Market Position:
The 1998 Arctic Cat 600 Powder Extreme was positioned as a high-performance, deep-snow touring and powder riding snowmobile, emphasizing power and maneuverability in challenging conditions.
Competitive Analysis:
Competed against other performance-oriented snowmobiles from manufacturers like Ski-Doo (e.g., Mach Z, Summit), Yamaha (e.g., VMAX 700 SX), and Polaris (e.g., RMK, XCR) in the late 1990s. Key selling points were its aggressive styling, powerful engine, and suspension designed for powder flotation and aggressive trail riding.
Key Features:
Powerful 600cc liquid-cooled, 2-stroke engine, advanced suspension for deep snow, agile handling, focus on rider comfort and performance for extended riding sessions.
Purpose:
To help owners learn, fix, and save money on upkeep and operation of their 1998 Arctic Cat 600 Powder Extreme.
Coverage Areas:
Complete maintenance, repair, troubleshooting, and tuning for the 1998 Arctic Cat 600 Powder Extreme Snowmobile.
Page Count:
Specific page count not provided, but described as comprehensive, implying a substantial volume.
Manual Type:
Service Repair Manual / Workshop Manual
Format:
PDF (Downloadable)
Delivery:
Instant Download
Source:
Originally written and published by the manufacturer for dealership technicians and certified repairmen.
Systems Covered:
General Information, Fuel System (Carburetor & Fuel Injection), Chassis (Steering, Skis, Oil/Fuel Tanks), Electrical System (Ignition, Lighting, Charging, Starting), Engine (Top End, Bottom End, Recoil Starter, Flywheel, Primary Sheave, Oil Pump), Power Train (Clutches, V-Belt, Chain Case, Brake, Suspension, Drive, Track), Miscellaneous (Wiring Diagrams, Specifications, Torque Charts, Exploded Diagrams).
Procedures Included:
Removal, disassembly, cleaning, inspection, assembly, reinstallation, tuning, adjustment, troubleshooting, pre-season preparation, periodic maintenance, high altitude tuning, tune-ups, specific cable adjustments (starter, throttle, oil pump), spark plug testing, ignition coil testing, CDI unit testing, lighting coil testing, voltage regulator testing, charging circuit testing, silicon rectifier checking, starter motor servicing, battery servicing, clutch tuning and setting, V-belt inspection, sheave alignment, chain case servicing, brake servicing, suspension servicing, track adjustment.
Technical Depth:
Comprehensive, from basic maintenance and tune-ups to detailed component disassembly, repair, and adjustment. Includes factory specifications, troubleshooting guides, and diagnostic procedures, based on a complete teardown.
Troubleshooting Guides:
Extensive troubleshooting guides for engine, fuel system, electrical system, and drivetrain issues are a core component of the manual, aiding in diagnosing and resolving common and uncommon problems.
Diagrams Schematics:
Includes detailed wiring diagrams, exploded diagrams for component assembly, and schematics for various systems, crucial for accurate repair and identification of parts.
Specific Procedures:
Detailed steps for primary and secondary clutch removal, disassembly, inspection, and assembly; V-belt inspection and replacement; chain case disassembly and gearing inspection; brake caliper and master cylinder service; and full engine teardown and rebuild.
Technical Data:
Provides crucial technical data such as tightening torques for all fasteners, compression test specifications, ignition timing settings, fuel jetting recommendations, and clutch calibration data.
Primary Engine:
600cc, Liquid-Cooled, 2-Stroke, Twin-Cylinder
Horsepower:
Estimated 100-115 HP (Specific figures depend on tuning and variant, typical for this class in 1998).
Torque:
Torque figures not specified, but designed for strong mid-range and top-end power delivery.
Fuel System:
Carbureted (likely dual Mikuni carburetors) with potential for fuel injection on specific variants or as an aftermarket upgrade. The manual covers both.
Carburetor Type:
Dual Mikuni VM series (specific model numbers would be in manual).
Fuel Type:
Premium Unleaded Gasoline (typically 91+ octane)
Oil Type:
2-Stroke Synthetic Blend or Full Synthetic Snowmobile Oil (meeting API TC, JASO FD or equivalent specifications).
Cooling System:
Liquid-Cooled
Coolant Type:
Ethylene Glycol based antifreeze with corrosion inhibitors (typically 50/50 mix with distilled water).
Engine Features:
Features like reed valve induction, exhaust power valves (likely APV - Arctic Power Valve system), and piston porting contribute to its performance characteristics. Specific details would be in the manual.
Ignition System:
CDI (Capacitor Discharge Ignition) with variable timing capabilities.
Transmission Type:
CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) with Arctic Cat's ACT (Arctic Cat Drive System) clutches.
Optional Transmission:
N/A (CVT was standard for this model type).
Clutch Engagement Rpm:
Specific engagement RPMs will be detailed in the manual, typically around 2800-3500 RPM for this model.
Clutch Shift Rpm:
Specific shift RPMs will be detailed in the manual, typically around 7800-8200 RPM for this model.
V Belt Dimensions:
Specific V-belt part number and dimensions will be detailed in the manual (e.g., Gates 01-154, Carlisle 1080).
Chaincase Oil Type:
Specific chaincase oil type (e.g., SAE 30 or 80W-90 gear oil) and capacity will be detailed in the manual.
Track Length:
Likely 136 inches (standard for Powder Extreme models, designed for flotation).
Track Width:
Typically 15 inches.
Track Lug Height:
Designed for deep snow, likely 2.0 inches or higher.
Dry Weight:
Estimated 500-550 lbs (Specific figures vary).
Fuel Capacity:
Typically 10-12 gallons (Specific capacity in manual).
Oil Capacity:
Separate oil reservoir for 2-stroke injection (capacity in manual).
Infotainment:
Basic instrumentation (speedometer, tachometer, engine temp gauge, fuel level). No advanced infotainment systems were present on snowmobiles of this era.
Driver Assistance:
No electronic driver assistance systems. Focus is on mechanical performance and rider input.
Electrical System Details:
Includes CDI ignition system, lighting coil, voltage regulator, starter motor, and battery. The manual provides detailed testing procedures for each component.
Service Intervals:
Detailed service intervals for oil changes (chaincase, possibly engine oil if not premix), spark plug inspection/replacement, filter checks, clutch maintenance, and track inspection will be found in the manual. General recommendations would include: pre-season inspection, after break-in service, annual tune-ups, and periodic checks based on mileage or operating hours.
Fluid Specifications:
2-Stroke Oil: Synthetic Blend/Full Synthetic; Coolant: Ethylene Glycol Antifreeze (50/50 mix); Chaincase Oil: SAE 30 or 80W-90 Gear Oil (specific in manual); Brake Fluid: DOT 3 (likely).
Known Issues:
Common issues for snowmobiles of this era can include carburetor tuning challenges, clutch wear, drive belt issues, wear on suspension components, and potential overheating if cooling system is not maintained. The manual provides troubleshooting for these.
Tune Up Procedures:
Includes spark plug gap and condition check, carburetor cleaning and adjustment, chaincase oil level check, clutch inspection, drive belt inspection, and general electrical system checks.
High Altitude Tuning:
The manual addresses high-altitude tuning, which typically involves adjusting carburetor jetting or needle settings for optimal air-fuel ratio at higher elevations to prevent rich conditions and power loss.
Inspection Points:
Includes inspection of skis for wear, carbides, suspension arms, shock absorbers, drive clutch spider, driven clutch helix, and track condition. Bolt torques for critical components are also provided.
Brand Heritage:
Arctic Cat, founded in 1960, has a long-standing reputation for innovation and performance in the snowmobile industry, particularly known for its durable and powerful machines designed for challenging snow conditions.
Model Evolution:
The 'Powder Extreme' line represented Arctic Cat's commitment to the growing market for deep snow and mountain riding, evolving from earlier trail-focused models to machines with longer tracks, higher ground clearance, and improved suspension geometry for off-trail capability.
Production Period:
The 600cc Powder Extreme was a prominent model in Arctic Cat's late 1990s lineup, with production spanning several years, including the 1998 model year.
