Snowmobile Polaris RMK Shift / RMK / Dragon RMK (2008 year). Manual - part 22

89

MAINTENANCE

Cooling System

Bleeding the Cooling System

Bleed the cooling system at the intervals outlined in the Periodic Main-
tenance Table beginning on page 72. Perform the bleeding procedure 
when the engine is cold.

1. Remove the pressure cap and fill the coolant bottle with properly 

mixed coolant to the maximum mark.

2. Elevate the front end of the machine slightly to aid in bleeding of 

the heat exchangers.

3. Remove the bleed screw from the water outlet manifold and/or the 

thermostat housing. Allow the coolant to bleed through the system 
until it runs out the bleed holes. Reinstall the bleed screw into the 
manifold.

4. Add coolant to the coolant bottle to the maximum mark.

5. Start the engine and run at a fast idle for two to three minutes. 

Loosen the bleed screw occasionally to purge any trapped air.

6. Stop the engine and check the coolant bottle level. Fill as required.

7. Feel the heat exchangers under the running boards. If the system is 

bled properly, they'll be warm to the touch. If they're not, repeat step 
5. Lift the front of the machine slightly to assist in the bleeding.

8. Replace the pressure cap and carefully lower the front end of the 

machine.

90

MAINTENANCE

Drive Chain Tension

Check drive chain tension weekly 
and before each long trip. To 
obtain correct chain tension:

1. Rotate the driven clutch 

counterclockwise to move all 
chain slack to the tensioner 
side. Lock the brake lever 
lock, or have an assistant 
hold the brake lever firmly.

2. Loosen the adjuster bolt jam 

nut.

3. Finger tighten the adjuster 

bolt until it can no longer be 
adjusted by hand, then back 
off 1/4 turn.

4. Tighten the jam nut while 

holding the adjuster bolt. 
Torque to 21 ft. lbs. (28 Nm).

5. Release the brake lever lock.

Adjuster 

Bolt

Jam 

Nut

91

MAINTENANCE

Brakes

n

Hydraulic Brake Inspection

Inspect the brake lever travel before each use of the snowmobile. See 
page 51.

Brake pads must be replaced when the brake pad material becomes thin-
ner than the backing plate, approximately 1/16" (1.5mm). A kit is avail-
able for replacing brake pads. See your dealer.

WARNING

Brake failure during operation can result in serious injury or death. Properly 

functioning brakes are vital to your safety. Be sure the brake pads do not 

drag on the disc and that brake lever travel is not excessive.
Always replace brake pads when the brake pad material becomes thinner 

than the backing plate, approximately 1/16" (1.5mm).

92

MAINTENANCE

Brakes

Brake Components

• Brake  Disc

• Bleed Screw

• Brake  Line

• Brake Caliper

• Brake Pad Material - 

Replace when thickness is 
less than 1/16" (1.5mm).

Excessive Lever Travel

Hydraulic brakes are self-
adjusting, but if excessive 
brake pad clearance develops 
(see page 91) bring the snow-
mobile to an authorized 
Polaris dealer for inspection 
and adjustment.

Brake Disc

Bleed Screw

Brake Pad 

Material

Brake Line

Brake 

Caliper