Segment:
Mid-range trail snowmobile for its era, offering a balance of power and maneuverability.
Competitors:
Competed against models from Ski-Doo, Yamaha, and Arctic Cat with similar engine displacements and performance profiles.
Focus:
Reliability, trail performance, and ease of maintenance for the 1986 model year.
For Owners:
Provides essential technical knowledge for maintaining and repairing the 1986 Polaris 400, extending its lifespan and ensuring optimal performance.
Primary Coverage:
Comprehensive service and repair for the 1986 Polaris 400 Snowmobile
Secondary Coverage:
Maintenance, troubleshooting, diagnostics, component replacement, and specifications
Estimated Page Count:
Detailed page count not provided in product description; factory manuals typically range from 200-500 pages.
Type:
Factory Service Manual / Repair Manual
Format:
PDF (Portable Document Format)
Engine:
Engine disassembly, assembly, timing, cooling, lubrication, and carburetor adjustments
Transmission:
Drive clutch, driven clutch, chaincase, lubrication, and adjustment procedures
Fuel System:
Fuel tank, fuel lines, fuel pump, carburetor identification, disassembly, cleaning, and reassembly
Electrical System:
Ignition system, lighting, starter, battery, wiring diagrams, and troubleshooting
Chassis And Suspension:
Frame, skis, track, suspension components (e.g., trailing arms, shocks), lubrication, and alignment
Brakes:
Brake system components, hydraulic lines, caliper, brake lever, and adjustment
Steering:
Handlebars, steering post, tie rods, and linkage adjustments
Bodywork And Trim:
Body panels, seat, windshield, and trim component removal and installation
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance, lubrication, cleaning, inspection, and tune-up procedures
Troubleshooting:
Systematic diagnostic procedures for common and uncommon issues, fault finding charts
Repair:
Component disassembly, overhaul, repair, and reassembly for all major systems
Installation:
Installation procedures for new components or replacement parts
Depth:
In-depth, covering full rebuilds, detailed diagnostics, and precise specifications. Suitable for professional technicians and experienced DIY mechanics.
Searchability:
Likely searchable text if professionally scanned, enabling quick information retrieval. Image quality is crucial for diagrams.
Recommendation:
Adobe PDF Reader is recommended for optimal viewing of images and diagrams, indicating a focus on visual accuracy.
Binding:
Digital (PDF) - No physical binding; printable
Paper Type:
N/A (Digital Format)
Engine Type:
2-stroke, Twin-cylinder (likely fan-cooled, though confirmation from manual is ideal)
Displacement:
Approximately 399cc (nominal designation '400')
Bore X Stroke:
Specifics not provided, but typical for this displacement range in the mid-80s.
Cooling System:
Likely Fan Cooled (FC)
Horsepower:
Estimated 30-40 HP (typical for a 400cc 2-stroke of this era, manual will specify)
Torque:
Not specified in product data; manual will contain this information.
Carburetor:
Likely a single or dual Mikuni or Keihin carburetor. Manual will specify model and jetting.
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline with 2-stroke oil mix. Manual will specify octane and oil ratio.
System:
Oil injection system or pre-mix. Manual will specify.
Type:
CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) with Arctic Cat's P-85/P-90 or similar Polaris clutch system.
Drive Clutch:
Polaris Torque-Sensing Clutch (TSC) or similar
Driven Clutch:
Polaris Roller-Cam Clutch (RCC) or similar
Gear Reduction:
Chaincase with single-speed reduction. Manual will specify gear ratios.
Lubrication:
Chaincase oil. Manual will specify type and capacity (e.g., Polaris Lube or equivalent gear oil).
Certification:
Not applicable for snowmobiles in the same way as cars; compliance with industry safety standards will be detailed.
Throttle Safety:
Thumb throttle with safety return spring. Manual covers adjustments and safety checks.
Braking System:
Hydraulic disc or drum brake (manual will specify). Covers brake lever, caliper, and fluid.
Kill Switch:
Engine kill switch located on the handlebar. Manual details its operation and wiring.
Windshield:
Standard windshield for rider protection. Manual covers replacement and care.
Features:
Basic instrumentation (speedometer, tachometer if equipped, odometer, warning lights). No advanced infotainment in this era.
Features:
No electronic driver assistance systems; relies on mechanical controls and rider input.
Features:
No connectivity features.
Engine Tune Up:
Recommended every season or ~1000 miles. Manual will provide specific intervals for spark plugs, air filters, and carburetor adjustments.
Clutch Maintenance:
Regular inspection and cleaning of clutches. Manual will specify intervals for belt inspection and clutch service.
Lubrication:
Chaincase oil change annually or as specified. Manual details specific intervals and procedures.
Chaincase Oil:
Manual will specify SAE grade (e.g., SAE 80W-90 gear oil) and capacity. Polaris Lube is a common recommendation.
Coolant:
If liquid-cooled variant exists, manual will specify type (e.g., ethylene glycol) and mixture ratio. However, the 400 is likely fan-cooled.
Brake Fluid:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 hydraulic brake fluid (if hydraulic). Manual will specify exact type and bleeding procedure.
Common Wear Items:
Drive belt, spark plugs, carbides, sliders, track tension, and clutch rollers are common wear items. Manual provides inspection and replacement guidance.
Carburetor Issues:
Carburetor gumming or blockage due to fuel sitting, requiring cleaning and adjustment. Manual details this process.
Suspension Wear:
Wear in bushings and ball joints, potentially leading to loose steering or uneven ride. Manual covers inspection and replacement.
Polaris Legacy:
Polaris is a long-standing American manufacturer with a significant history in snowmobiles, founded in 1954. Known for innovation and durability.
1980S Polar Models:
The 1980s saw Polaris introduce more performance-oriented and technologically advanced snowmobiles, often featuring improved suspension and more powerful engines.
Manufacturing Location:
Polaris snowmobiles are historically manufactured in the United States, primarily in Minnesota.
