Positioning:
The Arctic Cat El Tigre 6000 was a performance-oriented trail snowmobile in the late 1970s, competing with models from Ski-Doo, Yamaha, and Polaris. This manual caters to owners seeking to maintain and restore these classic machines.
Competitors:
Direct competitors during this era included models like the Ski-Doo Everest, Yamaha Exciter, and Polaris TX series, all vying for the trail rider market.
Vehicle Highlights:
Known for its powerful engine options, comfortable ride for the time, and robust construction, the El Tigre 6000 was a popular choice for long-distance trail riding.
Value Proposition:
This manual empowers owners to perform all necessary maintenance and repairs, saving on professional service costs and ensuring the longevity and optimal performance of their vintage Arctic Cat El Tigre 6000.
Quality Assurance:
Guaranteed high-quality service manual with factory-level accuracy and detailed illustrations.
Support:
Excellent customer service is provided, with a focus on customer satisfaction.
Engine:
Detailed coverage of the 339cc or 440cc Suzuki 2-stroke engine, including top-end rebuilds, bottom-end assembly, and component specifications.
Fuel System:
Comprehensive information on the Mikuni carburetors, fuel pump, fuel lines, and tank maintenance.
Ignition:
Service procedures for the CDI ignition system, including timing, coil testing, and troubleshooting.
Drivetrain:
In-depth instructions for servicing the Arctic Cat clutch system (Drive Clutch and Driven Clutch), chaincase lubrication, gear inspection, and drive belt replacement.
Suspension:
Detailed procedures for front and rear suspension adjustments, shock absorber servicing, and track system maintenance.
Steering:
Service and adjustment of the handlebar, tie rods, and steering linkage for optimal control.
Brakes:
Maintenance and repair procedures for the drum brake system, including cable adjustments and pad inspection.
Electrical:
Wiring diagrams, component testing, and troubleshooting for the lighting, ignition, and accessory electrical systems.
Chassis Bodywork:
Information on hull, seat, windshield, and tunnel maintenance and repair.
Maintenance:
Routine maintenance tasks such as oil changes, spark plug replacement, chain adjustment, lubrication, and general inspection.
Troubleshooting:
Systematic diagnostic procedures for common issues, including hard starting, poor performance, and electrical faults.
Repair:
Step-by-step repair instructions for all major components and systems, from minor adjustments to major overhauls.
Rebuilds:
Detailed guidance for engine rebuilds, clutch overhauls, and other comprehensive repair procedures.
Technical Specifications:
Inclusion of torque specifications, gap measurements, fluid capacities, and other critical technical data.
Depth:
Comprehensive, covering everything from basic fluid checks to complete engine disassembly and reassembly, suitable for both novice and experienced mechanics.
Engine Manufacturer:
Suzuki
Displacement Cc:
339cc (typically) or 440cc (for 6000 model designation, often referred to as 440cc class)
Cooling System:
Fan-Cooled
Horsepower Estimate:
Approximately 40-50 HP (exact figure varies by specific engine variant and tuning)
Carburetor Type:
Dual Mikuni VM Series (e.g., VM32SS)
Fuel Type:
Regular Unleaded Gasoline Mixed with 2-Stroke Oil
Fuel Mixture Ratio:
Typically 40:1 (Gasoline:Oil) - Refer to manual for exact specification
Ignition System:
CDI (Capacitor Discharge Ignition)
Piston Ring Gap:
Refer to manual for precise specifications (typically 0.012-0.020 inches)
Cylinder Bore Tolerance:
Refer to manual for precise specifications (critical for engine performance and longevity)
Crankshaft Runout:
Refer to manual for precise specifications (essential for smooth operation)
Type:
Arctic Cat Drive Clutch (Centrifugal)
Type:
Arctic Cat Driven Clutch (Torque Sensing)
Gearbox:
Chaincase with forward and reverse gears.
Chaincase Oil Type:
Refer to manual for specific Arctic Cat recommended lubricant (typically a gear oil)
Chaincase Oil Capacity:
Refer to manual for specific capacity (typically around 1-2 pints)
Clutch Alignment:
Detailed procedure for ensuring proper clutch alignment to prevent belt wear and slippage.
Length:
Varies by specific configuration, but typically around 90-100 inches
Width:
Varies by specific configuration, but typically around 35-40 inches
Dry Weight Lbs:
Approximately 400-450 lbs (exact figure varies by model configuration)
Track Length:
Typically 114 inches
Track Width:
Typically 15 inches
Lug Height:
Typically 1 inch
Braking System:
Mechanical Drum Brake (single caliper) operated by handlebar lever.
Throttle Control:
Thumb throttle with safety return spring.
Kill Switch:
Handlebar-mounted engine kill switch.
Windshield:
Standard windshield for rider protection from elements.
General Advice:
The manual includes crucial safety warnings and operational guidelines specific to snowmobiling in various conditions.
Oil Change Chaincase:
Refer to manual; typically annually or every 1,000 miles (though mileage is less relevant for vintage machines, recommend annual inspection/change).
Spark Plug Replacement:
Refer to manual; typically every 1,000-1,500 miles or as needed based on performance.
Clutch Inspection Cleaning:
Refer to manual; recommend at least annually or after heavy use.
Chaincase Lubricant:
Refer to manual for exact Arctic Cat specifications. Often a specialized gear oil.
2 Stroke Oil:
High-quality 2-stroke snowmobile oil, pre-mix. Refer to manual for specific Arctic Cat recommendations or industry standards for the era.
Common Wear Items:
Clutch buttons/washers, drive belts, carburetor jets, recoil starter components, track tensioners.
Engine Tuning:
Carburetor synchronization and jetting can be sensitive to altitude and temperature; manual provides baseline settings.
Ignition System:
CDI units and ignition coils can be points of failure; manual provides testing procedures.
Ignition Timing:
Refer to manual for precise ignition timing specifications (critical for engine health and performance).
Carburetor Idle Speed:
Refer to manual for recommended idle RPM for optimal cold starting and idling.
Clutch Engagement Rpm:
Refer to manual for recommended engagement RPM of the drive clutch.
Arctic Cat Legacy:
Arctic Cat has a long and storied history in snowmobile manufacturing, dating back to the early 1960s, known for innovation and performance.
El Tigre Lineage:
The El Tigre nameplate has been used by Arctic Cat across various models and generations, often signifying a more premium or performance-oriented offering. The 1978 El Tigre 6000 was part of a significant era of snowmobile development.
Manufacturing Period:
1970s - Specifically, 1978 model year.
