Positioning:
The Polaris Indy 500 RMK was a popular model in the mountain/off-trail segment, known for its versatility and performance in deep snow.
Competitors 1998:
Arctic Cat ZR series, Ski-Doo MXZ series.
Rmk Focus:
RMK designation indicates its focus on 'Ride Motion Kinetics' and mountain riding capabilities, featuring longer track and higher ground clearance compared to trail models.
Engine Type:
Proven Liberty 500 liquid-cooled twin-cylinder engine.
Owner Benefit:
Empowers owners to perform maintenance and repairs, saving on labor costs and ensuring longevity of the snowmobile.
Engine Mechanical:
Engine overhaul, cylinder head, pistons, connecting rods, crankshaft, lubrication system, cooling system.
Fuel System:
Carburetor tuning and rebuilding (Mikuni VM series), fuel pump, fuel lines, fuel tank.
Ignition System:
CDI unit, ignition coils, spark plugs, timing adjustments.
Drive System:
Primary (drive clutch) and secondary (driven clutch) maintenance, belt replacement, gearcase lubrication and overhaul.
Suspension Front:
IFS (Independent Front Suspension) components, shocks, springs, skis, steering system.
Suspension Rear:
RMK (Ride Motion Kinetics) rear suspension, track, bogie wheels, shock absorbers, torque arms.
Brakes:
Hydraulic disc brake system, caliper, master cylinder, fluid replacement, bleeding procedures.
Electrical System:
Wiring diagrams, lighting, battery, starter, kill switch, gauges.
Chassis And Body:
Frame, plastic body panels, seat, handlebars, running boards.
Routine Maintenance:
Oil changes, spark plug replacement, air filter cleaning/replacement, track tension adjustment, clutch cleaning.
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic charts for common starting, running, and performance issues.
Rebuilds:
Complete engine rebuilds, carburetor overhauls, clutch rebuilding.
Adjustments:
Carburetor jetting, ignition timing, suspension settings, brake adjustments.
Replacements:
Component replacement for engine parts, suspension links, brake pads, belts, clutches.
Depth:
Comprehensive: Covers everything from basic fluid checks to complete engine and drivetrain teardowns and rebuilds.
Diagnostics:
Detailed diagnostic procedures and troubleshooting flowcharts.
Illustrations:
Hundreds of illustrations, diagrams, and exploded views.
Searchability:
Searchable PDF format allows for quick access to specific information.
Printing:
Allows printing of specific pages for workshop use.
Type:
2-stroke, liquid-cooled, parallel twin cylinder
Displacement:
488cc (approx.)
Bore X Stroke:
65.0 mm x 73.8 mm (typical for this engine family)
Carburetion:
Dual Mikuni VM34SS (or similar twin carburetors)
Cooling System:
Liquid-cooled with radiator and fan
Horsepower Estimate:
Approx. 80-90 HP (varies slightly with tuning and conditions)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline (minimum 87 octane recommended, check manual for specifics)
Oil Injection:
Automatic oil injection system (Polaris VES or similar)
Cylinder Material:
Aluminum with nickel-silicon bore
Oil Change Engine:
Refer to manual for specific interval (typically seasonal or per usage hours/miles).
Clutch Maintenance:
Clutch inspection and cleaning recommended annually or as needed based on performance.
Spark Plugs:
Check and gap annually; replace as recommended (e.g., NGK BR9ES or equivalent).
2-Stroke Oil:
High-quality 2-stroke synthetic or semi-synthetic snowmobile oil (Polaris Premium 2-Cycle Oil or equivalent).
Gearcase Oil:
Specific gearcase lubricant (e.g., Polaris Gearcase Lube or SAE 80W-90 GL-5 gear oil). Refer to manual for exact specification and capacity.
Coolant:
Ethylene glycol-based antifreeze coolant with corrosion inhibitors (e.g., 50/50 mix with distilled water).
Carburetor Icing:
Common issue in cold, humid conditions; requires proper jetting or anti-icing additives.
Clutch Wear:
Drive belts and clutch components can wear over time; regular inspection and replacement are crucial for performance.
Suspension Bushings:
Wear in suspension bushings and ball joints can lead to steering looseness and handling issues.
Polaris History:
Polaris has a long-standing history in snowmobile manufacturing, dating back to the 1950s, known for innovation and performance.
Indy Lineage:
The Indy series was a cornerstone of Polaris's snowmobile offerings, with various engine sizes and chassis configurations evolving over the years.
Rmk Development:
RMK models were specifically developed to enhance deep snow and mountain performance, featuring longer tracks and specialized suspension systems.
Production Period:
The 1998 model year falls within a significant period of growth and refinement for Polaris snowmobiles.
