Segment:
Performance-oriented trail and mountain snowmobile
Competitors 1976:
Ski-Doo Olympique, Yamaha GP, Polaris TX
Engine Configuration:
Liquid-cooled, twin-cylinder (typical for the era's performance models)
Performance Focus:
Designed for speed and power, distinguishing it from utility models
Manual Utility:
Empowers owners to perform complex repairs and maintenance, saving on professional service costs
Engine:
Complete engine disassembly, assembly, tuning, and troubleshooting
Fuel System:
Carburetor adjustment, cleaning, and troubleshooting; fuel pump and line inspection
Ignition System:
Magneto ignition system diagnosis, coil testing, spark plug specifications
Clutch System:
Primary and secondary clutch inspection, adjustment, belt replacement, and troubleshooting
Drive System:
Chaincase lubrication, chain tension adjustment, gear inspection
Suspension System:
Front and rear suspension component inspection, lubrication, and adjustment
Braking System:
Brake band adjustment, cable inspection, and caliper service (if applicable)
Electrical System:
Wiring diagrams, lighting system, kill switch operation
Chassis And Body:
Tunnel inspection, seat removal, track removal and installation
Routine Maintenance:
Oil changes, lubrication points, track tension checks, clutch alignment
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic procedures for common starting, running, and performance issues
Engine Repair:
Top-end rebuilds, piston ring replacement, cylinder head service
Transmission Service:
Chaincase oil changes, gear inspection
Clutch Adjustment:
Primary and secondary clutch gap and engagement adjustments
Suspension Service:
Shock absorber inspection, slider lubrication
Track Replacement:
Step-by-step guide for removing and installing the track assembly
Depth:
Comprehensive, covering from basic maintenance to complete engine and component rebuilds. 'Every nut and bolt' description indicates high detail.
Engine Type:
Liquid-Cooled, 2-Stroke, Twin-Cylinder
Displacement:
Approximately 440cc (common for the 5000 series, specific displacement for the El Tigre 5000 needs confirmation from detailed manual)
Bore X Stroke:
Typical around 63mm x 70mm for this displacement class (exact values require manual)
Horsepower Estimate:
Estimated 45-55 HP (typical for a 440cc liquid-cooled 2-stroke of the era)
Torque Estimate:
No specific torque figures readily available for this model year, but optimized for mid-range power
Carburetor Type:
Dual Mikuni VM series carburetors (common for performance models)
Fuel Type:
Regular Unleaded Gasoline (87 Octane)
Fuel Oil Mixture:
Pre-mix 2-stroke oil at 50:1 ratio (requires confirmation from manual for exact spec)
Type:
Torque Converter (CVT) with Primary and Secondary Clutches
Gear Selection:
Forward, Neutral, Reverse (if equipped, reverse was often an option)
Drive Chain:
Internal drive chain with adjustable tension
Chaincase Oil:
API GL-4 Gear Oil, SAE 80W-90 (manual will specify exact type and capacity)
Length Estimate:
Approx. 100-110 inches (typical for this class)
Width Estimate:
Approx. 35-40 inches
Dry Weight Estimate:
Approx. 375-425 lbs (highly dependent on track and options)
Skid Frame Travel:
Front: Approx. 6 inches; Rear: Approx. 7-8 inches (typical for the era)
Track Dimensions:
Typically 15 inches wide, 121 inches long (manual will confirm specific track pattern and length)
Safety Standards:
Adherence to industry safety standards of the time; no formal crash ratings for snowmobiles of this era.
Throttle Control:
Thumb throttle with safety stop
Braking System:
Mechanical brake lever and band
Kill Switch:
Handlebar-mounted engine kill switch
Engine Guard:
Engine enclosure for protection
Hood Design:
Designed for ventilation and component access, with protective elements
Clutch Inspection:
Every 500 miles or annually (typical recommendation, manual to confirm)
Chaincase Oil Change:
Annually or every 1000 miles (manual to confirm exact interval)
Spark Plug Replacement:
As needed, check gap at 500 miles (specific plug type and gap in manual)
Track Tension Adjustment:
Check and adjust every 250 miles or after initial break-in (manual to confirm)
Coolant Type:
Specific Arctic Cat or compatible antifreeze mixture (refer to manual for type and ratio)
2 Stroke Oil Type:
NMMA TC-W3 certified 2-stroke oil or Arctic Cat brand oil (manual will specify exact type and blend ratio)
Clutch Wear:
Common wear on primary and secondary clutch components, requiring periodic adjustment or replacement of buttons/rollers.
Carburetor Tuning:
Sensitivity to altitude and temperature changes, requiring occasional jetting or adjustment.
Track Tension:
Track can loosen over time, requiring regular tension checks to prevent wear and slippage.
Engine Seals:
Crankshaft seals can degrade over time, leading to air leaks and performance issues.
Arctic Cat Founding:
Founded in 1960, Arctic Enterprises (later Arctic Cat) was a pioneer in the snowmobile industry.
El Tigre Lineage:
The El Tigre name was synonymous with performance and racing for Arctic Cat, representing their top-tier models.
1976 Market:
The 1976 model year was a competitive period in the snowmobile industry, with significant technological advancements.
