Snowmobile Polaris 550 Transport Trail Touring. Manual - part 15

58

OPERATION

Fuel

Fuel Reserve Capacity (Mechanical Gauge)

There are approximately two gallons of fuel left in the tank when the 

mechanical fuel gauge reads RES.

Fuel System Deicers

If you use non-oxygenated fuel, Polaris recommends the regular use of 

isopropyl-based fuel system deicer. Add one to two ounces per gallon 

(8-16 ml per liter) of gasoline to prevent engine damage resulting from 

fuel system icing and lean fuel mixtures. Never use deicers or additives 

containing methanol. Polaris also recommends the use of Carbon Clean 

Plus. See page 113 for the part numbers of Polaris products.

If you use oxygenated fuel containing ethanol, additional alcohol deic-

ers or water absorbing additives should not be used.

CAUTION

Prolonged exposure to petroleum based products may damage paint. Always 

protect painted surfaces when handling fuel.

59

OPERATION

n

Oil

Low Oil Indicator Light

The low oil indicator light will alert the operator if the oil level is low. 

Visually check for oil in the bottle. Add oil before further operation of 

the snowmobile.

Low Oil Level

Maintaining the proper oil level will prevent system aeration and possi-

ble loss of pumping action, which could result in engine damage. This is 

especially important when the machine is operated in mountainous ter-

rain.

Always check the oil level when refueling. Maintain the oil level above 

the tank's low level line. When the oil reaches the low level mark, add 

one U.S. quart of recommended oil. See page 54 for oil recommenda-

tions.

NOTE: The Polaris oil cap on the oil bottle is vented to allow proper oil 

flow. See your Polaris dealer for recommended replacement 

parts.

CAUTION

Operating the snowmobile without adequate engine lubrication can result in 

serious engine damage. Always check the oil level when refueling. Add oil as 

needed.

60

OPERATION

Carburetion

Proper carburetor adjustment is critical. A lean mixture (too much air, 

too little fuel) may result in piston burning, bearing failure, or complete 

engine failure. A rich mixture (too much fuel, too little air) may foul 

plugs and cause generally poor engine performance.

A lean mixture may be caused by things like fuel line restrictions, for-

eign matter in the carburetor or clogged fuel filters. A rich mixture may 

be caused by snow build-up on the pre-filter in the air intake system. 

Either condition may be caused by improper carburetor adjustment.

WARNING

Improper carburetor adjustments may result in operator safety hazards as 

well as serious engine damage. Always have your Polaris dealer perform any 

carburetor adjustments.

61

OPERATION

Carburetion

Jetting Guidelines

Changes in altitude and temperature affect air density, which is the 

amount of oxygen available for combustion. In low elevations and cold 

temperatures, the air has more oxygen. In higher elevations and higher 

temperatures, the air is less dense.

The carburetors are calibrated for an altitude of 0-2000 ft. (0-600 m) and 

ambient temperatures from +5 to +25 degrees F. (-15 to -4 degrees C.). 

Carburetors must be re-calibrated if the snowmobile is operated outside 

this production temperature and/or altitude range. The main jet installed 

in production is not correct for all altitudes and/or temperatures. See 

page 83 for more information.

NOTE: It's the owner's responsibility to ensure that the correct jets are 

installed in the machine for a geographical area. Be very care-

ful when jetting down in warm weather. As the weather turns 

colder it will be necessary to re-jet upward to prevent engine 

damage. When selecting the proper main jet always use the 

lowest elevation and temperature that is likely to be encoun-

tered.

CAUTION

A main jet that's too small will cause a lean operating condition and may 

cause serious engine damage. Jet the carburetors carefully for elevation and 

temperature according to the jetting charts in your Owner's Manual Supple-

ment.