Historical Context:
The Polaris Apollo series represented a significant offering in the recreational snowmobile market of the late 1970s, known for its robust construction and trail-ready capabilities.
Key Competitors:
Arctic Cat, Ski-Doo, Yamaha, and John Deere snowmobiles of the same era.
Vehicle Strengths:
Reliability, ease of maintenance, good power-to-weight ratio for its class.
Manual Benefit:
Essential resource for owners and technicians aiming to preserve the performance and longevity of their vintage Polaris Apollo 340.
Systems Covered:
Engine, Drivetrain, Cooling System, Fuel System, Electrical System, Chassis, Suspension, Steering System, Lighting, Bodywork, Interior Components
Estimated Page Count:
Approximately 200-300 pages (typical for a workshop manual of this era)
Manual Type:
Workshop Repair Service Manual
Engine Mechanics:
Engine assembly, disassembly, timing, compression testing, cylinder head service, piston and ring replacement, crankshaft and connecting rod service.
Drivetrain Components:
Clutch (primary and secondary) service, belt inspection and replacement, chain case lubrication and inspection, drive axle assembly.
Cooling System:
Radiator inspection and cleaning, coolant hose replacement, thermostat testing and replacement.
Fuel System:
Carburetor inspection, cleaning, and adjustment; fuel pump operation; fuel filter replacement.
Electrical System:
Ignition system (spark plugs, coil, ignition timing), lighting circuits, gauge functionality, starter motor, and charging system (if applicable).
Chassis And Suspension:
Track system inspection and adjustment, suspension arm and linkage lubrication and service, shock absorber replacement, steering system component replacement.
Maintenance Procedures:
Scheduled maintenance, lubrication points and intervals, belt tension adjustment, track tension adjustment, track alignment.
Troubleshooting Guides:
Diagnostic charts for common starting, running, and performance issues based on symptoms.
Repair Procedures:
Step-by-step instructions for component removal, installation, and overhaul for all major systems.
Technical Specifications:
Torque specifications for critical fasteners, gap settings (spark plug, points), engine timing specifications.
Diagnostic Capability:
Advanced diagnostics including compression testing, leak-down testing, ignition system testing, and fuel system pressure testing.
Rebuild Procedures:
Detailed instructions for complete engine rebuilds, transmission overhauls, and suspension component rebuilds.
PDF Quality:
High-resolution scans for clear text and diagrams, searchable text where applicable.
Diagrams And Illustrations:
Clear, detailed exploded views, wiring diagrams, and assembly illustrations.
Binding Type:
N/A (Digital PDF Format)
Paper Type:
N/A (Digital PDF Format)
Engine Type:
2-stroke, parallel twin cylinder (typical for Polaris 340cc engines of this era)
Displacement:
Approximately 340cc
Estimated Horsepower:
30-45 HP (Varies based on specific tuning and engine condition)
Carburetion:
Likely twin Mikuni or Keihin carburetors, specific model dependent.
Fuel Type:
Pre-mixed gasoline and 2-stroke oil (e.g., 40:1 or 50:1 ratio specified in manual)
Transmission Type:
CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) with a drive clutch and driven clutch system.
Gear Selection:
Forward, Neutral, Reverse (typically via a gear selector for the drive system).
Clutch System:
Heavy-duty clutch kits available for enhanced performance and durability, addressing wear and tear on original components.
Historical Safety Standards:
Snowmobile safety standards of the late 1970s, focusing on rider protection and vehicle stability.
Kill Switch:
Essential safety feature for immediate engine shutdown.
Windshield:
Provides protection from wind, snow, and debris.
Gauge Cluster:
Basic instrument cluster including speedometer, tachometer (often optional), and warning lights.
No Electronic Aids:
As a 1970s snowmobile, it lacks modern electronic driver assistance systems.
No Connectivity:
No onboard connectivity features.
Clutch Maintenance:
Clutch inspection and cleaning every 50-100 operating hours; belt replacement as needed based on wear.
Engine Tune Up:
Annual or bi-annual tune-up including spark plug replacement, carburetor adjustment, and ignition timing check.
Track Adjustment:
Track tension check and adjustment before each significant ride and periodically throughout the season.
2 Stroke Oil Ratio:
Specific pre-mix ratio (e.g., 50:1) will be detailed in the manual, using high-quality 2-stroke snowmobile oil.
Chaincase Oil:
Specific viscosity and type of gear oil for the chaincase, likely a GL-4 or GL-5 rated gear oil.
Carburetor Fouling:
Common issue with older 2-stroke engines; requires regular cleaning and proper fuel mixture.
Clutch Wear:
Drive and driven clutches can experience wear, leading to poor acceleration and belt slippage.
Suspension Bushings:
Rubber suspension bushings can degrade over time, affecting ride quality and handling.
Polarising Legacy:
Polaris Industries has a long and storied history in the powersports industry, particularly with snowmobiles, dating back to the mid-20th century.
Apollo Lineage:
The Apollo line was a key model series for Polaris, evolving from earlier models and setting the stage for future innovations.
Manufacturing Era:
Produced during a period of significant growth and competition in the snowmobile market.
