Historical Segment:
Entry-level to mid-range performance trail snowmobile, popular for its reliability and affordability in the 1980s.
Competitors:
Competed with models from Ski-Doo (e.g., Formula series), Yamaha (e.g., Bravo series), and Arctic Cat (e.g., El Tigre series) in the 350-450cc class.
Powertrain Emphasis:
Known for its durable liquid-cooled twin-cylinder engine and reliable clutch system, providing consistent power delivery.
Design Philosophy:
Focus on straightforward mechanical design and ease of maintenance, making it accessible to a wide range of riders.
Engine Systems:
Engine disassembly, assembly, tuning, lubrication, cooling, fuel system, exhaust system.
Powertrain Systems:
Drive clutch, driven clutch, chaincase, gearbox, track drive, suspension.
Chassis Systems:
Frame, steering, skis, handlebars, seat, body panels, graphics.
Electrical Systems:
Ignition system, lighting, wiring diagrams, battery, starter.
Maintenance Procedures:
Regular maintenance checks, lubrication schedules, fluid changes, spark plug replacement.
Troubleshooting And Diagnostics:
Common problems, diagnostic charts, electrical troubleshooting, performance issues.
Repair And Rebuild:
Component disassembly, repair, and reassembly for all major systems.
Technical Specifications:
Torque values, clearances, tolerances, fluid capacities, electrical specifications.
Estimated Pages:
Hundreds
Type:
Service/Shop Repair Manual
Format:
PDF (Digital Download)
File Size:
Approximately 100MB
Engine Type:
Liquid-cooled, two-stroke, twin-cylinder (specific engine variant likely detailed within).
Engine Details:
Carburetion, ignition timing, piston/ring inspection, cylinder bore, crankcase sealing, heat exchanger maintenance.
Clutch Systems:
Drive clutch (CVT) disassembly, inspection, roller/sheave maintenance, spring replacement. Driven clutch disassembly, sheave alignment, spring replacement.
Suspension And Steering:
Front IFS (Independent Front Suspension) or trailing arm system inspection and servicing, rear suspension linkage lubrication and adjustment, steering linkage wear inspection.
Braking System:
Hydraulic disc brake caliper service, master cylinder maintenance, brake fluid type and bleeding procedures.
Fuel And Exhaust:
Carburetor cleaning and adjustment (likely Mikuni or similar), fuel line routing and inspection, exhaust pipe mounting and gasket inspection.
Cooling System:
Radiator core cleaning, coolant type and capacity, water pump seal inspection.
Routine Maintenance:
Pre-ride inspections, track tension adjustment, lubrication points, chaincase oil change, spark plug indexing and gap setting.
Engine Overhaul:
Top-end rebuild (pistons, rings, cylinders), crankshaft bearing replacement, seal replacement.
Clutch Calibration:
Sheave angle measurement, roller weight adjustment, spring tension testing for optimal performance.
Carburetor Tuning:
Jetting adjustments for altitude and temperature, idle speed setting, mixture screw adjustments.
Electrical Diagnostics:
Ignition coil testing, stator output measurement, CDI unit troubleshooting, headlight/taillight bulb replacement.
Track And Suspension Service:
Track inspection for damage, idler wheel bearing checks, shock absorber servicing (if applicable).
Depth:
Comprehensive, covering everything from basic maintenance to complete engine and clutch rebuilds.
Diagnostics:
Detailed troubleshooting guides and diagnostic flowcharts for common and uncommon issues.
Repair Procedures:
Step-by-step instructions with exploded diagrams and torque specifications for all major components.
Digital Format:
PDF (Portable Document Format)
Searchability:
Likely searchable text, allowing for quick keyword-based navigation.
Printability:
Designed for printing, with clear diagrams and legible text.
Digital Binding:
N/A (Digital)
Digital Paper Equivalent:
High-resolution digital pages suitable for screen viewing or printing.
Engine Type:
Two-stroke, piston-ported, liquid-cooled, twin-cylinder
Displacement:
Approximately 398 cc (exact bore and stroke would be detailed in manual)
Bore X Stroke:
Refer to manual for exact specifications
Cooling System:
Liquid cooling with radiator and fan
Horsepower Est:
Approximately 40-50 HP (estimate, specific dyno figures vary)
Torque Est:
Refer to manual for specific torque curves
Carburetion:
Dual Mikuni VM series carburetors (likely 34mm or similar twin setup)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline (typically 87 octane or higher recommended for two-stroke engines)
Oil Injection:
Automatic oil injection system (pre-mix is not standard for this model)
Overall Length:
Refer to manual for exact dimensions
Overall Width:
Refer to manual for exact dimensions
Height:
Refer to manual for exact dimensions
Dry Weight Est:
Approximately 450-500 lbs (estimate, specific configurations vary)
Fuel Capacity:
Refer to manual for exact capacity (typically 6-9 gallons)
Oil Capacity:
Refer to manual for exact capacity (for oil injection system)
Crash Testing:
N/A (Snowmobiles are not subject to automotive crash testing standards)
Braking System:
Hydraulic disc brake system, typically rear-mounted.
Throttle Control:
Thumb throttle with safety lockout mechanism.
Engine Stop Switch:
Lanyard-style kill switch to prevent runaway.
Lighting:
Headlight, taillight, and brake light for visibility.
Track Guard:
Protective guards around the track and drive components.
Gauges:
Basic instrumentation typically includes speedometer, tachometer, engine temperature gauge/warning light, and neutral indicator.
Assistance Features:
Minimal; focus is on rider control and mechanical systems. No electronic driver assistance features.
Connectivity Features:
N/A. No electronic connectivity features.
Chaincase Oil:
Every 50-100 hours or annually. Specific oil grade (e.g., SAE 80W-90 GL-5) and capacity to be found in manual.
Spark Plugs:
Inspect every 50 hours, replace as needed. Recommended spark plug type and gap (e.g., NGK BR9ES, 0.028-0.032 inches) in manual.
Clutch Maintenance:
Inspect drive and driven clutches every 50-100 hours for wear on sheaves, rollers, and spring integrity.
Lubrication:
Grease suspension pivot points, steering components, and drive sprocket annually or as specified.
Coolant Type:
Ethylene glycol-based antifreeze (50/50 mix with distilled water recommended). Specific type and capacity detailed in manual.
Brake Fluid:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 hydraulic brake fluid. Refer to manual for exact specification and bleeding procedure.
Engine Wear:
Two-stroke engines of this era can experience piston/ring wear, cylinder scoring, and crank seal leaks if not properly maintained or if overheated.
Clutch Belt:
CVT belt wear and potential slippage if cracked, frayed, or improperly tensioned. Clutch alignment issues can accelerate belt wear.
Electrical Connections:
Corrosion or looseness in electrical connectors can lead to intermittent issues with ignition or lighting.
Polaris History:
Polaris Industries was founded in 1954 and quickly became a pioneer in the snowmobile industry, known for innovation and performance.
Indy Lineage:
The 'Indy' nameplate represented Polaris's commitment to sporty, agile trail riding. The 400cc class was a cornerstone for many years, offering a balance of power and manageability.
Production Era:
The 1986 model falls within a highly competitive era for Polaris, building on successful designs from the early to mid-1980s.
