Segment:
Performance Trail/Mountain Snowmobile
Competitors 2008:
Arctic Cat M Series, Ski-Doo Summit, Yamaha Nytro M-TX
Engine Performance:
Known for its powerful Liberty 700cc engine, offering strong acceleration and top-end speed.
Chassis Design:
Built on the agile Polaris IQ chassis, providing a rider-forward stance and excellent handling characteristics.
Suspension System:
Features the Phantom rear suspension and PRO-RIDE front suspension, optimized for varied snow conditions.
Target User:
DIY mechanics, snowmobile enthusiasts, and professional service technicians working on the 2008 Polaris 700 Dragon IQ.
Engine:
Detailed information on the Polaris 700cc Liberty twin-cylinder engine, including disassembly, assembly, inspection, and tuning.
Fuel System:
Carburetor (likely Mikuni VM34) service, cleaning, adjustment, and troubleshooting; fuel pump, fuel lines, and fuel tank maintenance.
Ignition System:
CDI, ignition coils, spark plugs, wiring diagrams, and diagnostic procedures.
Cooling System:
Liquid cooling system maintenance, radiator, coolant flow, thermostat, and water pump service.
Exhaust System:
Exhaust pipe inspection, silencer maintenance, and associated hardware.
Drivetrain:
Primary and secondary clutch (CVT) service, alignment, weights, springs, and engagement/disengagement characteristics. Chaincase service, lubrication, and chain tension adjustment.
Suspension:
Front and rear suspension component inspection, shock absorber service, spring replacement, and alignment procedures.
Steering:
Steering post, tie rods, spindle inspection, lubrication, and alignment adjustments.
Brakes:
Hydraulic brake system service, caliper overhaul, brake fluid replacement, pad inspection, and rotor maintenance.
Electrical System:
Complete wiring diagrams, lighting system, battery maintenance, starter motor, charging system, and accessory circuits.
Bodywork And Chassis:
Body panel removal and installation, seat, windshield, handlebars, and chassis component inspection.
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance tasks, lubrication points, filter changes, and general upkeep procedures.
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic flowcharts and step-by-step troubleshooting guides for common and uncommon issues.
Repair:
Detailed instructions for component repair, replacement, and assembly/disassembly of all major systems.
Adjustments:
Carburetor tuning, clutch adjustments, chaincase tension, steering alignment, and brake adjustments.
Diagnostics:
Procedures for diagnosing electrical faults, engine performance issues, and drivetrain malfunctions.
Depth:
Comprehensive: Covers everything from basic routine maintenance to complete engine overhauls and advanced electrical diagnostics.
Detail Level:
Includes torque specifications, clearances, timing marks, and detailed component drawings.
Engine Type:
700cc Liberty Liquid-Cooled, Twin-Cylinder, 2-Stroke
Bore X Stroke:
80 mm x 68 mm (Typical for 700 Liberty Twin)
Horsepower Estimate:
~130-140 HP (Estimate, varies by tuning and conditions)
Cooling Method:
Liquid-Cooled
Carburetor Type:
Twin Mikuni VM34
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline (91 Octane or higher recommended)
Oil Injection:
Variable Ratio Oil Injection System
Starter Type:
Electric Starter
Initial Break In:
Typically 10-20 hours or 200-300 miles, involving gradual acceleration and varied RPMs.
Oil Change:
Regular oil level checks are crucial for 2-stroke oil injection systems. Two-stroke oil needs replenishment as needed.
Clutch Inspection:
Inspect primary and secondary clutches annually or every 1000 miles for wear on buttons, rollers, and belts.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Recommended every 100-200 hours or as needed based on inspection.
Chaincase Fluid Change:
Typically every 1-2 years or 1000-2000 miles.
Coolant Type:
Polaris Coolant or a high-quality ethylene glycol coolant (e.g., Peak, Prestone) with corrosion inhibitors, typically a 50/50 mix with distilled water.
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 4 Hydraulic Brake Fluid
Clutch Wear:
Clutch components (weights, bushings, springs) can wear over time, affecting performance. Proper cleaning and lubrication are key.
Suspension Bushings:
Wear in suspension pivot points and bushings can lead to play and affect handling.
Track Tension:
Incorrect track tension can lead to premature wear on the track, hyfax, and suspension components.
Carburetor Tuning:
Requires periodic cleaning and adjustment, especially if the machine sits for extended periods or uses different fuel types.
Polaris History:
Polaris Industries is a leading manufacturer of powersports vehicles, with a long history dating back to 1954.
Iq Platform:
The IQ platform was a significant advancement for Polaris, introducing rider-forward ergonomics and improved handling.
Dragon Series:
The Dragon series represented Polaris's high-performance, deep-snow oriented models, emphasizing power and agility.
Production Era:
The 2008 model year was part of the peak era for this generation of Polaris snowmobiles.