SCORPION 1975 WHIP User manual

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DESIGNED & MANUFACTURED BY
SCORPIOn InC.
CROSB Y, M INN ESOTA 56441
OPERATOR'S MANU AL
1975WHIP
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CONGRATULATIONS
Welcome to Scorpion: THE SHAPE OF THINGS TO GO.
You've chosen the finest machine to be seen on the snows
this year, the 1975 Scorpion Whip.
To help you enjoy your machine to the fullest, this manual
has been prepared by its designers and engineers.
Read it thoroughly and carefully before operating your
Whip.
Keep the manual with the machine at all times for quick
reference.
It spells out in eosily~understood terms the normal main=
tenance procedures that will help keep your machine safe and
dependable.
Read it through ... start your engine ... and happy
snowmobiling.

TABLE
OF
CONTENTS
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IDENTIFICATION
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PRE·OPERATING TIPS ................................. 4 ... -" " N -:
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CONTROLS/INSTRUMENTS ............................. ? 0
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MIXING FUEL ....................................... 10
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BREAK·IN PROCEDURE
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STARTING PROCEDURES.
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MAINTENANCE TIPS ...
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SERVICE INTERVAL CHART 15
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SPARK PLUG REPLACEMENT .............
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HEADLIGHT ADJUSTMENT
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BRAKE ADJUSTMENT.
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SKI ALIGNMENT
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CARBURETOR ADJUSTMENT ........................... 23 ::J
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THROTTLE CABLE ADJUSTMENT ........................ 24
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BELT REPLACEMENT ........
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TRACK ADJUSTMENT "
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SUSPENSION ADJUSTMENT ........................ · .... 30
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BULB REPLACEMENT ................................. 31
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TROUBLE SHOOTING ................................. 33
II.
SUMMER STORAGE .................................. 37
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PREPARATION FOR WINTER ........................... 38 w
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IDENTIFICATION
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The model and serial
numbers
on your machine
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portant and the identification plate should not be removed. It is
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record them
in the space provided below.
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The
serial number
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It is the same serial
number as appears on the iden-
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Machine Serial Number
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IMPORTANT: BE SURE YOUR SCORPION DEALER HAS REGISTERED
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YOUR MACHINE BY SENDING
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2 3

4
PRE-OPERATING TIPS
Know the Federal, State and local laws pertaining to snow~
mobiling.
Register or license and insure your snowmobile.
Read your Operator's (Owner's) Manual before riding.
learn your controls. Know how to stop in an emergency. Check
all lights. Operate the throttle and brake controls several times
before you start the engine to insure that they are not frozen.
Provide inexperienced operators with proper instructions before
allowing them to use your snowmobile.
Clean your windshield with a clean cloth. Solvents or abrasive
cleaners will damage it.
When fueling, leave some expansion space in the tank. As you
run, heat from the engine will cause the gasoline to expand and
it may overflow the tank.
load your snowmobile within safe limits. Use a tow sled to carry
extra provisions.
PRE-OPERATING TIPS
TOOL POUCH
Recommended tools and spare parts to carry in your machine
are:
TOOLS
Screwdriver
Vise Grips
l/2 and 9/16 Open End Wrenches
Rockwell Tool Kit
(Supplied With Snowmobile)
SPARE PARTS
Drive Belt
Spark Plugs
Headlight Bulbs
Taillight Bulbs
This list is minimal and should be augmented as additional or
special needs become apparent.
5

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6
SAFE DRIVING TIPS
Observe all Federal, State and local laws.
Take special precautions when loading your snowmobile on to a
trailer. Secure the machine firmly to the trailer when it is in
position. Be sure that the trailer lights operate.
Use both hands lor steering.
Observe your fuel supply regularly.
Keep your lights operable and free of snow when driving at
night.
Keep all protective guards, hoods and shields in place while
riding.
Maintain a safe distance between your machine and the one
ahead of you.
Keep your speed suitable for the operating conditions. Remem~
ber that ice requires a greater stopping distance.
Observe all posted snowmobile signs. Not all private landowners
allow snowmobiling on their property.
Stop and help a distressed snowmobiler. You may be in a similar
situation sometime.
When crossing roads or highwoys, always stop, look both direc-
tions, then cross at a 90 degree angle. Post guards when crossing
in groups.
Keep your feet on the running boards while the machine is in
motion. Be especially careful when freeing your machine from
deep S'lOW,
Mentally practice what to do in an emergency, so that if a
situation should arise, proper reactions will be automatic.
When clearing the track of snow and ice, tilt the machine toward
the lei; running board. Keep hands and feet clear of the track.
Keep all persons clear of the area.
Never 9pen new trails at night. Follow established routes.
Avoid avalanche areas, railroad tracks, thin ice, ski sropes and
any other unsafe terrain.
Chasing or molesting wild animals while riding a snowmobile is
poor sportsmanship AND is illegal.
•
CONTROLS AND INSTRUMENTS
DESCRIPTION/FUNCTION
BRAKE
LEVER
/
PRIMER
FUEL GAUGE
ENRICHING VALVE CONTROL
7

8
CONTROLS/INSTRUMENTS
DESCRIPTION AND FUNCTION
1: BRAKE LEVER- The brake lever is located for convenient grip·
pmg act1on w1th the fmgers of the operator's left hand. When the
lever is ''compressed" toward the handle bar, braking action will
slow or stop the machine's forward action, depending on lever
force. The brake will release when pressure is removed from
lever. Note: (See MAINTENANCE Section for description of brake
adjustment)
2. HI-LOW BEAM SWITCH- This is a two position switch located
in the brake lever bracket, adjacent to the driver's left thumb.
Push the switch to the "IN" position for low beam headlight. Push
·again and allow the switch to return to the "OUT" position for
high beam.
3. BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH -The switch is located in the brake
lever brac~et, als?. It is actuated whenever you apply the brake.
It a~tomat1cally s1gnals other following snowmobiles, of your in-
tention to slow down or stop by turning on a "stop light" at the
rear of the machine. No adjustment is needed for this switch.
4. THROTTLE LEVER -The throttle lever is used to control the
speed of the engine. It is located on the handlebar convenient to
The _operator's _rig~t hand and is actuated by thumb pressure.
Engme speed 1s d1rectly proportional to the amount of lever
movement. When pressure is removed from the lever it
automatically returns to the idle position. Correct throttle c~ble
adjustment is explained in the MAINTENANCE Section.
5. SAFETY STOP SWITCH - All current model Scorpions have
been equipped with a Red Emergency Stop Switch located in the
th~ottle: lev~r brac_ket for right-hand operation. When depressed,
th1s sw1tch 1mmed10tely stops the engine.
To restart the engine, the switch must be again depressed in or-
der to return to the released or run position.
NOTE: Check safety stop switch periodically to be certain that it
functions properly.
6. TACHOMETER· The engine RPMs are indicated in the range
from 0 to 10,000: The tachometer dial is back lighted for easy
v1ewmg dunng n1ght dnvmg. Caution orange highlights the dial
between 4,000 and 7,000 RPM. This range is slightly above the
normal RPM of the engine (6,750). Under some operating con·
?1t1ons,, the need~e may read here and is to be expected. The dial
IS r~d-l~ned startmg at 7,000 RPM and above. Operation in this
reg1on IS hazardous to both the operator and the machine.
7. SPEEDOMETER- The speedometer dial indicates the velocity
of the machine in miles per hour and total distance traveled in
miles and tenths of miles.
The dial face is "orange-lined" for caution from 40 MPH to 60
MPH and "red-lined" at 60 MPH and above.
At night, with LIGHTS on, the dial numbers are back lighted for
easy viewing. The numerals from 30 MPH and up are lighted red
as a reminder to slow down for safer night driving. REMEMBER!
Overdriving your headlight is dangerous.
8. PRIMER · The primer, located on the left side of the console
just below the tachometer is a piston type pump. Pumping the
primer puts fuel directly into the engine to aid the engine when
cold-starting. (SEE STARTING PROCEDURE SECTION).
9. ENRICHING VALVE CONTROL· The Enriching Valve Control is
located on the right side of the console just below the
speedometer.
The Enriching Valve increases the fuel-to-air ratio on the float
carburetor when the control is in the "UP" position. It will not
fun~tion as intended if the throttle lever is depressed. During
engme warm up, the control may be in the "UP" position. The
engine will not flood out. (See STARTING PROCEDURE).
10. RECOIL STARTER· The Recoil
Starter handle is located on the
right side of the console. Pull outward to start the engine. (See
STARTING PROCEDURE SECTION). Never allow the handle to
"snap" back.
11. IGNITION SWITCH • The ignition switch is key operated for
security. Turn the switch to "ON" for manual start and normal
daylight running. Turn to 'liGHTS" for night driving. The "START"
position is used for starting engines with electric start only. The
switch is spring loaded so it will automatically return to "ON"
when released from the "START" position.
A lock-out feature is provided on "electric-start" sleds. This
prevents accidental re-engagement of the starter pinion into the
:ing gear of a running engine. In event of a false start, the
1gnition switch must be returned to "OFF" before you can again
engage the starter motor (turn key to "start" position).
Turn the ignition switch "OFF" to stop the eng-ine and remove the
key when leaving the machine unattended.· .
9

10
MIXING FUEL
The two cycle engine tho~ powers your W~-HP requires that oil
be mixed with the gasoline for engine lubrication. Use clean,
fresh, regular (leaded) gasoline, 90 octane or higher for 340s.
Use premium gasoline in 400s and 440s.
NOTE: It is imperative to maintain the correct ratio. Too much oil
will cause spark plug fouling and excessive smoke. Too little oil
will cause engine damage from inadequate lubricati-on.
Scorpion Snowmobile oil is carefully formulated and packed in
special containers so that the addition of one container of oil to
five (5) gallons of gasoline will result in the correct gasoline/oil
mixture.
Perform the following steps in mixing the fuel:
1. Put 21 /2 gallons of gasoline in a clean container.
2. Add one can of Scorpion Snowmobile oil.
3. Shake the container vigorously.
4, Add the remainder (2'/, g<~llor.s) of gasoline.
5. Agitate the container thoroughly again.
6. Use a clean funnel with a fine metal screen to pour the fuel
mixture into the gas tank.
WARNING!!! GASOLINE IS DANGEROUS. DO NOT REFUEL
WHEN SMOKING, NEAR OPEN FIRES, OR WHEN YOUR ENGINE IS
RUNNING.
Always keep your fuel container and fuel system clean. Dirty fuel
can cause engine failure which might leave you stranded.
Do not attempt to mix gasoline and oil in your gas tank. Improper
mixing of the fuel/oil will result. Engine damage could occur.
BREAK-IN PROCEDURES &
SUGGESTIONS
1. Operate the engine at varying part throttle and light load for
the first ten {1 0) hours of operation.
2. When "cold" starting, allow your engine to warm up ap-
proximately one minute before accelerating into motion.
3. The carburetor has been preset at the Factory for adequate
fuel supply. If for any reason you feel some adjustment is
necessory, consult your dealer.
4. Stop occasionally and look over your sled. Inspect the track,
skis, steering system, drive belt, exhaust system. Check the
fuel supply. Become familiar with your Whip.
11

12
STARTING PROCEDURE
COLD START:
1. Turn key to the "ON" position.
2. Check Safety Stop switch. (Must be in run position)
3. Pull "Enriching Valve Control" out.
4.. Pump the primer two (2) times (if machine is so equipped).
5. Grasp recoil starter handle, pull slowly to engage
mechanism, then pull sharply!
6. Allow engine to run briefly, then push the Enriching Valve
Control in.
WARNING!! DO NOT PULL THE STARTER ROPE TO ITS FULL EX-
TENDED POSITION OR ALLOW IT TO "SNAP" BACK INTO THE
HOUSING. DAMAGE CAN RESULT!
HOT START:
1. Turn key to the "ON" pOsition.
2. Check Safety Stop Switch.
3. Grasp recoil starter handle, pull slowly to engage
mechanism, then pull sharply!
FLOODED START:
1. Be sure the key is "ON".
2. Check Safety Stop switch.
3. Depress the throttle lever all the way down!
4. Grasp recoil handle, pull slowly to engage mechanism, then
pull sharply!
NOTE: Do not pull Enriching Valve knob up or pump primer
on a flooded engine!
WARNING!! HOLDING THE THROTTLE LEVER DEPRESSED MAY
CAUSE THE ENGINE TO "REV" UP AND ENGAGE THE CLUTCH I
THIS WILL CAUSE THE MACHINE TO START INTO MOTION. BE
PREPARED TO RELEASE THE THROTTLE LEVER WHEN ENGINE
STARTS. CONTROL YOUR MACHINE!
EMERGENCY STARTING
If it is necesSary to start your snowmobile when normal starting
systems are inoperative, use the following procedure:
1. Open the belt guard.
2. Remove the nylon starting rope from your tool kit. NOTE: The
rope is suppiied with the machine. Always keep it in your
tool box.
3. Slip the knotted end of the rope in the slot and wrap the rope
around the drum (counterclockwise).
4. Pull the rope to start the engine.
5. Reposition the belt guard as soon as the engine is running.
NOTE: Practice this procedure at least once so that you will be
familiar with it if you ever are required to use it in an emerger1cy
situation.
13

14
TIPS
MAINTENANCE
1. Check over your snowmobile regularly. This will prevent
many problems from developing.
2. Always turn off your engine before attempting to make
repairs.
3. Check skis and other steering components regularly to in-
sure that all bolts are tight and in good condition. Worn,
damaged or loose steering components are unsafe.
4. Frequently inspect the drive belt and replace it as necessary.
A belt that has been worn unevenly or "burned" because of
slippage may fail without warning. Always carry a spare to
prevent an emergency situation.
5. Keep fingers from between sheaves of driven clutch when
removing belt. Movable sheave is spring loaded and could in-
jure your fingers.
6. Exercise care in filling the fuel tank while engine is hot. Fuel
could drip or splash on hot engine or muffler and ignite.
Always stop engine before refueling.
7. Be sure that all protective devices (hood, belt guard, etc.) are
in place before operating your machine.
8. If your safety stop switch has been used in an emergency
situation, the source of the malfunction should be deter-
mined and corrected before re-starting the engine.
9. Before checking track adjustment, be sure that the track is
free of all particles that could be thrown out while track is
rotating. Keep hands, feet and clothing clear of the track.
10. Once a year, the driven and drive clutches on your
snowmobile should be disassembled, cleaned and checked
for worn parts. This service will keep your machine in top
operating condition.
NOTE: Special tools and training are required for such main-
tenance; see your Scorpion Dealer.
11. Check fuel tank filter regularly; a dirty or plugged filter will
cause engine damage. Remove filter, clean off any foreign
matter and blow filter out with air.
12. Do not run your engine at high RPM with the drive belt
removed or with the track raised off the ground. Either prac-
tice may be detrimental to the engine and hazardous to the
operator.
13.
In the event of replacement of the gas tank, tighten hold-
down strap only until it is snug against the tank. Over-
tightening will stress the tank.
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SERVICE
MAINTENANCE INTERVAL CHART
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ITEM
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Brake
X X
Carburetor
X X
Chain Case Oil
X X
Chain- Sprockets
X X
Covers-Guards
X X
Drive Belt X X
Drive Clutch X X
Driven Clutch
X X
Electric Start X X X
Electric Wires X X
Engine X X X
Fan Belt (Engine) X X
Fuel System X X
Lights X X
Muffler
X X
Nuts and Bolts- Tighten X X
Para-Rail Adiustment X X X
Spare Parts X X
Speedometer Cable
X X
Steering
X X
Suspension System
X X
Throttle
X X
Tools X X
Track X X
Track Adiustment X X
Windshield-Clean X X
Skis-Wear Rods X X
'
IS

16
SPARK PLUG USE/REPLACEMENT
Spark plugs will require your attention. The primary purpose of
the spark plug is to ignite the compressed gas/air mixture in the
cylinder, coverting it into thermal energy. The condition of the
plug will determine to a great extent, how efficiently the engine
will operate.
A spark plug must operate under a variety of engine conditions;
heat, pressure, vibration and foreign deposits. A single plug has
not been developed for all conditions.
The plugs installed in your Scorpion at the Factory are the normal
heat range, i.e., best suited for all around normal service.
If prolonged low speed, light duty is expected, it is recommended
that a "hotter" plug be used to prevent plug fouling. (Consult
your dealer).
If prolonged high speed or other heavy duty usage is anticipated
switch to a "cold" plug to prevent pre-ignition and piston failure.
The appearance of the spark plug is an extremely important
guide to engine performance and proper spark plug application.
a. A spark plug that is the correct heat range will show a light
tan color on the insulator nose. The plug is retaining the
correct amount of heat to burn off unwanted deposits, but
not enough to cause damage.
b. A plug that is too cold will not retain sufficient heat to cause
cleaning of the insulator and electrode tip. There will be a
layer of unburned residue of gummy oil deposits or black
fluffy carbon or both. The color of the insulator will vary
from very dark brown to black.
c. If the plug is too "hot", all the deposits will be burned off and
very possibly the insulator and electrode will begin to melt
from the heat. The insulator will be white, perhaps shiny,
with small gray, white, blue, green or purple dimples or bum-
ps near the tip. The very tip will probably be distorted since it
is the hottest point. The electrode will be burned. An in-
creased electrode gap in a very short time is an indication of
excessive heat.
IMPORTANT!! Always start your machine with Factory installed
plugs. Use hot plugs only if fouling is encountered and proper
carburetor adjustments do not correct the condition. Switch to
cold plugs if burned plugs are experienced and the condition can-
not be corrected by other trouble shooting means. See Trouble
Shooting section.
The spark plugs should be checked for appearance and gap each
250 miles during the riding season.
It is recommended that new plugs be installed at the beginning
of every snowmobile season.
17