Category:
Snowmobile Service & Repair Manual
Value Proposition:
Provides comprehensive, factory-backed technical information for a wide range of 1978 Arctic Cat snowmobile models, crucial for DIY repairs and professional service.
Completeness:
Covers all major models for the 1978 model year, ensuring broad applicability.
Troubleshooting Emphasis:
Strong focus on troubleshooting, providing detailed diagnostic trees for common issues like ignition failure and brake problems.
Customer Service:
Seller emphasizes customer satisfaction and provides an email for support and issue resolution.
Engine:
Detailed troubleshooting and repair for ignition, fuel, lubrication, cooling, and exhaust systems specific to 1978 Arctic Cat snowmobile engines.
Brakes:
Comprehensive coverage of brake system diagnosis and repair, including disc and caliper service, fluid contamination, adjustment, and common issues like squealing and dragging.
Electrical:
In-depth electrical system troubleshooting including ignition, lighting, starting system (starter motor, solenoid, battery), and wiring harnesses. Includes resistance values for ignition components.
Drivetrain:
Information on clutch systems (primary and secondary), drive belts, chaincases, and track systems, essential for power transfer.
Suspension Steering:
Repair and adjustment procedures for front and rear suspension systems, skis, steering components, and shock absorbers.
Chassis Body:
Guidelines for chassis inspection, body panel repair and alignment, and general disassembly/reassembly of the snowmobile.
Maintenance:
Standard maintenance procedures, lubrication points, belt checks, and fluid level checks for all covered models.
Troubleshooting:
Extensive troubleshooting guides for common and uncommon issues across major systems, including detailed symptom-cause-solution tables.
Repair:
Step-by-step repair instructions for a wide range of components, from engine rebuilds to brake caliper overhauls.
Diagnostics:
Diagnostic procedures for electrical systems, including resistance measurements for stator windings, ignition coils, and trigger coils, along with air gap specifications.
Depth Level:
Comprehensive (Factory Level)
Diagnostic Tools:
References diagnostic procedures requiring basic hand tools, multimeters, and specific measurements like resistance and air gaps.
Rebuild Procedures:
Includes procedures for rebuilding key components like carburetors, brake calipers, and starter motors.
Engine Type:
Two-stroke, piston-ported or reed-valve (model dependent).
Cylinder Configuration:
Single, twin, or triple cylinder configurations based on specific model and engine displacement.
Horsepower Range:
Typically ranging from 20 HP to 50+ HP depending on engine size and tuning.
Carburetion:
Single or multiple Mikuni or Keihin carburetors, varying by model and engine size. Carburetor jetting and adjustment procedures are covered.
Fuel Type:
Leaded gasoline with appropriate oil pre-mix (e.g., 40:1 or 50:1, specific to engine).
Ignition Type:
CDI (Capacitor Discharge Ignition) or magneto ignition systems are detailed.
Stator Resistance Specs:
Manual includes resistance measurements for ignition-related stator windings.
Trigger Coil Air Gap:
.016 - .030 inches (.4 - .75 mm)
Crankshaft Specifications
Magneto End Crankshaft Runout:
Should not exceed .0024 inches.
Clutch Type:
CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) utilizing centrifugal drive clutch and spring-loaded driven clutch (clutch weights, springs, and sheave dimensions may be detailed for specific models).
Belt Inspection Replacement:
Procedures for inspecting, adjusting, and replacing drive belts, including width and length specifications for optimal performance.
Gearcase Lubrication:
Specifications for gearcase oil type and capacity for chaincase lubrication.
Dash Features:
Basic dashboard instrumentation typical for the era, including speedometer, tachometer, and indicator lights (e.g., brake warning, high beam).
Braking Assist:
Hydraulic disc braking system provides reliable stopping power.
Electrical System Design:
Focus on robust electrical connections and wiring for reliable ignition and lighting.
General Maintenance:
The manual would detail recommended intervals for spark plug checks/replacement, clutch alignment, chaincase oil changes, and general lubrication points.
Brake Fluid:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 hydraulic brake fluid is typically specified, though the manual should confirm the exact type and replacement procedure for brake fluid contamination.
Chaincase Oil:
Specific gear oil type and viscosity for the chaincase, e.g., SAE 80W-90.
2 Stroke Oil Mix:
Recommended oil-to-gasoline ratio for pre-mix lubrication, e.g., 50:1 or 40:1, using a high-quality 2-stroke snowmobile oil.
Brake Squeal Poor Performance:
Common causes listed: air/water in system, caliper misalignment, caliper dirt/damage, brake line issues, worn pads/disc, improper pad adjustment, master cylinder wear, pad insulator damage.
Pedal Vibration:
Common causes listed: damaged disc, disc wear (runout or thickness variance).
Caliper Overheats:
Common causes listed: plugged compensating port, incorrect pad clearance, parking brake adjustment, binding pedal, parking brake left on, seal residue, operator riding brakes.
Brakes Lock:
Common causes listed: caliper alignment, sticking caliper pistons, improper assembly.
No Spark Weak Intermittent Spark:
Common causes listed: spark plug gap, fouled plug, faulty cap/connection, wiring issues, faulty ignition switch, wet harness, poor coil ground, faulty stator, incorrect wiring, faulty ignition coil, worn crankshaft bearings, sheared flywheel key, loose flywheel, incorrect trigger coil air gap, excessive crankshaft runout, faulty CDI module.
Starter Motor Does Not Run:
Common causes listed: discharged battery, loose/faulty cables, wiring issues, poor ground connections, faulty key switch, faulty solenoid/starter motor, seized engine.
Starter Motor Turns Over Slowly:
Common causes listed: discharged battery, excessive circuit resistance, seized engine, worn starter brushes.
Starter Motor Turns Engine Does Not Rotate:
Common causes listed: faulty starter drive, faulty drive gears, faulty flywheel gear, loose flywheel.
Arctic Cat Legacy:
Arctic Cat has a long history in snowmobile manufacturing, known for performance and innovation in the sport.
1978 Lineup:
The 1978 lineup represented a significant point in Arctic Cat's development, with models like the Pantera being performance-oriented, while Panther offered broader appeal, and Jag/Lynx catered to utility and entry-level riders.
Manufacturing Era:
These models were produced during a competitive era for snowmobile manufacturers, showcasing advancements in engine technology and chassis design.
