Market Position:
The 1974 Arctic Cat El Tigre LT-340 was positioned as a versatile trail and utility snowmobile, offering reliable performance for its era. Arctic Cat was a prominent manufacturer in the early days of snowmobiling, known for its durable and capable machines.
Competitive Landscape:
Competed with other major snowmobile manufacturers of the 1970s, such as Ski-Doo, Polaris, and Yamaha, often differentiating through chassis design, engine options, and specific model features like the El Tigre's intended versatility.
Key Features:
Known for its robust build quality, effective suspension for its time, and a reliable engine package suitable for various snow conditions. The 'LT' designation likely indicated a Long Track variant, offering better flotation.
Manual Value Proposition:
This manual provides essential, factory-accurate information crucial for maintaining, diagnosing, and repairing the 1974 Arctic Cat El Tigre LT-340, enabling owners to keep their vintage snowmobile in optimal running condition.
Engine System:
Engine overhaul, tuning, carburetor, ignition, cooling (air-cooled), exhaust
Drivetrain System:
Clutch (primary and secondary), chaincase, drive axle, track system
Chassis Suspension System:
Front suspension (skis, shock absorbers, linkage), rear suspension (bogies, torque arm, shock absorbers), track assembly
Braking System:
Brake caliper, brake disc, brake lever/pedal mechanism, cable adjustment
Electrical System:
Ignition system components (points, condenser, coil, spark plugs), lighting (headlight, taillight), kill switch, wiring diagrams
Fuel System:
Fuel tank, fuel lines, fuel filter, carburetor model and tuning
Controls System:
Handlebar steering, throttle control, brake lever, kill switch operation
Bodywork Plastics:
Hood, seat, running boards, windshield (if equipped), fairings, decals
Maintenance Procedures:
Oil change, spark plug replacement, air filter cleaning/replacement, track tension adjustment, lubrication points
Repair Procedures:
Engine rebuild (top-end, potentially full rebuild depending on depth), carburetor rebuild and tuning, clutch adjustment and replacement, brake system repairs, suspension component replacement, chaincase service
Troubleshooting Guidance:
Diagnosis of common performance issues, starting problems, electrical faults, mechanical failures
Technical Specifications:
Torque specifications, clearances, ignition timing, carburetor jetting, recommended fluids and lubricants
Technical Depth:
Comprehensive factory-level repair and maintenance information, suitable for both novice DIYers and experienced mechanics. Covers routine servicing to major component overhauls.
Engine Manufacturer:
Arctic Cat (likely sourced or designed in-house)
Engine Type:
2-stroke, piston-ported, air-cooled twin cylinder
Displacement:
339cc (approximately)
Bore X Stroke:
Specific dimensions to be detailed in the manual (typical for this era might be around 60mm x 58mm)
Cooling System:
Air-cooled, fan-assisted
Ignition System:
Magneto ignition, points and condenser type
Horsepower:
Estimated 25-30 HP (typical for 340cc engines of this era)
Torque:
Not readily available, but optimized for low-end torque for snowmobile traction.
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline mixed with 2-stroke oil (e.g., 20:1 or 24:1 ratio, check manual for exact specification)
Carburetor:
Likely a single or dual Mikuni or Tillotson carburetor (specific model and sizing in manual)
Carburetor Sizing:
Specific size (e.g., 30mm, 32mm) to be confirmed in manual.
Fuel Tank Capacity:
Typically 5-7 gallons for this class of snowmobile, check manual for exact specification.
Transmission Type:
Automatic Torque Converter (CVT) system
Primary Clutch:
OEM Clutch, engagement RPM and calibration details in manual.
Secondary Clutch:
OEM Clutch (often a roller cam design), backshift and calibration details in manual.
Drive System:
Chain drive from clutch to jackshaft, then to drive axle.
Clutch Maintenance:
Belt inspection, alignment, spring and roller wear checks, lubrication of clutch shafts.
Chaincase Lubrication:
Gear oil specification and change interval detailed in manual.
Overall Length:
Not specified in product info, typical for 1970s 340cc trail sleds would be around 90-100 inches.
Overall Width:
Not specified in product info, typically around 30-35 inches.
Track Length:
Likely a 114-inch or 116-inch track, given 'LT' designation. Specifics in manual.
Track Width:
Standard track width for this era, likely 15-18 inches. Specifics in manual.
Dry Weight:
Estimated 350-400 lbs, typical for a 340cc sled of this period. Specifics in manual.
Engine Oil Change:
Not applicable for 2-stroke premix, but clutch and chaincase oil changes as per manual.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Typically every 50-100 hours of operation or annually. Check manual for specific plug type and gap.
Clutch Inspection Lubrication:
Inspect annually, lubricate clutch shafts as recommended (typically annually or every 50 hours).
Chaincase Oil Change:
Annually or as per manual recommendations (e.g., every 25-50 hours).
Fuel Mix Ratio:
Refer to manual, typically 20:1 or 24:1 with a quality 2-stroke oil (e.g., API-TC or JASO FD rated).
Chaincase Oil:
Refer to manual for specific viscosity and type (e.g., SAE 30 or 80W-90 gear oil).
Grease Type:
Lithium-based general-purpose grease for suspension and steering components.
Known Issues:
Common issues for 1970s snowmobiles include carburetor tuning difficulties, clutch wear, ignition system reliability (points/condenser), shock absorber seal leaks, and track lug wear. The manual will provide specific troubleshooting for these.
Air Cooling Efficiency:
Ensuring proper airflow to the cylinders via clean cooling fins is critical to prevent overheating, especially in deep snow or slow conditions.
Clutch Engagement Variability:
Clutch weights, springs, and buttons wear over time, affecting engagement and drivability. Manual details calibration and replacement.
Brand Heritage:
Arctic Cat was founded in 1960 and quickly became a major player in the snowmobile industry, known for innovation and durable products. The El Tigre nameplate has been used for performance-oriented models throughout their history.
Model Evolution:
The 1974 El Tigre LT-340 represents a mid-1970s iteration of Arctic Cat's trail sled offerings. Snowmobile technology evolved rapidly in the 70s, with improvements in suspension, engine power, and chassis design. This model would have benefited from earlier design lessons.
Production Era:
Early to mid-1970s
Manufacturing Location:
Typically Thief River Falls, Minnesota, USA for Arctic Cat during this period.
