Snowmobile Polaris 550 IQ / 550 Shift (2012 year). Instruction - part 13

52

OPERATION

Fuel

Your POLARIS engine is designed to run on 87 octane non-oxygenated 
or 89 octane oxygenated pump gasoline. There's a great deal of variabil-
ity in the quality of the 87 octane gasoline available across the country, 
so we encourage the use of premium fuel when possible. Do not use fuel 
containing more than 10% ethanol (including E85).

NOTICE: Using fuels with a lower than recommended octane or operating with 

obstructed fuel systems will result in serious and costly engine dam-
age. Always use the recommended fuels for your machine.

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 98 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.

Fuel Valve

The fuel valve is located between the 
oil bottle and engine intake duct. 
Turn the fuel valve off whenever the 
snowmobile is stored or parked.

Turn the fuel valve clockwise to OFF 
to shut off the fuel supply.

Turn the valve counter-clockwise to 
ON to turn the fuel supply on.

OFF

ON

53

OPERATION

n

Oil

Low Oil Indicator Light

The low oil indicator light may flicker at times due to oil movement in 
the bottle, but when the light comes on and remains on, add the recom-
mended oil before further operation. See page 49 for oil recommenda-
tions.

Visually check for oil in the bottle. The engine may be operated as long 
as oil is visible in the oil tank. If oil is not visible, continued operation 
may cause serious engine damage.

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.

NOTICE: Operating the snowmobile without adequate engine lubrication can 

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

Always maintain a visible level of oil in the tank. If oil is not visible, 
continued operation may cause serious engine damage. See page 49 for 
oil recommendations.

The POLARIS oil cap on the oil bottle is vented to allow proper oil 
flow.  See your POLARIS dealer for recommended replacement parts.

54

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.

55

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 of 0_ to +20_ F. (-18_ to -7_ 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 74 for more 
information.

NOTICE: 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 Supplement.

Tip: It's the owner's responsibility to ensure that the correct jets are installed in 

the machine for a geographical area.  Be very careful 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.