Snowmobile Polaris RMK Shift / RMK / Dragon RMK (2008 year). Manual - part 15

61

OPERATION

Fuel

For peak performance, Polaris recommends the use of 91 octane or 
higher fuel. Although 87 octane fuel is usable, some engine perfor-
mance will be lost and fuel economy will decrease. Do not use lower 
than 87 octane fuel. Do not use fuel containing more than 10% ethanol 
(including E85).

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 112 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

Operating with obstructed fuel systems will result in serious engine damage. 

Perform maintenance as recommended.
Damage to the fuel pump will occur if the snowmobile is operated with an 

empty fuel tank. Do not allow the snowmobile to run out of fuel. Always refuel 

when the level is low.
Prolonged exposure to petroleum based products may damage paint. Always 

protect painted surfaces when handling fuel.

62

OPERATION

Oil

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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. See page 58 for oil recommendations.

n

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. 

Maintain the oil level at the bottom of the filler neck. Always check and 
fill the oil tank when refueling. Never operate the engine if oil is not vis-
ible in the tank.

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.

63

OPERATION

n

Engine Stop Switch

Push down on the engine stop 
switch to ground out the ignition 
and stop the engine quickly. Pull 
the switch up to the RUN position 
to allow restarting.

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Throttle Safety Switch

The throttle safety switch is designed to stop the engine whenever all 
pressure is removed from the throttle lever and the throttle cable or 
valves do not return to the normal closed position.

Test the throttle safety switch system daily before operation.

1. Sit on the seat.

2. Lock the parking brake.

3. Start the engine and allow it to idle.

4. Hold the throttle lever pin stationary by 

exerting pressure on the pivot pin in 
the direction shown in the illustration.

5. Apply a slight amount of throttle. A 

properly functioning switch must shut 
down the engine.

WARNING

Operating the snowmobile with a faulty throttle safety switch can result in 

serious injury or death in the event of an accident. If the throttle safety switch 

does not shut off the engine during a throttle system malfunction, immedi-

ately push down the engine stop switch. Do not start the engine again until 

the malfunction has been corrected by your dealer.

Stop 

Switch

64

OPERATION

n

Throttle Lever

If the engine stops abruptly when the throttle lever is released:

1. Turn the ignition switch to OFF.

2. Visually inspect the throttle cable and throttle body to determine 

what caused the safety switch to activate.

3. Test the throttle lever by compressing and releasing it several times. 

The lever and cable must return to the idle position quickly and 
completely.

4. If the throttle lever operates properly, turn the ignition switch on and 

go through normal starting procedures.

5. If the engine doesn't start, take the snowmobile to an authorized 

Polaris dealer for service.

NOTE:

Excessive freeplay in the throttle cable may cause the safety switch to 

activate, preventing the engine from starting. If this occurs, return the 

snowmobile to an authorized Polaris dealer for service.

If an emergency exists and it's necessary to start the engine, the throttle 
safety switch and engine stop switch may be disconnected from the wire 
harness. When these switches are disconnected, the ignition key switch 
must be used to shut off the engine. DO NOT continue to operate the 
snowmobile with the throttle safety switch disconnected. Return the 
snowmobile to an authorized Polaris dealer for service as soon as possi-
ble.

WARNING

An improperly functioning throttle lever may cause erratic machine behavior 

and loss of control, which could result in serious injury or death. If the throttle 

lever does not work properly, DO NOT start the engine.