Segment:
Performance-oriented trail and mountain snowmobile.
Competitors 1978:
Ski-Doo, Yamaha, Polaris, Rupp.
Vehicle Focus:
Power, performance, and reliability for varied snow conditions.
Benefit To Owner:
Empowers owners to perform maintenance and repairs, saving time and money, and ensuring proper upkeep.
Primary Coverage:
Comprehensive repair, maintenance, and troubleshooting for the 1978 Arctic Cat El Tigre 5000 snowmobile.
Estimated Pages:
Hundreds (Specific count not provided, but stated to be extensive).
Type:
Factory Service Repair Manual (Shop Manual)
Format:
Digital PDF Download
Engine:
Detailed breakdown of engine components, tuning, troubleshooting, and repair procedures.
Fuel System:
Carburetor adjustment, cleaning, fuel pump, fuel lines, and filters.
Ignition System:
Magneto ignition, spark plugs, timing, and troubleshooting.
Cooling System:
Air cooling system maintenance and inspection.
Drive System:
Clutch (Drive and Driven), chaincase, track, and suspension components.
Electrical System:
Lighting, starter (if applicable), wiring diagrams, and component testing.
Braking System:
Brake lever, cable, and caliper maintenance and adjustment.
Steering System:
Handlebar, steering post, tie rods, and spindle maintenance.
Chassis And Body:
Frame, body panels, seat, skis, and bumper components.
Maintenance:
Regularly scheduled maintenance tasks, lubrication points, and inspections.
Troubleshooting:
Step-by-step guides for diagnosing and resolving common and uncommon issues.
Repair:
Detailed instructions for disassembling, repairing, and reassembling all major components.
Overhaul:
Complete engine and component overhaul procedures.
Adjustments:
Carburetor, clutch, brake, and ignition timing adjustments.
Rebuilds:
Engine rebuilds, transmission rebuilds (if applicable), and clutch rebuilds.
Depth:
Comprehensive, covering everything from basic fluid changes to complete engine rebuilds and advanced diagnostics.
User Level:
Suitable for DIY enthusiasts and professional technicians alike.
File Size:
Approximately 100MB
Quality:
High-resolution, suitable for printing.
Binding:
Not Applicable (Digital PDF)
Paper:
Not Applicable (Digital PDF)
Features:
Searchable text for quick information retrieval.
Features:
Printable pages for on-hand reference.
Type:
Two-stroke, liquid-cooled (Likely, though air-cooled variants existed for similar models).
Displacement:
500cc class (Specific displacement for '5000' model typically around 440cc to 500cc depending on exact configuration).
Horsepower:
Estimated 45-55 HP (Based on typical engines of this era and displacement).
Torque:
Not specified, but expected for its class.
Carburetor Type:
Dual Mikuni or Hitachi (Typical for Arctic Cat of this era).
Fuel Type:
Premium Unleaded Gasoline / Oil Mixture (Pre-mix or oil injection system).
Type:
Liquid-cooled (Likely for El Tigre 5000 designation, providing consistent performance).
Type:
Arctic Cat's own continuously variable transmission (CVT) system (or a robust clutch system).
Features:
Drive clutch and driven clutch for automatic gear ratio adjustment.
Options:
Not specified, but manual or gear reduction options were rare for this type of sled.
Fluid Type:
Specific lubricant for chaincase, if applicable. Drive/driven clutch lubrication may also be covered.
Length:
Not specified, but typical for a long-track trail sled of the era.
Width:
Not specified, but typically around 36-42 inches.
Track Width:
Likely 15 inches.
Dry Weight:
Estimated 400-450 lbs (Dry weight, without fluids and rider).
Safety Standards:
Adherence to then-current snowmobile safety regulations. Manual will cover safe operating procedures.
Features:
Powerful braking system, stable chassis, protective bodywork.
Features:
Handlebar controls, throttle safety mechanism, kill switch.
Oil Change:
Detailed in manual, typically based on mileage or operating hours (if hour meter present).
Clutch Maintenance:
Periodic inspection, cleaning, and lubrication of drive and driven clutches recommended.
Track Tension:
Regular checks and adjustments are critical for proper operation and longevity.
Coolant:
Specific coolant mixture (water and antifreeze) for liquid-cooled engines, detailed in manual.
Chaincase Lube:
Specific gear oil type for chaincase lubrication, e.g., SAE 80W-90.
2 Stroke Oil:
Specific 2-stroke engine oil blend required for pre-mix or oil injection systems.
Common Problems:
Carburetor gumming, clutch wear, ignition coil failure, track wear, and exhaust leaks were common issues for snowmobiles of this era. The manual provides solutions for these.
Key Tasks:
Regular cleaning, lubrication of moving parts, chain tension adjustment, spark plug inspection/replacement, and fuel system cleaning.
Brand Origin:
Arctic Enterprises, founded in Thief River Falls, Minnesota, USA.
Brand Reputation:
Known for performance-oriented snowmobiles and pioneering innovations.
El Tigre Lineage:
The El Tigre line was renowned for its power and performance, often featuring liquid-cooled engines and advanced suspension for its time.
Production Period:
1970s, with the El Tigre line being a prominent offering.
