BOMBARDIER ski-doo Nordic 640ER 1974 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 isan
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 serveyou 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

Itns rnenuet has been nnhli.coh,C2rfh\l
Technical lntormation Center
Service Department
BC)~vlBA,R[)IER LIMITED
Valcourt. P,O. Canada"
Bomberdier
Elite
Everest
*The following are trademarks of Bombardier
Lirnited.
Ski-Doo
Ski·Boose
Nordic Blizzard
Alpine Carry·Boos'!!
PATENTS and DESIGNS
This vehiCle is cover-ed by one or more of the
following patents and design registrations.
Canadian Patents: 605, 317 . 710, 592· 724,
395··853,505·895,749·891,747 914,
457·916,204
United States Patents; 2,899,242· 3,066,546 .
3,536, 53 . 3,637,254 . 3.666,323 .
3,673,884 . 3,693,884 . 3,693,992
3,704,918.
Cenadian De£igns: 01/217 F/28172 ·Dl/249
F/31317 end 316" -032;479 - 032,535 -
D32,655 to 657 . D32,661 to '669 33,982
·33,933 34,006 and '007,
United States Design Patents:
Des. 221,332 to '334-
Des 221.637 and '638·
Des. 222,244 to '247
Others: Swedish Design :--·jo. 6038-
Swiss Design No. 104;756-
Norvvegl2n Des!-;;n No. 5'1,,444.
Other patent and dastgn appHcations pending.
WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW
BEFORE fiRST RmE 2
SERViCE AREAS ,
:3
DO'S ,..".." 4
DONT'S " , 5
GOOD DRIViNG TECHNiQUE 6,1
CONTROLSIiNSTRUMENTS 8.9
FUEL MiXING " 10,1 '1
BREAK-iN PERiOD,
PRE·START CHECK 12,13
iN CASE Of EMERGENCY 13
STARTING PROCEDURE " 14
LUBRICATION m15,16
MAINTENANCE 8,19,20,21
w • _
EMERGENCY GUIDE ......m ••• 22
TROUBLE SHOOTING
23,24
OFF SEASON
STORAGE "
GiJ, • .e:.'U"e:,u ,,::,u
Ali TiJ!,ts rese,vecl 'L-Boml':;:mJier Limited 1973

to
road or
it
@ Your snowmobile is not ri",,,irmr-,ri
be driven or on black
earth. or other abrasive surfaces,
mal and excessive wear of critical parts
is inevitable
o
mobile
iocal laws the
@ Maintain your vehicle in top mechani-
cal condition at ail times.
Please read and understand all other
contained elsewh:ere in
this mar-Ill,,!.
parts of your snowmobile
@Your snowmobile is not desionec
be on streets,
ruqnwavs. In most States and Pr,;,.:,.".-,oo
is considered an operation.
e
Hidden guy Wires or road-
side ditches can cause serious
aceidents.
over
and/or
driver
backOf passenger
weakness
$Gasoline is f!amrnable and
under certain conditions.
in a weil 'ventilated area. Do
not smoke or allow open flames or sparks
;n the fumes are no-
the cause should be
determined and corrected without
e Under no circl.lmst1:lrlc6$ should you
,,'lear loose or scarves that
could become
erun the engine at R.P.M.
when the tracks of the vehicle are raised
off the
@ it can be dangerous to run with
the cab open.
without drive belt
an unloaded
that
must be
. ali aimed toward a more en-
season
tions. snow surfaces,
habits and vehicle have consider-
able affects VVe ask you familiarize
yourself with them. , . i"Slad the owner's
manual: has been to ac-
you vVlththe operation of
your ve-
its aspects and as
as nce
To many of us, Winter is a revealinq ex,
Weather, condi-
@ Throttle mechanism should be
checked for free movement before

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Ski-Doo
at both enos.
trader hitch and
cham are secure and that brake,
fiashers, and parking I are
a~! ~ n
protect
®Use a hitch or tow-bar when
any sled or trailer behind
your Ski-
snowmobile. Rhitches prevent
collision when
downhill or
on sudden stops.
e Be careful
when chli-
ride more and check
Small chlloren, are far safer
e:,r~.i-tlOO:3e sled than on the seat
new
of re-
eyou are to
areas; leave word of your approximate
whereabouts and estimated
turn with someone
make a fui! stop then look
"",n:,) ,iliv in both directions before cross-
\IVhen in or Hi a
,group, have one member direct the oth-
ers across
Qtravel with at least one other
snowmobile. in unfamihar ter-
rain or on fides. Even in snow-
mobilina.e beats one of a kind.
@\Nhen with others, limit your actions
to the of the main body
Show the driver how to
nrc)oF,rlv handle a snowmobile
snowmobile
landowners allow snow-
or, their property. '(au can
as much run, even more so,
tr~!v(~I;no elsewhere
@Obtain your State or Provincia! book-
let on It valuable
information on the na,nhhn,
mobile trails and the laws
snowmobilmq in your particular
@your Ski-Doo snowmobile at
your nearest Bureau, where
State or Provincia! l.aws it and
affix to the vehicle, Carry
your certificate with you, It
provides proof of the event
that the vehicle becomes lost or stolen,
'Trademark Bombardier LimltBj
4

switch
thieves and a
@ Don't get hands or feet In track or
parts If your vehicle ,"b09-
.stand to one squeeze
lift the rear grab
out the machine
@ "If you drink don't snowmobile! if
yOll snowmobile, don't drtnk!" Re-
member alcohol and don't rrux
$> Don't lend your snowmobile to
inexperienced or drivers In
manv cases it IS the
owner and
not the rider
that is for
mishaps Check State or Provincial min-
imum age limits for drivers
of those
$ Don't cross a river or lake without first
being that the thickness of the
ice IS sufficient to support both you and
vehicle. Your life may depend 011
If at ali in doubt, take an alternate
Unless you are certain of a
never travel
further than '12 of the
tank. Even then,
Remem-
does not neces-
travel the same distance each
time on the same amount of fuel. Alot
ri",np,nrk, on snow conditions of
the rail and adjustment of the
carburetor.
of the
!I stunt" men
law
@Never cut th,-nllnh fences or attempt
to run 0\/6r them
mobile
should be
@ Never ride
sound of your
out noise of
approachinq
vehicle
track
Provinces
<!III Don't risk or damage to
machine with needless and ish
Don't your snow-
snowrnobili
the ana
@Don't cut across in front of the line of
travel of another snowmobile
Don't tad-
gate; collision. or the threat of It, IS
serious with any vehicle
5

for
find
pressmq
footboard
the seat
hdi
one foot on each s!de,
Wa,fflil'm: Side hills and steep are
flot recommended for a beginner.
Sloe of the
site knee on the seat then lean Into
smon and one that is frf'irll'ien,tl'j
to both knees on the seal, w.t
a short stretch
when manoeuvennq
this pos.non however.
knees 'flexed
shocks
the best
Drivii1j'] Positions.
There are three
snowmobile-c-Standmq ':"0,01,0,",
Each presents "'""",,,,0' ""oc
rlrrnn,~,nn on the nature of the terrain,
condrnons. the turns desire or
the o~ dnver
pre-
snowmobile
rnanoeuvers
I li'Jll,l.J:_3"iy know your
it betore at
to go about it Here
ferred methods
;3

Ion recorn-
vehicle con-
ight changes .n
acceleration. vou are safe enough to 6X-
nevv areas, If not, turn in as wide
an arc as and look for firmer
trails
icy Surtace,
ice or snow can
be difficult to as both skis and
track do not have much traction. Best
advice is to slow down and avoid
acceleration or braking
Snow.
Use the stB
mended earher
nnues to make reasonable neaowav. re-
into the
snow surface
oller
andior
driver Of pliJ$$fln~r
back wea!<ru:!ss.
an normal
on the footboards.
way back on the seat Avoid
your foot inside the support braces
the footboard.

UP Before starting
engine
DOWN To stop
eng~ne
pops up
this vehicle should farni-
vVlth the function of th~,s
it several times en first
mentalI,!
"«o,,""c.orl
for emergency situations
f.lJter such a
malfunction should be
corrected before
activate,
automaticallv when lit,
position swirc
, turn
position im-
HElsdl!<linp DimmGi" Switch
The dimmer switch allows correct selec-
tion of beam. To obtain Hi or
Low beam switch A H~
beam indicator mounted In the ta-
chometer dial.
Note: The
beam has been pre-adjusted
Should you eadjustrnent
01" lower a'-'I"Q'U"H
obtain desired beam position
Kill BlJUcm
For ernergencv stops, press button
down into !l::lW«'»f nn<;ITlnn Before re-
button
to the
lever.
returns to rts onqllial position
i10tation of
the handlebar
U[1:""'''' .. 11' action on the <::t~,ocinl""1
the skis to turn in the re-
Brake lever
When lever the brake is
applied When released. rt automaticaltv
effect IS
pressure on
lever controls the
and the
of
the traru.missiOI1. When is re-
leased the returns auto-
rnancauv to
8

access to
lower Access 000,
Lift lower at-cess door +n
carburetor.'-' , v,~~ ~--'
Caution: Ssnous
occur If vour lS
the carburetor ali Intake
Rear C(J,m![)a~·'!:n!!(71·!t
Recessed underseat
Ideal location for
etc. Pressure
Erne rqe nc ater ra s sn o u be
lfl foam or similar matenal
This \tv'i!! prevent to
breakable items whsn over
or terrain.
per
door
thou-
indicates
indicates
the amount
of fuel in the tank
illuminate both hA:~ri.i~:Y,n and taillrcht
Manua!
Auto-rewind type located at
side console. To start
handle. (See Startinq Procedure)
odometer records the number
rniles travelled
engage
necessary
Two nno,',nn
pose
retract.
Gear Shih lever
Three
PARK! DC\iC:D"C\
ward, center Tor
Do not
shift lever while snowmobile
motion.
Choke
pun button to
disenqaqe The
9

oil should
Note: To facilitate fuel rni
be at room temperature.
Fuel Ratio
The Importance of usinq the correct fuel
mixture
cannot be overstressed Prior
experience has
shown that an incorrect
fuel ratio results in serious darn-
age The correct fuel/oil ratio 50/1
5recommended 1
can of Ski-Doo
concentrated oil =: correct
fuel mixture,
Unless absolutelv necessary, do not use
reguiar snowmobile oil. If such oil isused,
observe instructions on the con-
tainer,Never use outboard or
mineral oils.
Caution: The carburetors of the 1974
Ski-Doo snowrnobile havebeen calibrated
tor a mixture of ina and concen-
trated Ski-Doo oil.
Which Oil to Use
Use concentrated Ski-Doo oil available
from 'lour Ski-Doo dealer. This type of
all has IV formulated oil bases to
meet the lubrication of the
Bornbardier-Rotax
Caution: Never experiment with other
than recommended fuels or fuel ratios.
Never use no lead ine
methanol or similar products.
tTests arlll riot conclusive
do not rscemmend tile lise of
Which Gasoline to Use
"The correct ine is
less than 92 octane) available from
a11 service stations.
\;\Ii!h Ski-Doc snowmobiles, the oii must
be added to the in pre-measured
amounts ins
should be
before

a!-
fuel Mixing Procedure
To mix the gasoline and oil use a
separate clean container Never mix
""o('·fh., in vow snowmobile tank. For
best results: two containers. ei-
ther plastic or metal Draw from one un-
til empty then use the second one
Warning: Gasoline is flammable and
explosive lInder certain eendltlcns,
Always perform precedures In a well
ventilated area. not smoke 01' al-
low open flames 01' in the vi-
cinity. If fumes are noticed
while the cause shoutd be
determined and corrected withou'!:
Nevel' add Tue! wtlile is
1. Pour one 01' gas-
oline into aclean container.
2. Add the full amount of concentrated
SKi-Doo ali.
3. Shake the container thorouqhlv
4. Add the remainder of the gasoline.
5. Once agitate the
container, a funnel vvith a fine
rnesh screento prevent the entry of water
and transfer mixture
from container into the snowrnobile tank.
Note: \?\fhen usjng
ways shake the I'nnt,'m",r th,'\rr,,,r,hi'i as
the oil has a ,,o'(lrJc,n(\\/
Never 'top gas tank before
placing vehicle in a warm area. At certain
temperatures, wm eXj)<md and
overflow.
Fuel consumption
/1, good idea is for you to rate the fuel
.~nn",,· "YI",t,nn of snowmobile at the
"j-;~rtinn with afull fuel
your
note until tank is
on different occasions
a mean average of

rotaunq
from side
,ng !~) fe;"
may be blockinothe mechanism
Check operation Cjf mechanism
the handlebar several times
side ~f
Under csrt a.n the
track of a snowmobile left outdoors
may freeze
snow surface
the track is free
start the
has a
agitate the fuel the
the footboards and
\'CC''''' s.ce to side
Check that there is sufficient rueI'in 'the
habit to ac-
tank before "t,,..finn
ning the vehicle
Iacturers recorn
Bomba rdier -R(jt8x
However.
eacn
thE: discretion and expense of the VG-
h:cie
12

tools which the
you should carrv
Drive b::dt-
DUIO,,-TI-irottle
and
In to those
manufacturer nr,~.",cb0
the
Tools; General ~",n",,,,,
the
home
diffi CU\ti8S encou ntered
be fixed on tbe spot However. you must
at least a minimum assortment
and enable
can cause varying mcon-
venience Unlike an automobile: which
has
stations are
ranee
Ernerqencv situanons are naz-
ards with any vehicle hidden
rock the trail, a burnt
an ernptv
levers
Throttle and Brake
and release
times to check that
and srnoothlv
return to the idle when
leased The brake lever should be
when has minimum clearance
from the handlebar fVl1 iain-
jf do not re-
cables and/
Warn!n : Th r ot t le meclHHdsm
should checked Tor free move-
ment before Once
all and
can start

UP 8eton:~ starting
engine
DOWN To stop
engine
-
- STAFlT
engine is warmed
3. throttle operation then apply
throttle lever slightly
4Grasp manual starter handle
and
pu(1 until aresistance IS
then and will
~an to
its position if does not
start, repeat the procedure
!\Iote: Do not rope to Its
fullest extent or
allow ",teIC""""" handle to
back" to Its onginal posrt.on.
5. Release throttle and
choke engine has
~. t\l\ovv the to warm up before
operatinq at full II ilVlI,IQ.
immedi-
5 Re!eas® throttle and
has started
Caution: Do not engage starter longer
than
30 seconds. If engine does not
start on firs: try, key must be turned
back to OFF each time Allow starter to
cool for 2
minutes before
Caution: Never operate the Ski-Doo
snowmobile with the removed or
disconnected
!\ manual starter IS standard equipment
on all Ski-Doo snowmobiles. If some
reason the vehicle cannot be started
etectncauv oroceed as follows:
1 insert and turn to ON
neces-
then
clockwise until
4 Turn
starter 8(1gag8s
Wt~min~l: Em,ur<Sl the gesr ®hih: lever
before startirlQ
el'll~iflle, !\Iovsr run the at
when the shift is
PARK or when the track of the ve-
hicle is raised off the gn)Ulld.
!\Iota: Before the
sure the klli button lS the up-
per oos.t.cn
'·n""'''-''' choke 1S not osces-
14

Freouenev of Lubrication
It is recommended that the steering
mechanism and suspension be lubricated
or after every 40 hours of
operation. However. if the vehicle is
operated in wet snow. the suspension and
steerino system should be iubricated more
Cal.ltion: Drive and driven do not
require lubricatlon, Lubricant will
destrov hllor, i nn rreterial,
Pulley Guard Removal
1. Tilt cab.
2 Pull out clip and on
bolt to disengage from
hr;~('f(pt
3. Push pulley guard forward to drsen-
from gear box
bracket Lift horn
Waming: Engine should be running
only when pulley is secured il1
place.
slack-
slid-
vehicle
tween muffler and end
To install drive belt reverse procedure
Warning: Never run the with-
out drive belt installed. an
unloaded can prove to be
5

the rear
use a
rear axle 'Nith
grease
Wheels
the wheels
with a low pres-
sure the
grease centre each
wheel until new grease appears at the
of mner side of shaft
Rear A:lde
Lubricate the
grease.
axle
Cauticn:
grease gun.
000
Gear Eh:;'l(
Remove oil level
a of
oil level. The
cacacitv of approx.
remove filler
new grease appears

Normal
lID l" black insulator Indicates foul-
carburetor idle
speed mixture too rich. Incorrect
ratio, wrong type of
, or exces-
reflects ideal condi-
carburetor
heat range, etc).
tions
rnent.
on vour snowmobile
has been selected 3S the one most suitable
speed (see specifications].
However for trail
with a hotter heat range must be in-
stalled.
2
Caution: a spark vvith too
hot 2heat range wilI cause serious
damsoe if the of enoine ooeratino
are greater than the
intended range. awire
1.
Unlock and remove upper access
door. Disconnect wires and
fer-nove

retiqhten adjuster lock nuts.
and recheck
track
on side where the
track rs closest to the link until
Track Alijt,1IUI1Elfl'l:
track has been corrected,
start the engine and accelerate
so
that track turns Check that
track IS well centered turns
on the rear sprockets The distance be-
tween the edges of the track and the
link should be the same on both
Sides Misalignment can cause exces-
sive wear of track and sorocket
teeth,
checking the other.
Track Tension
rear of vehicle off the
check
the track tension from the middle
set of wheels. The track tension
(distance top inside edge of
track arid bottom of footboard) should
be 21.;:4 inch or minus la inch,
IS too loose, the track
tenoencv to thump if too
nortnrl'Y"'" "',00 be affected
!f necessary to
1wrench, loosen both track ad-
unscrewinc the lock nuts Situ-
of the SU:SpEH1SlOr
to proper tension
adjuster boits,. Cl,ocKvvlse
:(0.
track. counter-ctockwise to Slacken Ad-
both sides "'\.1'-'0>' y.
Proceed with ",li'''<1I'1''\;:o,,,t
N(}t~: Track tension and are
inter-related Do not OJ,e without
inserts are
caps then check elec-
trolyte level at each cell
level must
touch bottom of fiiler hole If
necessary, add distilled water,
engine
off, visually
wheel and link plate '''''''''1')''
place any weak or broken spring,
Track
rear of the vehicle and
off the so
that the track is
turn rotate track
hand and \I.e" ,,",Iill inspect
tion. If bad
cuts or iT1I;3Slr19
noted, see your dealer.
Nota: VVlthout these Inserts continual
abrasion would wear and cut the track
therefore, always replace a or
damaqed insertas soon aspossible