Systems Covered:
Engine, Fuel System, Ignition System, Drive System, Suspension System (Front & Rear), Steering System, Braking System, Electrical System, Chassis, Bodywork, Cooling System, Exhaust System, Track System
Procedures Included:
Routine Maintenance (Oil Changes, Lubrication, Adjustments), Troubleshooting, Engine Rebuilds, Transmission/Drive Clutch Service, Suspension Calibration, Brake System Overhaul, Electrical Diagnostics and Repair, Carburetor Tuning, Clutch Service, Track Inspection and Replacement, General Repairs
Technical Depth:
Comprehensive (from basic maintenance to full overhaul and advanced diagnostics)
Engine Mechanical:
Complete disassembly and reassembly of the 498cc 2-stroke engine, including piston, crankshaft, connecting rods, cylinder head, and valve train (if applicable, though typically reed valve).
Fuel System Detailed:
Carburetor identification, disassembly, cleaning, jetting, synchronization, and adjustment procedures for the Mikuni carburetors.
Drive System Components:
Detailed information on Arctic Cat drive and driven clutch maintenance, roller replacement, spring tuning, and helix inspection.
Suspension Tuning:
Front and rear suspension adjustment procedures, shock absorber service and rebuilding (if applicable), alignment specifications, and ski alignment.
Engine Diagnostics:
Step-by-step troubleshooting for common engine problems like poor starting, misfires, and loss of power, including compression testing and ignition system checks.
Electrical System Diagnostics:
Wiring diagrams, component testing procedures for lights, ignition coils,cdi unit, sensors, and troubleshooting intermittent electrical faults.
Track System Maintenance:
Track tension adjustment, idler wheel inspection, and lubrication points for the track drive system.
Rebuild Procedures:
Complete step-by-step instructions for engine rebuilds, including torque specifications for critical fasteners.
Specification Data:
Includes detailed specifications for all major components, such as piston ring gap, bearing clearances, ignition timing, and carburetor settings.
Wiring Diagrams:
Includes detailed electrical system wiring diagrams for troubleshooting.
Engine Type:
2-Stroke, Liquid-Cooled Twin Cylinder
Engine Displacement:
498cc (approximately)
Bore X Stroke:
65.5 mm x 74 mm (typical for this class)
Horsepower Estimated:
90-95 HP (estimated)
Carburetion:
Dual Mikuni VM Series Carburetors (e.g., 38mm)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline (minimum 87 octane recommended, or per manual)
Oil Injection:
APV (Arctic Performance Valve) System or Premix (check specific model configuration)
Ignition Type:
CDI (Capacitor Discharge Ignition)
Cooling Type:
Liquid-Cooled
Primary Clutch:
Arctic (ACT) Drive Clutch
Secondary Clutch:
Arctic (ACT) Roller Cam Driven Clutch
Drive Belt:
Specific Arctic Cat Belt (e.g., 0627-046 or equivalent)
Gearbox:
Chaincase with forward/neutral/reverse (check specific configuration)
Gear Ratios Estimated:
Varies based on chaincase and snow conditions; detailed ratios in manual.
Oil Change Interval:
Refer to manual; typically after break-in and annually or per operating hours/miles.
Clutch Inspection Interval:
Recommended annually or every 1000 miles/operating hours, check belt wear.
Chaincase Oil Type:
Arctic Cat Synthetic Chaincase Lubricant or equivalent API GL-4 75W-90 Gear Oil (verify in manual)
Coolant Type:
Arctic Cat Antifreeze/Coolant or equivalent Ethylene Glycol-based coolant with corrosion inhibitors (50/50 mix)
2 Stroke Oil Type:
Arctic Cat 2-Stroke Synthetic Oil or a high-quality, low-smoke synthetic 2-stroke oil meeting API TC or JASO FD specifications.
Common Issues Potential:
Carburetor jetting/tuning for optimal performance, drive belt wear and replacement, occasional stator or electrical component issues, wear on suspension bushings and ball joints.
Troubleshooting Focus:
Detailed diagnostic procedures for starting problems, power loss, overheating, and electrical faults.
Filter Part Numbers Example:
Air filter P/N 0444-020, Oil filter (if applicable for oil injection system) may vary.
Brand Focus:
Arctic Cat has a long-standing history in snowmobiling, known for performance and innovation in the off-road vehicle market.
Zr Series Significance:
The ZR series represented Arctic Cat's push for high-performance, agile trail sleds, often featuring advanced suspension and engine technology for its time.
Production Period:
The ZR 500 was a popular model in the late 1990s and early 2000s, with the 2001 model being a refinement of previous iterations.