Segment:
Performance and Utility Snowmobiles
Target Audience:
Owners seeking to perform maintenance and repairs, independent repair shops, experienced DIY mechanics.
Competitors 1998:
Arctic Cat (ZRT series, Mountain Cat), Ski-Doo (Mach series, Summit), Polaris (RMK, Indy).
Engine Technology:
Powerful, liquid-cooled, reed valve, two-stroke engines known for their performance and reliability. The VMAX series was Yamaha's flagship performance snowmobile line.
Suspension Design:
Advanced front and rear suspension systems designed for comfortable riding and capable handling in varied snow conditions.
Cv Technology:
Yamaha's reliable CV system (clutching) for smooth power delivery and efficient operation.
Models Covered:
1998 Yamaha VMAX 500, VMAX 500 DELUXE, VMAX 600, VMAX 600 DELUXE, VMAX 700, VMAX 700 DELUXE, Venture 700
Estimated Pages:
Likely 300-500 pages (typical for comprehensive snowmobile service manuals)
Type:
Service Manual / Repair Manual
Engine Systems:
Engine disassembly, assembly, inspection, tuning, cooling system, lubrication system, ignition system, fuel system (carburetion, fuel pump), exhaust system.
Drivetrain Systems:
CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) system, drive clutch, driven clutch, chaincase, gears, bearings, drive shaft, driven shaft, track system, suspension linkages.
Electrical Systems:
Ignition system components (stator, CDI, coils), lighting system, battery, charging system (rectifier/regulator), wiring diagrams, switch gear, sensors.
Chassis And Body:
Frame, front suspension (spindles, shocks, skis), rear suspension (articulated, shocks, sliders, idler wheels), steering system, brakes (hydraulic disc), body panels, seat, handlebars, controls.
Maintenance Procedures:
Routine maintenance checks, oil changes, filter replacements, spark plug service, belt inspection/replacement, chain lubrication/adjustment, suspension lubrication, track tension adjustment.
Repair Procedures:
Complete engine rebuilds (top and bottom end), carburetor cleaning and rebuilding, clutch service and replacement, suspension component overhaul, brake system bleeding and component replacement, electrical component troubleshooting and replacement.
Troubleshooting Guides:
Diagnostic charts for common issues, symptom-based troubleshooting, electrical system fault finding, engine performance diagnostics.
Inspection Operations:
Pre-ride inspections, post-season inspections, detailed component inspection for wear and damage (e.g., track lugs, suspension arms, engine components).
Diagnostic Capabilities:
Advanced diagnostic procedures, including ignition timing checks, compression testing, carburetor jetting analysis, and electrical circuit testing.
Rebuild Completeness:
Comprehensive step-by-step instructions for full engine and drivetrain component rebuilds, including torque specifications and clearances.
Exploded Diagrams:
Detailed exploded diagrams for nearly every assembly, facilitating part identification and aiding in disassembly/reassembly processes.
Engine Type:
Liquid-cooled, 2-stroke, reed valve induction
Cylinder Configuration:
Inline-3 (for 500, 600, 700cc models)
Bore X Stroke:
Specific to each engine displacement (e.g., 700cc: approx. 73.0mm x 54.2mm - exact figures in manual)
Displacement 500:
Approx. 493cc
Displacement 600:
Approx. 597cc
Displacement 700:
Approx. 698cc
Horsepower 500:
Approx. 90-100 hp (estimate)
Horsepower 600:
Approx. 105-115 hp (estimate)
Horsepower 700:
Approx. 120-130 hp (estimate)
Carburetion Type:
Mikuni VM or BST series carburetors (likely dual carbs per cylinder or dual carbs per engine, specific model dependent)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline (87 octane minimum, higher recommended for performance models)
Oil Injection:
Yamaha Accu-Lube or similar oil injection system for pre-mixing oil with fuel.
Type:
Automatic Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT)
Reverse:
Typically manual reverse engaged via a lever, or automatic reverse in some higher-trim models (e.g., Venture).
Clutch System:
Yamaha Drive clutch and Driven clutch system, with adjustable spring and weight configurations for performance tuning.
Chaincase Lubrication:
Gear oil, specific viscosity and capacity detailed in the manual.
Crash Testing:
Not applicable in the same way as automobiles; focus is on operational safety features.
Braking System:
Hydraulic disc brake, front and/or rear, providing strong stopping power.
Throttle Control:
Thumb throttle with safety lockout mechanism.
Kill Switch:
Engine kill switch located on handlebars, often with a tether cord for rider safety.
Lighting:
Headlight, taillight, and brake light for visibility.
Windscreen:
Provides wind protection for the rider.
Oil Change Engine:
Typically at the start of each season or every 1,000-2,000 miles, or as per manual recommendations. For 2-strokes, this refers to oil injection reservoir.
Spark Plug Service:
Check/clean/replace every 1,000-2,000 miles or annually. Specific spark plug type and gap in manual.
Chaincase Lubrication:
Check level at start of season, change oil annually or as per usage.
Clutch Belt Inspection:
Inspect belt for wear and damage at start of season and periodically. Replace when worn beyond specifications or damaged.
Engine Oil Type:
Yamaha Premium Performance 2-M Oil or equivalent API-TC certified 2-stroke oil. NOT for premix, this is for the oil injection system.
Chaincase Oil Type:
Yamalube Gear Oil 75W-90 or equivalent API GL-4 gear oil. Capacity specified in manual.
Coolant Type:
Yamaha All Weather Coolant or equivalent propylene glycol-based coolant (50/50 mix with distilled water).
Carburetor Issues:
Carburetors can become gummed up with stale fuel, leading to poor idle or hesitation. Regular cleaning and proper fuel storage are key.
Clutch Wear:
Drive belts can wear or stretch over time, affecting performance. Clutch rollers and weights can also wear. Regular inspection and replacement are necessary.
Suspension Wear:
Sliders, hyfax, and bearings in the rear suspension can wear, requiring periodic lubrication and replacement.
Track Damage:
Track lugs can get damaged from hitting ice or debris. Track tension also needs to be maintained correctly.
Yamaha Motorcycles:
Yamaha has a long-standing reputation for engineering excellence in motorcycles and powersports vehicles, translating to robust snowmobile designs.
Vmax Lineage:
The VMAX series has a legacy of high performance, with the 1998 models representing an evolution of successful preceding generations.
Venture Lineage:
The Venture line typically focuses on comfort and utility, often incorporating features like two-up seating and better wind protection, while sharing the VMAX engine platforms.
Manufacturing Location:
Primarily Japan (Yamaha's core manufacturing base for snowmobiles during this era).
