
33,982 -33,933 - 34,006 <mel '007
United States Desiqn Patents
Des. 221
,332 to '334 -
Des. 221,637 and '638
Des. 222,244 to '247
Others Swedish Design No. 6038 -
SWISS Desiqn No 104,756-
Norwegian Design No. 51 ,444
WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW
BEfORE fiRST RIDE 2
SERVICE AREAS 3
DO'S 4
DONT'S 5
GOOD DRIVING TECHNIQUE
6,1
CONTROlS/INSTRUMENTS 8,9
fUEL MIXING 10,11
BREAK-IN PERiOD,
PRE-START CHECK
12, 13
iN CASE Of EMERGENCY 13
STARTiNG PROCEDURE 14
lUBRiCATiON 15, 16, 11
MAINTENANCE 18, 19, 20,21,22
EMERGENCY GUIDE.. 23
TROUBLE SHOOTING 24, 25
Off SEASON STORAGE 26, 21,28
PRE SEASON PREPARATION.......29
SPECifiCATIONS 30, 31
WARRANTY 32

2
To many of us, Winter is a revealing ex-
perience. Weather, atmospheric condi-
tions, snow surfaces, individual driving
habits and vehicle usage have consider-
able effects We ask
that you familiarize
yourself with them
... read the owner's
manual; it 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 a more en-
joyable
Winter season.
Observe the following precautions:
• Throttle mechanism should be
checked for free movement before
starting engine.
• Engine should be running only
when
pulley guard is secured in place.
•Never run engine without drive belt
installed. Running an unloaded engine
can prove to be dangerous.
•Never run the engine at high RP.M.
when the track of the vehicle is raised
off the ground
• It can be dangerous to 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
• Gasoline IS flammable and explosive
under certain conditions. Always per-
form procedures in a well ventilated
area. Do not smoke or allow open
flames or sparks in the vicinity If gaso-
line fumes are noticed while driving, the
cause should be determined and cor-
rected
without delay.
•Under no circumstances should you
wear loose clothing or scarves
that
could become entangled with moving
parts of your snowmobile.
•Your snowmobile is not designed to
be operated on public streets, roads or
highways. In most States and Provinces,
it is considered an
illegal operation.
• Hidden telephone guy wires or road-
side ditches can
cause serious accidents.
• Your snowmobile is not designed to
be driven or operated on black top, bare
earth, or other abrasive surfaces. Abnor-
mal and excessive wear of critical parts
is inevitable.
•Always wear an approved snow-
mobile safety helmet. Be informed on
local laws legislating the sport.
•Maintain your vehicle in
top mechani-
cal condition at all times.
Please read and understand all other
warnings contained elsewhere in
this manual.

CANADIAN DISTRIBUTORS AMERICAN DISTRIBUTORS
TAYLOR EQUIPMENT CO Alaska
PO Box 3338, Anchorage,
Alaska
99501
Name of Distributors
ALPINE DISTRIBUTORS
3206 28th Ave, Vernon, BC
ATLANTIC SKI-DOO LTD
PO Box 670, Shediac. N,B
BOMBARDIER ONTARIO LTD,
28 Curne
St. Barrie Ont
BOMBARDIER QUE, LTD
1350 Nobel si.Boucherville, Que
BROOKS EQUIPMENT LTD
Box
9B5, Winnipeg 21, Man,
HUDSON'S BAY CO
121 Richmond
W,
Toronto.Dnt
JWRANDALL LTD,
PO Box 757, Corner Brook,
Newbundland
TRACT EQUIPMENT LTD,
14325 - 114th Ave,
Edmonton, Alta
Coverage Area
British Columbia
Prince Edward Island
Magdalen Island
Nova Scotia
New Brunswick
Ontario
Quebec
Manitoba
Saekatchowan
North-West
rerritories
Newfoundland
Yukon
Alberta
Name of Distributor!!
BOMBARDiER EAST INC.
Railroad Si.. Lee,
Massachusetts
01238
BOMBARDIER WEST INC,
609 West Broadway,
Idaho Falls, Idaho
83401
ELLIon &HUTCHINS INC,
East Main Street Road,
Malone, New York
12953
Coverage Area
Massachusetts
Connecticut
Rhode Island
California New
Mexico
Nevada Arizona
Montana Kansas
Idaho Nebraska
Wyoming Washington
Utah Oregon
Colorado
New York
Pennsvlvanis
New Jersey
Maryland
Delaware
District of Columbia
Virginia
HALVORSON INCORPORATED
325 South Lake Avenue,
Duluth 2, Minn 55802
HEATH INTERNATIONAL INC
33737 - 32 Mile Road,
Richmond,
Mich 48062
TIMBERLAND MACHINES INC
10 Main si.North, Lancaster,
New Hampshire 03584
North Dakota
South Dakota
Minnesota
Wisconsin
Iowa
Illinois
MIssouri
Upper Michigan
Lower Michigan
Indiana
Ohio
Tennessee
Kentucky
WVirginia
Maine
New Hampshire
Vermont
3

4
4& Register your Ski-Doo snowmobile at
your nearest Licensing Bureau, where
State or Provincial Laws require it, and
affix Registration Plate to the vehicle.
Carry your registration certificate with
you It provides proof of ownership In
the event
that the vehicle becomes lost
or stolen.
•Obtain your State or Provincial book-
let on snowmobiling. It gives valuable
information on the neighbouring snow-
mobile trails and the laws governing
snowmobiling In your particular area.
• Observe all posted snowmobile signs
Not all private landowners allow snow-
mobiling on their property You can
have Just as
much fun, even more so, by
traveling elsewhere.
• When with others, limit your actions
to the experience of the main body
Show the Inexperienced driver
how to
properly handle a snowmobile.
• Always travel with at least one other
snowmobile, especially in unfamiliar ter-
rain or on trail rides Even in snow-
mobiling, a pair beats one of a kind
• If you are planning to explore new
areas, leave word of your approximate
whereabouts and estimated time of re-
turn with someone.
•Always make a full stop then look
carefully in both directions before cross-
ing roads When traveling in pairs or in a
group, have one
member direct the oth-
ers across singly.
8
• Use a riqid hitch or tow-bar when pull-
Ing any sled or trailer behind your Ski-
Doo snowmobile. Rigid hitches prevent
tailgate collision when going downhill or
on sudden stops.
• Be extremely careful when aiving chil-
dren a ride Go more slowly ~nd check
frequently Small children, are far safer
In a Ski-Boose" sled than on the seat of
your snowmobile.
• When trailerinq your Ski-Doo snow-
mobile, secure it solidly at both ends,
protect It with abright cover (Sk:-Doo*
cover) then check
that trailer hitch and
safety chain are secure and that brake
flashers, position and parking lights
ar~
all in working order.
"Trademark Bombardier Limited

• Don't cut across in front of the line of
travel of another snowmobile.
Don't tail-
gate; collision, or the threat of It, is
serious with any moving vehicle.
•
Don't risk injury or damage to your
machine with needless and foolish
stunting Don't "jump" your snow-
mobile This part of snowmobiling
should be left to the professional
"stunt" men.
•Never ride on railway tracks. The
sound of your moving vehicle down
out noise of approaching trains Your
vehicle may also become caught in
track Junctions In many States and
Provinces snowmobiling on railway
tracks constitutes an infraction of the
law.
• Never cut through fences or
attempt
to run over them.
•
Don't cross a river or lake without first
being positive that the thickness of the
ice is sufficient to support both you and
your vehicle Your life may depend on
it. If at all In doubt. take an alternate
route.
• Unless you are certain of a fueling
stop, never travel further than
Y2 of the
fuel remaining
In your tank. Even then,
leave yourself asafety margin Remem-
ber that asnowmobile does not neces-
sarily travel the same distance each
time on the same amount of fuel. A lot
depends on speed, snow conditions of
the trail and adjustment of the
carburetor.
•
Don't drive your snowmobile in the vi-
cinity of skiers and keep off ski trails. Al-
ways respect the rights of those who
enJOY Winter in another way
• "If you drink don't snowmobile! If
you snowmobile,
don't drink!" Re-
member alcohol and qasoline don't mix.
• Don't lend your snowmobile to
inexperienced or under-age drivers In
many cases it IS the vehicle owner and
not the rider that is responsible for
mishaps. Check State or Provincial min-
imum age limits for drivers.
•
Don't leave your keys in the ignition
switch. It presents an Invitation to
thieves and a danger to children.
•
Don't get hands or feet in track or
moving parts. If your vehicle gets
"bog-
ged" down, stand to one side, squeeze
the throttle lightly, lift the rear grab
handle, and walk out the machine
5

6
Everyone knows, or should know, the
difference
between a good snowmobiler
and a
poor one Most beginners think
that snowmobiling is Just a matter of
starting the engine and nding away
It's
not so There are right and wrong ways
to go
about it. Here are some of the pre-
ferred methods.
Tips
Where possible, enter asnowmobile
training program. Thoroughly
know your
vehicle and
how to drive it before at-
tempting difficult or rapid manoeuvers.
Driving Positions.
There are three driving positions on a
snowmobile-Standing, Kneeling or Sit-
ting Each presents certain advantages
depending on the nature of the terrain,
snow conditions, the turns you desire or
the personal preference of the driver
Standing-This position is undoubtedly
the best for climbing steep hills, trav-
eling ashort
stretch of bumpy trail or
when manoeuvering In deep snow In
this position, however, always keep your
knees slightly flexed to absorb surface
shocks
Kneeling-crossing asteep slope, for
example,
from side to side, you will find
the kneeling position adefinite advan-
tage Place one
foot on the footboard
(on the high side of the hill), the oppo-
site knee on the seat then lean into the
hill.
Warning: Side hills and steep slopes are
not recommended for a beginner.
An alternate recommended kneeling po-
sition and one
that is frequently used, is
to place
both knees on the seat, with
one foot on each side, loosely pressing
against the seat.

Sitting-for all normal driving Feet
should be on the footboards, body mid-
way back on the seat
Avoid placing
your foot inside the support braces of
the footboard.
Warning: 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.
Turning.
To snowmobile properly you must learn
to
"body english", (using the weight or
position of your body). Shifting
to left or
right as the turn demands and keeping
your center of gravity as
low as possible
will give you the mark of an experienced
snowmobiler
Moving your body
weight toward the
front of the vehicle, particularly In hard-
packed snow. adds pressure to the skis
and ski run so that they bite more
deeply Into t
now surface.
Icy Surface.
Ice or extremely hard-packed snow can
be difficult to negotiate as both skis and
track do not have much traction. Best
advice IS to slow down and avoid rapid
acceleration or braking.
Deep Snow.
Use the standing position recom-
mended earlier and if your vehicle con-
tinues to make reasonable headway, re-
sponding to light changes In
acceleration, you are safe enough to ex-
plore
new areas If not, turn In as Wide
an arc as possible and look for firmer
trails
7

8
Steering
Rotation of the handlebar causes a
push-pull action on the steering linkage
and forces the skis to turn In the re-
quired direction Incorporated in the
crash padded 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
engine speed and the engagement of
the transmission. When lever is re-
leased the engine speed returns auto-
matically to Idle
Brake lever (B)
Located on left side of handlebar When
lever is depressed, the brake is applied
When released, it automatically returns
to its original position. Braking effect is
proportionate to the applied pressure on
the lever.
Ignition/ lights Switch (C)
(Manual Models only)
Key
operated, 3 position switch
(OFF/ ON / LIGHTS) To start engine,
first turn key clockwise to ON position.
To stop engine, turn key counter-clock-
wise to OFF position. Turning key fully
clockwise, with engine running, illumi-
nates both headlamp and taillight
Ignition/ lights Switch
(Electric Model only)
Key
operated, 4 position switch
(OFF/L1GHTS/ON/START) To start
engine, turn key fully clockwise to
START position and hold Return key to
ON position immediately engine has
started. To illuminate both headlamp
and taillight turn key to LIGHTS
position.
Headlamp Dimmer Switch (D)
The dimmer switch. located on left side
of handlebar, allows correct selection of
headlamp beam. To obtain HI or Low
beam Simply depress switch.
Note: The angle of your headlamp
beam has been pre-adjusted prior to de-
livery Should you wish readjustment.
remove headlamp chrome ring and turn
upper or lower adjusting screws to ob-
tain desired beam position
Kill Button (E)
A push button switch located on right
side of handlebar. For emergency stops,
press button down into
lower position.
Before re-starting engine always de-
press
button Into released upper
position.
The driver of this vehicle should familiar-
ize himself
with the function of this de-
vice by using it several times on first