Market Position:
The Ski-Doo Alpine was a versatile snowmobile designed for utility and recreational use in challenging winter conditions, often favored for its robust construction and ability to traverse varied terrain.
Competition:
Competed with other utility-focused snowmobiles from brands like Arctic Cat, Polaris, and Yamaha of the era, emphasizing workhorse capabilities over pure speed.
Key Features:
Known for its comfortable seating, ample cargo space (often featuring a rack or storage box), and reliable two-stroke engine suitable for long-distance travel and hauling.
Engine Overhaul:
Complete engine disassembly, inspection, repair, and reassembly procedures for the 640cc engine.
Fuel System:
Carburetor adjustment, cleaning, and repair; fuel pump service; fuel tank maintenance.
Ignition System:
Spark plug specifications, timing adjustments, coil and CDI unit troubleshooting.
Cooling System:
Antifreeze specifications, radiator and fan service (if applicable for the Alpine model), thermostat operation.
Drive System:
Clutch (primary and secondary) adjustment and servicing, belt inspection and replacement, chain case lubrication and maintenance.
Suspension:
Front and rear suspension component inspection, lubrication, and repair; shock absorber and spring servicing.
Steering:
Handlebar and steering column assembly, linkage inspection, and adjustment.
Braking System:
Brake caliper service, pad replacement, fluid specifications, and bleeding procedures.
Electrical System:
Wiring diagrams, lighting system service, battery maintenance, starter system troubleshooting.
Body And Chassis:
Body panel removal and installation, seat servicing, track inspection and adjustment.
Routine Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacements, lubrication points, and general inspection checklists.
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic flowcharts and common problem identification for engine, electrical, and mechanical systems.
Component Rebuild:
Detailed instructions for rebuilding major components like the engine, carburetor, and clutches.
Adjustment Procedures:
Carburetor tuning, chain tension, brake lever free play, and clutch engagement point adjustments.
Depth:
Comprehensive factory-level technical data suitable for professional technicians and advanced DIY enthusiasts.
Engine Type:
Two-Stroke, Rotary Valve Induction
Displacement:
638 cc (approximate, varies slightly by specific engine variant)
Bore X Stroke:
Not Specified in product data (typical for the era: 70mm x 64mm)
Cooling Method:
Air-Cooled
Horsepower:
Approximately 40-50 HP (typical for this engine size and era)
Carburetor:
Single or Dual Mikuni/Tillotson (specific model dependent, e.g., VM32 or similar)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline (typically 87 octane or higher) mixed with 2-stroke oil
Oil Mixture Ratio:
Typically 40:1 or 50:1 (refer to manual for exact specification)
Transmission Type:
CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) with forward, neutral, and reverse gears.
Clutch System:
Dual centrifugal clutch system (Drive clutch and Driven clutch).
Gear Reduction:
Not Specified
Chaincase Oil:
Refer to manual for specific SAE viscosity grade (e.g., SAE 30 or 80W-90)
Safety Standards:
Adheres to industry safety standards of the era for snowmobile operation.
Kill Switch:
Standard handlebar-mounted engine kill switch.
Throttle Safety:
Thumb throttle with safety detents.
Rollover Protection:
N/A (Snowmobiles do not typically have rollover protection structures).
Oil Change:
Refer to manual for specific interval, typically every 25-50 operating hours or annually.
Clutch Inspection:
Recommended annually or every 100 operating hours.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Check and clean every season, replace as needed (refer to manual for specific type and gap).
Track Tension:
Check and adjust every 50 operating hours or as needed.
Coolant Type:
Ethylene Glycol based antifreeze (if liquid-cooled variant exists, typically air-cooled for Alpine).
Gearcase Oil Type:
Refer to manual for exact SAE viscosity grade, commonly SAE 30 or SAE 80W-90.
Common Wear Items:
Clutch wear (rollers, buttons, springs), track lugs, carburetor jetting issues due to ethanol in modern fuels, exhaust gasket leaks.
Engine Carburetion:
Improper idling or hesitation can indicate carburetor needs cleaning or adjustment.
Drive Belt:
Check for cracks, glazing, or excessive wear; replace if more than 1/8" worn or if visible damage.
Brand Origin:
Ski-Doo, a brand of Bombardier Recreational Products (BRP), has a long history of snowmobile innovation dating back to the 1950s.
Alpine Lineage:
The Alpine line was characterized by its longer track, often a coupled suspension system, and features designed for utility and two-up riding, distinguishing it from performance-oriented models.
Production Era:
The 1982 model year represents a significant period in Ski-Doo's development, with continuous refinement of engine technology and chassis design.
