Snowmobile Polaris 120. Manual - part 16

60

ADULT SECTION

Maintenance

Driveline Lubrication

NOTE:

Driveline noise is normal for this vehicle.

To ensure long life of the snowmobile's driveline, lubricate as follows:
• Lubricate Point A every 15 hours of operation with a small amount of 

Polaris Premium All Season Grease. 

• Lubricate Point B every 10 hours of operation with aerosol chain lube 

or SAE 30 oil.

Carburetor

Track

Drive Shaft

Chain

Point B

Point A

Torque Converter

(Centrifugal Clutch)

Engine

61

ADULT SECTION

Maintenance

Engine Oil

Oil Recommendations

Polaris recommends the use of Performance Synthetic 4-Stroke oil (PS-

4 or PS-4 Plus) for this engine. PS-4 has been specially formulated for 

use in Polaris 4-cycle snowmobile engines. It's a fully synthetic, high 

performance, multi-viscosity oil designed to provide the ultimate in 

lubrication performance and protection.
Always check and change the oil at the intervals outlined in the Periodic 

Maintenance Chart beginning on page 50. Perform the break-in oil 

change after 20 hours of operation. Always change the oil any time it's 

contaminated with water, fuel or debris.

Oil Level

Maintain the oil level between the upper and lower marks on the dip-

stick.
1. Position the vehicle on a level 

surface.

2. Stop the engine.
3. Remove the dipstick and wipe 

it dry with a clean shop towel.

4. Insert the dipstick into the oil 

fill hole completely, but do 

not thread it.

5. Remove the dipstick and view 

the oil level.

6. If the oil level is below the 

lower mark on the dipstick, 

add the recommended oil to 

the upper mark.

CAUTION

Mixing brands or using a non-recommended oil may cause serious engine 

damage. Always use the recommended oil. Never substitute or mix oil brands.

Upper 

Mark

Dipstick

Lower 

Mark

{

Safe 

Range

62

ADULT SECTION

Maintenance

Engine Oil

Oil Change

1. Support the rear of the 

snowmobile slightly off the 

ground with an appropriate 

snowmobile support.

2. Place a drain pan under the 

drain plug.

NOTE:

The drain plug is located 

under the bulkhead and 

in front of the engine. 

3. Remove the drain plug.
4. Remove the dipstick and 

wipe it dry with a clean 

shop towel.

NOTE:

The oil will drain faster with the dipstick removed.

5. Allow the oil to drain completely.
6. Reinstall the drain plug and sealing washer.
7. Using a long funnel, pour 20 oz. (.6 l) of the recommended oil into 

the oil fill hole.

8. Insert the dipstick into the oil fill hole completely, but do not thread 

it.

9. Remove the dipstick and view the oil level.
10. If the oil level is below the lower mark on the dipstick, add the rec-

ommended oil to the upper mark.

Dipstick

Drain Plug

63

ADULT SECTION

Maintenance

Track Tension

Track adjustment is critical for proper handling. Always maintain cor-

rect tension and alignment.
1. Operate the snow-

mobile to warm up 

the track.

2. Stop the engine.
3. Support the rear of 

the snowmobile 

slightly off the 

ground with an 

appropriate snow-

mobile support.

4. Hang a 10-pound 

(4.5 kg) weight 8 

inches (20 cm) from 

the center of the 

rear idler wheel.

5. Measure the distance between wear surface of the track clip and the 

plastic slider at the point where the weight is hanging. Deflection at 

this point should be 3/4" (19 mm).

6. If the track tension needs adjustment, follow the procedure on page 

64.

8" (20 cm)

10 lbs. 

(4.5 kg)

Adjusting 

Screw

Idler 

Shaft 

Bolt