Positioning:
The 1997 Polaris Indy 500 RMK was a popular trail and mountain-specific snowmobile known for its balanced performance and reliability. This manual caters to owners looking to maintain or repair this capable machine.
Competitors:
Competed with similar displacement snowmobiles from Ski-Doo (e.g., Formula Mach Z), Arctic Cat (e.g., Thundercat), and Yamaha (e.g., VMAX).
Vehicle Features:
RMK (Riding Mountain Kingdom) designation signifies a focus on backcountry and mountain riding capabilities. Likely featured a longer track and specific suspension tuning for deeper snow.
Value Proposition:
Provides factory-trained technician knowledge, enabling owners to perform a wide range of maintenance and repairs, saving on labor costs and ensuring proper upkeep.
Coverage Summary:
Comprehensive service, shop repair, and maintenance guide for the 1997 Polaris Indy 500 RMK snowmobile.
Estimated Page Count:
Hundreds of pages (exact number not specified, typical for factory service manuals).
Type:
Factory Service Manual / Shop Manual / Repair Manual
Format:
PDF (Digital Download)
Engine:
Detailed diagnostics, repair, and overhaul procedures for the 500cc liquid-cooled, 2-stroke engine. Includes carburetor tuning, ignition system checks, cooling system service.
Drivetrain:
Primary clutch, secondary clutch, chaincase, driveshaft, and track maintenance and repair. Gear ratios and lubrication specifications.
Suspension:
Front and rear suspension systems, including shock absorbers, control arms, and trailing arms. Lubrication and adjustment procedures.
Brakes:
Hydraulic brake system, including caliper, master cylinder, fluid replacement, and bleeding procedures.
Electrical:
Ignition system, lighting, starter system, battery, and wiring diagrams. Troubleshooting common electrical faults.
Fuel System:
Fuel tank, fuel pump, fuel lines, and carburetor(s) (likely Mikuni VM series). Cleaning, rebuilding, and jetting information.
Cooling System:
Radiator, hoses, thermostat, and coolant specifications. Flushing and filling procedures.
Body And Frame:
Body panel removal and installation, chassis inspection, and repair.
Routine Maintenance:
Oil change intervals and specifications, spark plug replacement, air filter cleaning/replacement, track tension adjustment, lubrication points.
Troubleshooting:
Systematic diagnostic procedures for common and uncommon issues. "What to do when..." guides.
Major Repairs:
Engine rebuild, transmission/chaincase overhaul, clutch replacement, suspension component overhaul.
Component Overhaul:
Detailed instructions for rebuilding carburetors, pumps, shocks, and other key components.
Wiring Diagrams:
Complete electrical system schematics for accurate troubleshooting.
Depth:
Factory-level detail, covering everything from basic owner maintenance to complete engine and drivetrain rebuilds. Designed for both novice DIYers and experienced technicians.
Engine Type:
Liquid-Cooled, 2-Stroke, Parallel Twin
Displacement:
488cc (approximate, specific designation '500' implies this)
Bore X Stroke:
Specifics would be in the manual, typically around 65mm x 75mm for this class.
Horsepower:
Estimated 85-95 HP (typical for 500cc class liquid-cooled 2-strokes of this era).
Torque:
Specific figures not readily available but expected to provide strong mid-range power for mountain climbing.
Carburetion:
Dual Mikuni VM Series Carburetors (e.g., VM34 or VM36, specific size in manual).
Ignition Type:
CDI (Capacitor Discharge Ignition) with flywheel magneto.
Oil Delivery:
Autolube system (oil injection from a separate reservoir).
Transmission Type:
CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) with Polaris P-85 drive clutch and Yamaha 'Type 9' driven clutch (or similar Polaris driven clutch like the TEAM BOSS).
Optional Transmission:
N/A (CVT was standard for this model and era).
Gear Reduction:
Chaincase with selectable gear reduction ratios (specific ratios detailed in manual).
Clutch Maintenance:
Detailed procedures for clutch inspection, cleaning, belt replacement, and spring/roller tuning.
Overall Length:
Specific length varies by track length but generally around 105-115 inches.
Overall Width:
Typical around 45-48 inches.
Track Length:
RMK models typically featured longer tracks (e.g., 133.5" or 136") for better flotation.
Dry Weight:
Estimated 475-500 lbs (dry).
Oil Change Interval:
Refer to manual for specific recommendations, typically annually or per manufacturer guidelines for 2-stroke oil change (autolube).
Clutch Inspection:
Recommended after initial break-in and periodically thereafter, especially if performance degradation is noticed.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Typically every 100-150 hours or as needed based on inspection.
Coolant Type:
Ethylene Glycol based antifreeze, typically a 50/50 mix with distilled water. Specific Polaris coolant or equivalent recommended.
2 Stroke Oil:
High-quality synthetic or semi-synthetic 2-stroke snowmobile oil meeting API TC or JASO FD specifications. Polaris Premium 2-Stroke Oil recommended.
Chaincase Oil:
Specific viscosity gear oil for snowmobile chaincases (e.g., SAE 80W-90 or equivalent). Capacity typically around 6-8 oz. Refer to manual for exact type and amount.
Typical Wear Items:
Clutch belts, carbides, hyfax (runners), shock seals, crank seals, exhaust gaskets.
Common Faults:
Carburetor gumming if fuel is left stagnant, crank seal leaks leading to poor running, clutch alignment issues, track wear.
Preventative Measures:
Proper storage with fuel stabilizer, regular clutch cleaning, and correct lubrication are key.
Polaris Legacy:
Polaris Industries is a long-standing American manufacturer known for its innovation in snowmobiles, ATVs, and personal watercraft since the 1950s.
Indy Lineage:
The Indy series was a flagship line for Polaris, known for its sporty performance and rider comfort. The RMK variant specifically evolved for mountain riding.
Manufacturing Era:
Mid-to-late 1990s, a period of significant technological advancement in snowmobiling.
