Market Segment:
Performance-oriented snowmobile of its era, aimed at enthusiasts seeking power and capability.
Competitors 1979:
Competed with other high-performance snowmobiles from brands like Ski-Doo, Yamaha, and Polaris.
Model Identifier:
Known for its powerful engine and aggressive styling, designed for both trail riding and mountain exploration.
Value To Owner:
Empowers owners to perform their own maintenance and repairs, saving on labor costs and ensuring proper upkeep.
Ease Of Use:
Designed with easy-to-read text and clear illustrations to guide users of varying technical skill levels.
Manual Coverage Summary:
Comprehensive service and repair for the 1979 Arctic Cat El Tigre 5000 snowmobile, covering all mechanical and electrical systems.
Estimated Page Count:
Hundreds of pages (exact count not specified, but implied to be extensive)
Manual Type:
Factory Service Repair Manual
Print Quality Notes:
High-quality PDF suitable for printing individual pages or the entire manual.
Binding Type:
Digital (PDF download)
Paper Type Notes:
N/A (Digital format)
Search Functionality:
Searchable PDF allows for quick access to specific information.
Printing Capability:
Allows users to print specific pages or the entire manual as needed.
Engine Systems:
Engine assembly, disassembly, tuning, lubrication, cooling system, fuel system, exhaust system.
Drivetrain Systems:
Drive clutch, driven clutch, chaincase, drive axle, track system.
Suspension Steering:
Front suspension, rear suspension (articulated or coupled), steering system, skis, tie rods.
Braking System:
Brake system components, brake adjustments, maintenance.
Electrical System:
Ignition system, lighting, stator, wiring diagrams, battery maintenance.
Bodywork Chassis:
Frame, body panels, seat, handlebars, controls, tunnel.
Maintenance Procedures:
Regular maintenance checks, lubrication points, filter replacement, spark plug service, belt inspection.
Troubleshooting Procedures:
Diagnostic guides for common and uncommon issues, symptom-based troubleshooting, root cause analysis.
Repair Procedures:
Step-by-step instructions for component repair and replacement, engine rebuilds, transmission servicing, suspension overhauls.
Adjustment Procedures:
Carburetor tuning, ignition timing adjustments, brake adjustments, clutch alignment.
Disassembly Assembly:
Detailed instructions for complete disassembly and reassembly of all major components.
Depth Of Coverage:
Full factory-level repair and maintenance, from basic tasks to complete engine and drivetrain overhauls.
Diagnostic Capability:
Includes detailed troubleshooting charts and diagnostic procedures to identify and resolve mechanical and electrical faults.
Rebuild Instructions:
Provides comprehensive instructions for engine and transmission rebuilds, including specifications and tolerances.
Illustration Quality:
Numerous illustrations and diagrams to aid in understanding procedures and component identification.
Engine Type:
2-stroke, Piston Ported
Engine Configuration:
Twin-cylinder, opposed-piston configuration (typical for El Tigre 5000, confirm specific variant)
Displacement:
Approx. 494cc (Engine size can vary slightly based on exact variant; 5000 typically refers to engine size class).
Bore X Stroke:
Not specified in provided data, but typically around 62mm x 64mm for this class.
Cooling System:
Fan-cooled (Air-cooled via fan assist)
Horsepower Rating:
Estimated 40-50 HP (typical for a 500cc class snowmobile engine of this era).
Torque Rating:
Not specified in provided data, but expected to be robust for its displacement.
Carburetor Type:
Dual Mikuni VM carburetors (common configuration)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline (typically 87-91 octane)
Fuel Mixture:
Oil injection or pre-mix (typically 40:1 ratio with TCW-3 rated 2-stroke oil if pre-mix).
Transmission Type:
CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) with Arctic Cat's own clutch system (Drive Clutch and Driven Clutch).
Gear Reduction:
Chaincase with single reduction gear ratio (specific ratio not provided).
Drive Belt Type:
Specific V-belt model number not provided, but clutch maintenance and replacement are covered.
Clutch Adjustment:
Clutch alignment, spring tension, and weight adjustments covered for optimal performance.
Overall Length:
Not specified in provided data.
Overall Width:
Not specified in provided data.
Track Width:
Not specified in provided data.
Dry Weight:
Not specified in provided data, but typically in the 450-550 lb range for this class.
Safety Standards:
No specific crash ratings apply; manual covers safe operation and maintenance of safety features.
Kill Switch:
Engine kill switch functionality and troubleshooting covered.
Braking System Safety:
Emphasis on proper brake function and maintenance for safe stopping.
Chassis Integrity:
Guidance on maintaining chassis and suspension integrity for stable operation.
Instrument Panel:
Basic instrument cluster including speedometer, tachometer (optional on some models), and indicator lights.
No Driver Assistance Features:
No electronic driver assistance features typical of modern vehicles.
No Connectivity Features:
No modern connectivity features like Bluetooth or GPS.
Oil Change Interval:
Not directly applicable to 2-stroke pre-mix/oil injection, but oil/filter for chaincase is specified.
Spark Plug Service:
Regular inspection and replacement as per manual recommendations.
Clutch Inspection:
Regular inspection of drive and driven clutches for wear and proper function.
Chaincase Oil Change:
Recommended intervals for checking and changing chaincase lubricant.
Chaincase Lubricant:
Specific gear oil type and viscosity recommended (e.g., SAE 80W-90 GL-4).
Coolant Type:
N/A (Air-cooled engine).
2 Stroke Oil Type:
API-TC or NMMA-TCW3 rated 2-stroke oil for pre-mix or oil injection system.
Common Wear Items:
Drive belts, clutch components, track lugs, carbides, shock absorbers, ignition coils.
Engine Performance Issues:
Carburetor gumming, fouled spark plugs, worn reed valves, stator failure, exhaust port carbon buildup.
Carburetor Cleaning:
Regular cleaning and adjustment to ensure optimal fuel mixture.
Track Tension:
Proper track tension adjustment is crucial for performance and longevity.
Arctic Cat History:
Arctic Cat is a long-standing manufacturer of snowmobiles, known for innovation and performance in the powersports industry.
El Tigre Lineage:
The El Tigre line has historically represented Arctic Cat's performance-oriented offerings, evolving with engine technology and chassis design.
Production Era:
Late 1970s, a period of significant development and competition in the snowmobile market.