Ski-Doo 2008 Rev series Manual

Mmo2008-004_REV series_520000682_ang.FH10 Thu May 10 09:32:43 2007 Page 1
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SAFETY WARNING
Disregarding any of the safety precautions and instructions
contained in this Operator’s Guide, SAFETY VIDEO or on-product
warnings may result in injury, including the possibility of death.
This Operator’s Guide and SAFETY VIDEO should remain with
thesnowmobileattimeofresale.
In USA, products are distributed by BRP US Inc.
In Canada, products are distributed by Bombardier Recreational
Products Inc.
Bombardier* Lite
* Trademark of Bombardier Inc. used under license.
The following are trademarks of Bombardier Recreational Products
Inc. or its subsidiaries.
SKI-DOO®R.A.S.®XP-S™ RAVE™ SC-4™
REVTM ROTAXTM X®Pilot™ SC-136™
GSX®RERTM DESSTM TRA™ RT™
GTX†MX Z®SUMMIT®HPG™
†GTX is a trademark of Castrol Ltd. Used under license.
mmo2008-004 DR
®™ and the BRP logo are trademarks of Bombardier Recreational Products Inc. or its affiliates.
©2007 Bombardier Recreational Products Inc. and BRP US Inc. All rights reserved.

FOREWORD
Congratulations on your purchase of a new SKI-DOO snowmobile.
Whatever model you have chosen, it is backed by the Bombardier
Recreational Products inc. (BRP) warranty and a network of autho-
rized SKI-DOO snowmobile dealers ready to provide the parts, ser-
vice or accessories you may require.
The Operator's Guide has been prepared to acquaint the
owner/operator and passenger with this new snowmobile and
its various controls, maintenance and safe riding instructions. This
guide is indispensable for the proper use of the product and should
be kept with this snowmobile at all times.
Make sure you read and understand the content of this Operator's
Guide.
After reading, please keep this Operator's Guide with the snowmo-
bile. If the snowmobile is resold, please give the guide to the new
owner for his awareness.
If you want to view and/or print an extra copy of your Operator's
Guide, simply visit the following website www.operatorsguide.
brp.com. Also note that the guide is available in several languages.
If you have any question regarding any topic whether or not it is cov-
ered in this Operator's Guide, please call BRP at the number below
and we will be happy to assist you:
In USA:
715 848-4957 In Canada: 819 566-3366
For Russia, CIS and the middle east:
[phone]
For Scandinavian and European countries:
+ 358 16 3208 111
For all other countries, please contact your respective
distributor (his coordinates are on www.brp.com)orour
NorthAmericanoffice:
+ 1 819 566-3366
__________________________ 1

This guide uses the following safety alert symbol in conjunction with
signal words to indicate a potential personal injury hazard.
WARNING
Indicates a potentially hazardous situation which, if not avoid-
ed, could result in death or serious injury.
CAUTION
Indicates a potentially hazardous situation which, if not avoid-
ed, may result in minor or moderate injury. When used with-
outthesafetyalertsymbol, potential hazard exists for prop-
erty damage only.
NOTE: Indicates supplementary information needed to fully com-
plete an instruction.
Although the mere reading of such information does not eliminate
the hazard, the understanding and application of the information will
promote the correct use of the vehicle.
Your dealer is committed to your satisfaction. He has taken train-
ing to perform the initial set-up and inspection of your snowmobile
as well as completed the final adjustment required to suit your spe-
cific weight and riding environment before you took possession. At
delivery, your dealer would have explained the snowmobile controls
and provided you with a brief explanation of the various suspension
adjustments. We trust you have taken full advantage of this!
At delivery, you were also informed of the warranty coverage and
have completed the Warranty Registration process.
The information and components/system descriptions contained in
this guide are correct at time of publication. BRP, however maintains
a policy of continuous improvement of its products without impos-
ing upon itself any obligation to install them on products previously
manufactured.
Because of its ongoing commitment to product quality and innova-
tion, BRP reserves the right at any time to discontinue or change
specifications, designs, features, models or equipment without in-
curring obligation.
The illustrations in this document show the typical construction of
the different assemblies and, in all cases, may not reproduce the full
detail or exact shape of the parts shown, however, they represent
parts which have the same or a similar function.
2__________________________

It is understood that this guide may be translated into another lan-
guage. In the event of any discrepancy, the English version shall
prevail.
Specifications are given in the SI metric system with the SAE U.S.
equivalent in parentheses. Where precise accuracy is not required,
some conversions are rounded off for easier use.
Most components of this snowmobile are built with parts dimen-
sioned in the metric system. Most fasteners are metric and must
not be replaced by customary fasteners or vice versa.
We recommend genuine BRP products for replacement parts and
accessories. They've been specially designed for your vehicle and
manufactured to meet BRP's demanding standards.
ASHOP MANUAL canbeobtainedforcompleteservice,mainte-
nance and more repair information.
For any questions pertaining to the warranty and its application,
consult the WARRANTY section in this guide, and/or an authorized
SKI-DOO dealer.
__________________________ 3

TABLE OF CONTENTS
SAFETY INFORMATION
INTRODUCTION .................................................. 10
IMPORTANT BASIC SAFETY MEASURES...................... 11
LAWS AND REGULATIONS...................................... 16
RIDING THE VEHICLE ............................................ 17
Principle of Operation.......................................... 17
How to Ride.................................................... 18
Carrying a Passenger .......................................... 22
Terrain/Riding Variations........................................ 24
Transporting and Towing....................................... 30
TRACTION ENHANCING PRODUCTS........................... 31
LOCATION OF THE IMPORTANT LABELS...................... 39
ENVIRONMENT INFORMATION
GENERAL.......................................................... 58
JUST WHAT IS LIGHT TREADING? ............................. 60
WHY IS LIGHT TREADING SMART ............................. 61
VEHICLE INFORMATION
HOW TO IDENTIFY YOUR SNOWMOBILE ..................... 64
CONTROLS/INSTRUMENTS/EQUIPMENT .................... 67
1) Speedometer/Tachometer .................................. 70
2) Tachometer.................................................. 74
3) Electric Fuel Level Gauge ................................... 75
4) Temperature Gauge ......................................... 76
5) Throttle Lever................................................ 76
6) Brake Lever.................................................. 77
7) Parking Brake Lever......................................... 77
8) START/RER Button.......................................... 79
9) Handlebar.................................................... 81
10) Holding Strap............................................... 81
11) Ignition Switch ............................................. 82
12) Tether Cut-Out Switch..................................... 83
13) Engine Cut-Out Switch .................................... 86
14) Headlamp Dimmer Switch................................. 88
15) Rewind Starter Handle..................................... 88
16) Choke Lever................................................ 89
4__________________________

17) Fuel Tank Cap .............................................. 90
18) Mechanical Fuel Level Gauge ............................. 90
19) Heating Grip/Throttle Lever Switch ....................... 91
20) Rear Passenger Heating Grip Switch...................... 92
21) Rear Grab Handles......................................... 92
22) Adjustable Backrest........................................ 92
23) Electric Visor Jack Connector.............................. 93
24) 12-Volt Power Outlet....................................... 95
25) Windshield ................................................. 96
26) Adjustable Mirrors ......................................... 96
27) Adjustable Toeholds........................................ 96
28) Heated Carburetor Valve................................... 97
29) Hood and Side Panel Latches ............................. 97
30) Fuses..................................................... 101
31) Front Grab Handle/Front Bumper........................ 108
32) Storage Compartment ................................... 109
33) Rear Rack ................................................ 111
34) Tool Kit.................................................... 111
35) Suitcase .................................................. 112
36) 2+1 Seat.................................................. 114
37) Spark Plug Holder........................................ 121
38) Spare Drive Belt Holder.................................. 123
39) Hitch...................................................... 124
40) Shields and Guards ...................................... 124
41) Track...................................................... 125
RECOMMENDED FUEL AND OIL.............................. 127
BREAK-IN PERIOD.............................................. 130
OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS.................................. 131
Pre-Operation Check......................................... 131
SDI Engine Starting Procedure .............................. 134
Carburetor Engine Starting Procedure....................... 135
Vehicle Warm-Up............................................. 136
Shutting Off the Engine...................................... 137
Post-Operation Care ......................................... 137
SPECIAL OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS....................... 139
Riding at High Altitudes or Sea Level........................ 139
Riding in Cold Weather ...................................... 139
Emergency Starting.......................................... 140
Towing an Accessory ........................................ 144
Towing Another Snowmobile................................ 144
Transporting the Vehicle ..................................... 145
__________________________ 5

SUSPENSION ADJUSTMENTS ............................... 146
Rear Springs — Comfort..................................... 148
Center Spring — Steering Behavior ......................... 150
Stopper Strap — Weight Transfer ........................... 152
Coupling Blocks — Handling................................. 153
Rear Shock Motion Ratio — Damping Strength ............ 154
Front Springs — Handling.................................... 155
Front Suspension Shock Damping Strength . .. . . .. . .. . . .. . . 157
Suspension Troubleshooting Chart .......................... 158
Deep Snow Riding ........................................... 159
TROUBLESHOOTING........................................... 160
SPECIFICATIONS ............................................... 164
MAINTENANCE INFORMATION
PERIODIC MAINTENANCE CHART............................ 176
ENGINE SYSTEM............................................... 181
Air Filter Cleaning ............................................ 181
Cooling System .............................................. 182
Exhaust System.............................................. 183
Oil Injection System.......................................... 183
EPA Certified Engines........................................ 184
DRIVE SYSTEM................................................. 186
Belt Guard Removal and Installation ........................ 186
Brake Fluid Level............................................. 187
Brake Condition .............................................. 188
Brake Adjustment............................................ 188
Chaincase Oil Level .......................................... 188
Drive Chain Tension.......................................... 190
Drive Belt Condition.......................................... 190
Drive Belt Removal/Installation.............................. 191
Drive Belt Height Adjustment ............................... 193
Drive Pulley Adjustment ..................................... 198
Track Condition............................................... 201
Track Tension and Alignment ................................ 202
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM.......................................... 208
Battery Electrolyte ........................................... 208
REAR SUSPENSION............................................ 209
STEERING AND FRONT SUSPENSION....................... 210
BODY/FRAME................................................... 211
Vehicle Cleaning and Protection............................. 211
6__________________________

Bulb Replacement............................................ 212
Headlamp Beam Aiming..................................... 213
STORAGE AND PRESEASON PREPARATION................ 215
WARRANTY
BRP LIMITED WARRANTY NORTH AMERICA: 2008 SKI-DOO®
SNOWMOBILES ................................................ 218
BRP INTERNATIONAL LIMITED WARRANTY: 2008 SKI-DOO®
SNOWMOBILES ................................................ 224
BRP EUROPEAN UNION MEMBER STATES LIMITED
WARRANTY: 2008 SKI-DOO®SNOWMOBILES.............. 229
PRIVACY OBLIGATIONS/DISCLAIMER....................... 234
CHANGE OF ADDRESS/OWNERSHIP ........................ 236
__________________________ 7

8__________________________

SAFETY
INFORMATION
______SAFETY INFORMATION _____ 9

INTRODUCTION
Everyone is a beginner the first time he sits behind the controls of a
snowmobile regardless of previous experience in driving an automo-
bile, a motorcycle or a motorboat. The safe use of your snowmobile
is dependent on many conditions such as visibility, speed, weather,
environment, traffic, vehicle condition and the condition of the driver.
Each operator has a responsibility to ensure the safety of his/her pas-
senger, if any, and of other recreationists or bystanders.
You are responsible for proper operation of your vehicle as well as
training those whom you allow to ride or drive. There may be notice-
able handling and performance differences from one snowmobile to
the other.
A snowmobile is relatively simpleto operate but like any other vehicle
or mechanical equipment, it can be hazardous if you or a passenger
are reckless, thoughtless or inattentive. We encourage you to have
an Annual Safety Inspection of your snowmobile. Please contact an
authorized SKI-DOO dealer for further details. Finally, we urge you to
visit an authorized SKI-DOO dealer periodically for regular and safety
maintenance, as well as snowmobile accessories you may require.
10 _____SAFETY INFORMATION _____

IMPORTANT BASIC SAFETY MEASURES
Training
Basic training is required for the safe operation of any snowmo-
bile. Study your Operator's Guide paying particular attention to
cautions and warnings. Join your local snowmobile club: its so-
cial activities and trail systems are planned for both fun and safety.
Obtain basic instructions from your snowmobile dealer, friend, fel-
low club member or enroll in your state or provincial safety training
program.
Always show a new operator how to start and stop the vehicle.
Indicate the correct riding positions and, above all else, only allow
him to operate the snowmobile in a restricted flat area — at least
until he is completely familiar with its operation. If there is a local
snowmobile operator's training course existing, have him enroll.
Performance
The performance of some snowmobiles may significantly exceed
that of other snowmobiles you have operated. Therefore, use by
novice or inexperienced operators is not recommended.
Snowmobiles are used in many areas and in many snow condi-
tions. Not all models perform the same in similar conditions. Al-
ways consult your snowmobile dealer when selecting the snow-
mobile model for your particular needs and uses.
Injury or death may result to the snowmobile operator, passenger
or bystander if the snowmobile is used in risky conditions which
are beyond the driver's, passenger's or snowmobile's capabilities
or intended use.
Age
BRP recommends the operator has at least 16 years old of age.
Speed
Speeding can be fatal. In many cases, you cannotreact or respond
quickly enough to the unexpected. Always ride at a speed which
is suitable to the trail, weather conditions and your own ability.
Know your local rules. Speed limit may be in effect and meant to
be observed.
Riding
Always keep right hand side of the trail.
_____ SAFETY INFORMATION _____ 11

Always keep a safe distance from other snowmobiles and by-
standers.
Remember, promotional material may show risky maneuvers per-
formed by professional riders under ideal and/or controlled condi-
tions. You should never attempt any such risky maneuvers if they
are beyond your level of riding ability.
Never ride after consuming drugs or alcohol or if you feel tired or
ill. Operate your snowmobile prudently.
Your snowmobile is not designed to be operated on public streets,
roads or highways.
Snowmobiling at night can be a delightful experience but because
of reduced visibility, be extra cautious. Avoid unfamiliar terrain
and be sure your lights are working. Always carry a flashlight and
spare light bulbs.
Nature is wonderful but don't let it distract your attention from
driving. If you want to truly appreciate winter's scenery, stop your
snowmobile on the side of the trail so that you don't become a
hazard to others.
Fences represent a very serious threat for both you and your
snowmobile. Give a wide berth to telephone poles or posts.
Hidden wires unseen from a distance can cause serious accidents.
Always wear an approved safety helmet, eye protection and a face
shield. This also applies to your passenger.
Be aware of inherent risks associated with riding off trails, such
as avalanche and other natural or man made hazards or obstacles.
Avoid road traveling. If you must do so, and it is permitted, re-
duce speed. The snowmobile is not designed to operate or turn
on paving. When crossing a road, make a full stop, then look care-
fully in both directions before crossing at a 90° angle. Be wary of
parked vehicles.
Tailgating another snowmobile should be avoided. If the snow-
mobile in front of you slows for any reason, its driver and pas-
senger could be harmed through your neglect. Maintain a safe
stopping distance between you and the snowmobile in front of
you. Depending on the terrain condition, stopping may require a
little more space than you think. Play it safe. Be prepared to use
evasive driving.
12 _____SAFETY INFORMATION _____

Venturing out alone with your snowmobile could also be haz-
ardous. You could run out of fuel, have an accident, or damage
your snowmobile. Remember, your snowmobile is capable of
traveling further in half an hour than you may be able to walk
in a day. Use the “buddy system”. Always ride with a friend
or member of your snowmobile club. Even then, tell someone
whereyouaregoingandtheapproximatetimeyouplantoreturn.
Meadows sometimes have low areas where water accumulate
and freezes over in winter. This ice is usually glare ice. Attempt-
ing to turn or brake on this surface could cause your vehicle to
spin out of control. Never brake or attempt speeding or turning
on glare ice. If you do happen to travel over such a condition, re-
duce speed by carefully releasing the throttle.
Never “jump” with your snowmobile. This should be left to pro-
fessional stunt men. Don't show off. Be responsible.
While on safari, do not “gun” the throttle. Snow and ice can be
thrown back into the path of a following snowmobile. In addition,
when “gunning” the throttle, the vehicle digs into and leaves an
irregular snow surface for others.
Safaris are both fun and enjoyable but don't show off or overtake
others in the group. A less experienced operator might try to do
the same as you and fail. When riding with others, limit your abil-
ities to the experience of others.
Operation
Always make a pre-start inspection BEFORE you turn on the igni-
tion.
In an emergency, the snowmobile engine can be stopped by ac-
tivating the engine cut-out switch, pulling the tether cord cap or
turning off the ignition switch key.
Throttle mechanism should be checked for free movement and
return to idle position before starting engine.
Always engage parking brake when vehicle is not in use.
Never run the engine in a non-ventilated area and/or if vehicle is
left unattended.
Never operate the engine without belt guard securely installed or,
with hood or access/side panels open or removed. Never run the
engine without drive belt installed. Running an unloaded engine
such as without drive belt or with track raised, can be dangerous.
Electric start models only: Never charge or boost a battery while
installed on snowmobile.
_____ SAFETY INFORMATION _____ 13

Ensure the path behind is clear of obstacles or bystanders before
proceeding in reverse.
Always remove the ignition key (if applicable) or the tether cord
cap when vehicle is not in operation in order to prevent accidental
engine starting, to avoid unauthorized use by children or others or
theft.
Raising the rear of your snowmobile while the engine is running
could cause snow, ice or debris to be thrown back at an observer.
Never raise the rear of the vehicle while the engine is running. To
clear or inspect the track, stop the engine, tilt the vehicle on its
side and remove blockage with a piece of wood or branch. Never
allow anyone near a rotating snowmobile track.
Maintenance
Know your snowmobile and treat it with the respect and care due
of any power driven machine. Common sense, proper handling
and routine maintenance will result in safer and enjoyable use.
Only perform procedures as detailed in this guide. Unless other-
wise specified, engine should be turned OFF and cold for all lubri-
cation, adjustment and maintenance procedures.
Never have the engine running while the hood is open. Even at
idle, a snowmobile engine is turning around 1,800 revolutions per
minute. Always turn off the ignition before opening the hood for
any reason.
Never remove any original equipment from your snowmobile.
Each vehicle has many built in safety features. Such features
include various guards and consoles, plus reflective materials and
warning labels.
A poorly maintained snowmobile itself can be a potential hazard.
Excessively worn components could render the vehicle complete-
ly inoperative. Keep the snowmobile in good working condition
at all times. Follow your pre-operation check, weekly, monthly
and annually routine maintenance and lubrication procedures as
detailed in this guide. Consult a snowmobile dealer or acquire a
shop manual and proper tools and equipment if other repairs or
service is required.
Do not stud the track unless it as been approved for studs. At
speed, a studded track that as not been approved for studs could
tear and separate from vehicle posing a risk of severe injury or
death.
14 _____SAFETY INFORMATION _____

Fuel
Always stop the engine before refueling. Fuel is flammable
and explosive under certain conditions. Always work in a well-
ventilated area. Do not smoke or allow open flames or sparks in
the vicinity. Open cap slowly. If a differential pressure condition
is noticed (whistling sound heard when loosening fuel tank cap)
have vehicle inspected and/or repaired before further operation.
Do not overfill or top off the fuel tank before placing the vehicle in
a warm area. As temperature increases, fuel expands and might
overflow. Always wipe off any fuel spillage from the vehicle.
Periodically verify fuel system.
Basics for Passenger
Never rideas a passenger unless the snowmobileis equipped with
a passenger seat, and sit only on the designated passenger seat.
Always wear a DOT approved helmet and follow the same dress-
ing guidelines as those recommended for the operator and de-
scribed in this guide.
Make sure that you are able to achieve a stable stance, both feet
resting positively on the footboards of footrests with good grip,
andthatyouareabletoholdonfirmlytothehandholds.
Once underway, if you feel uncomfortable or insecure for any rea-
son, don‘t wait, tell the driver to slow down or stop.
_____ SAFETY INFORMATION _____ 15

LAWS AND REGULATIONS
Know your local laws.
Federal, state, provincial and local government agencies have enact-
ed laws and regulations pertaining to the safe use and operation of
snowmobiles. It is your responsibility as a snowmobiler to learn and
obey these laws and regulations. Respect and observance will re-
sult in safer snowmobiling for all.
Be aware of the liability property damages and insurance laws re-
garding your equipment.
16 _____SAFETY INFORMATION _____

RIDING THE VEHICLE
Before venturing on the trails, operate the snowmobile in a restricted
flat area until you are completely familiar with its operation and feel
comfortable that you can safely tackle a more demanding task. Have
an enjoyable and safe ride.
Principle of Operation
Propulsion
Depressing throttle lever increases engine RPM causing the drive
pulley to engage. Depending on models, engine RPM must be be-
tween 2500 and 4200 before drive pulley engagement will occur.
Outer sheave of drive pulley moves toward inner sheave, forcing the
drive belt to move upward on the drive pulley and simultaneously
forcing the sheaves apart on the driven pulley.
The driven pulley senses the load on the track and limits the belt
movement. The result is an optimized speed ratio between engine
RPM and the speed of the vehicle at any time.
WARNING
Never operate engine without belt guard securely installed or,
with hood or access/side panels open or removed.
Power is transferred to the track through the chaincase and drive
axle.
WARNING
Always use a wide-base snowmobile mechanical stand to
properly support vehicle during any track verification. Slowly
accelerate engine in order to rotate track at very low speed
when it is not on ground.
Turnin g
Handlebar controls the steering of the vehicle. As the handlebar is
rotated to right or left, the skis are turned right or left to steer the
snowmobile.
_____ SAFETY INFORMATION _____ 17

Stopping
Before riding your snowmobile, you should understand how to stop
it. This is done by releasing the throttle and gradually depressing
the brake lever on the left side of the handlebar. In an emergency,
you may stop your vehicle by pressing the engine cut-out switch
located near the throttle control and applying the brake. Remember,
a snowmobile cannot “stop on a dime”. Braking characteristics vary
with deep snow, packed snow or ice. If the track is locked during
hard braking, skidding may result.
How to Ride
How to Dress
Proper snowmobile clothing should be worn. It should be comfort-
able and not too tight. Always check the weather forecast before
going on a ride. Dress for the coldest weather expected. Thermal
underwear next to the skin also provides a good insulation.
DOT approved helmets are recommended at all times. They provide
both warmth and reduce injury. A stocking type cap, balaclava and
face maskshould always be carried or worn. Gogglesor a face shield
that attach to the helmet are indispensable.
Hands should be protected by a pair of snowmobile gloves or mitts
which have sufficient insulation and allow use of thumbs and fingers
for operation of controls.
Rubber bottom boots with either a nylon or a leather top, with re-
movable felt liners are best suited for snowmobiling.
You should keep yourself as dry as possible when snowmobiling.
When you come indoors, take your snowmobile suit and boots off
and make certain they dry properly.
Do not wear long scarfs and loose apparels that could get caught in
moving parts.
What to Bring
Every snowmobiler should carry at least the following basic parts and
tools that can help him and others in an emergency:
– this Operator's Guide
– spare spark plugs and wrench
– friction tape
– spare drive belt
– spare starter rope
– spare light bulbs
18 _____SAFETY INFORMATION _____