Snowmobile Polaris 550 IQ / 550 Shift (2012 year). Instruction - part 17

68

MAINTENANCE

Lubrication

n Chaincase Oil

Check the chaincase oil level at the 
intervals outlined in the maintenance 
charts beginning on page 62. The sight 
glass (1) is located on the lower rear of 
the chaincase. Maintain the oil level at 
or slightly below the center of the sight 
glass (2). Change the chaincase oil after 
the first 500 miles (800 km), then every 
1000 miles (1600 km) or seasonally.

POLARIS recommends the use of 
POLARIS Synthetic Chaincase Lube. 
See page 98 for the part numbers of 
POLARIS products.

Oil Check

1. Position the vehicle on a level sur-

face.

2. View the oil level at the sight glass.

3. Remove the fill plug (3) and add the 

recommended oil as needed. Do not 
overfill.

4. Reinstall the fill plug, making sure it 

is seated properly.

1

3

2

69

MAINTENANCE

Lubrication

Chaincase Oil

Oil Change 

1. Position the vehicle on a level surface.

2. Remove the drain plug (4) and drain 

the oil into a drain pan. Allow the oil 
to drain completely.

3. Clean off all metal shavings from the 

plug.

4. Install a new sealing washer on the 

drain plug.

Tip: The sealing surfaces on the drain plug and the oil tank should be clean and 

free of burrs, nicks or scratches.

5. Reinstall the drain plug. Torque to 6-10 ft. lbs. (8-13 Nm).

6. Remove the fill plug. Clean off all metal shavings from the plug.

7. Add 9 oz. (265 ml) of the recommended oil. Do not overfill.

8. Reinstall the fill plug, making sure it is seated properly.

4

70

MAINTENANCE

Spark Plugs

It’s very important to use the correct spark plug for your machine. A 
spark plug with a heat range too high will cause engine damage. A spark 
plug with a heat range too low will cause excessive fouling and engine 
malfunctioning. Change the spark plugs every 2000-2500 miles (3200-
4000 km).

NOTICE: A spark plug with a heat range too high will always cause engine dam-

age 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.

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.
• Use recommended spark plugs with the proper gap.
• Use only resistor-type spark plugs.
• Torque spark plugs to 18-22 ft. lbs. (24-30 Nm).
• Always carry spare spark plugs.

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.

CAUTION! A hot exhaust system and engine can cause burns. Wear 
protective gloves when removing a spark plug for inspection.

Tip: 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 carburetor(s). Refer to the Owner's Manual Sup-
plement or see your dealer.

71

MAINTENANCE

Spark Plugs

Spark Plug Condition

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

The tip should not be white.  A white insulator tip indicates overheating, 
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. Rotate the spark plug counterclockwise to remove it.

3. Reverse the procedure for spark plug installation. 

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

5. Reinstall the spark plug cap.