Snowmobile Polaris 340 Edge / 550 LX (2008 year). Instruction - part 19

76

MAINTENANCE

Lubrication

Jackshaft Bearing

The jackshaft bearing on your model may be equipped with a grease fit-

ting, but this component is greased for life at the factory. Additional 

lubrication is not required.

Driveshaft Bearing

Inject grease into the fitting on the 

speedometer sensor housing until 

grease purges from the seal on the 

inside of the tunnel. This should 

take approximately two pumps. Do 

not use more than four pumps.

Throttle Cable

Lubricate the throttle cable lightly 

with grease or oil. With the engine 

off, turn the handlebars to the left 

and lubricate liberally as shown.

Choke and Choke Cable

Lubricate the choke slide and cables 

lightly with oil or grease. Before 

turning the engine off, operate the 

choke intermittently to draw mois-

ture out of the choke plunger area 

and reduce the possibility of the 

choke becoming frozen.

+

+

+

77

MAINTENANCE

Lubrication

n

Chaincase Oil

Check the chaincase oil level at the intervals outlined in the mainte-

nance charts beginning on page 70. Change the chaincase oil after the 

first 500 miles (800 km), then every 1000 miles (1600 km) or season-

ally.

Maintain the oil level between the “safe” marks on the dipstick. Clean 

the magnetic plug on the dipstick whenever checking or changing oil.

Polaris recommends the use of Polaris Synthetic Chaincase Lube. See 

page 113 for the part numbers of Polaris products.

Oil Check
1. Position the vehicle on 

a level surface.

2. Remove the dipstick (1) 

and view the oil level 

on the dipstick.

3. Add the recommended 

oil as needed. Do not 

overfill.

4. Clean the magnetic 

plug (2).

5. Reinstall the dipstick.

1

2

78

MAINTENANCE

Spark Plugs

A new engine can cause temporary spark plug fouling due to the preser-

vative added during the assembly process. Avoid prolonged idle speeds, 

which cause plug fouling and carbonization. Refer to your Owner's 

Manual Supplement for the specific spark plug to be used in your 

machine.

Spark plug condition is indicative of engine operation. The spark plug 

firing end condition should be read after the engine has been warmed up 

and the vehicle has been driven at higher speeds. Immediately check the 

spark plug for correct color.

NOTE: Incorrect fuel mixture can often cause a spark plug to appear 

too dark or too light in color. Before changing spark plug heat 

ranges, be sure the correct main jet is installed in the carbure-

tor(s). Refer to the Owner's Manual Supplement or see your 

dealer.

CAUTION

Using non-recommended spark plugs can result in serious engine damage. A 

spark plug with a heat range too high will always cause engine damage if the 

engine is operated in conditions more severe than intended for that plug. 

Always use the spark plugs recommended for your snowmobile. See your 

Owner’s Manual Supplement.
•

Use recommended spark plugs with the proper gap.

•

Torque spark plugs to 18-22 ft. lbs. (24-30 Nm).

•

Always carry spare spark plugs.

WARNING

A hot exhaust system and engine can cause serious burns. Wear protective 

gloves when removing a spark plug for inspection.

79

MAINTENANCE

Spark Plugs

Normal Plug
The normal insulator tip is gray, tan or light brown. There will be few 

combustion deposits. The electrodes are not burned or eroded. This indi-

cates the proper type and heat range for the engine and the service.

NOTE: The tip should not be white. A white insulator tip indicates over-

heating, caused by use of an improper spark plug or incorrect 

carburetor/throttle body adjustments.

Wet Fouled Plug
The wet fouled insulator tip is black. A damp oil film covers the firing 

end. There may be a carbon layer over the entire nose. Generally, the 

electrodes are not worn. General causes of fouling are excessive oil, use 

of non-recommended injection oil, improper use of the choke, or incor-

rect carburetion adjustments.

Spark Plug Removal and Replacement

1. Remove the spark plug cap.
2. Using the special wrench provided in the tool pouch, rotate the 

spark plug counterclockwise to remove it.

3. Reverse the procedure for spark plug installation. 
4. Torque the spark plug to specification.
5. Reinstall the spark plug cap.