Snowmobile Polaris RMK Shift / RMK / Dragon RMK (2008 year). Instruction - part 13

53

PRE-RIDE INSPECTIONS

Before Starting the Engine

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Steering System

Manually turn the skis completely to the right and to the left. If any dif-
ficulty is encountered, remove any ice and snow build-up that may be 
obstructing the steering linkage. 

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Track Inspection

Use of traction products such as studs increases the possibility of track 
damage and/or failure. Driving at high speeds for extended periods of 
time in marginal lubrication could severely damage track rods, break 
track edges and cause other track damage. Examples of marginal lubri-
cation would include frozen bodies of water without snow cover, icy 
trails, and no-snow conditions.

NOTE:

Track damage or failure caused by operation on ice or poor lubrication 

conditions voids the track warranty.

Deep Lug Tracks (if equipped)
The 2.4" powder track is designed specifically for deep snow applica-
tions. Operation in low snow conditions at high speeds may cause track 
lug separation. Track lug separation is not covered under the Polaris 
limited warranty policy. Polaris does not recommend operation above 
70 mph with this track.

WARNING

Operating the snowmobile with a damaged track increases the possibility of 

track failure, which could cause loss of control resulting in serious injury or 

death. Always inspect the track for damage before using the vehicle.

CAUTION

High speed use on hard-packed surfaces is not recommended for models 

equipped with a deep lug track. Track lug damage may occur. Keep high 

speed use to a minimum, including frequent slow-speed intervals for track 

cooling.

54

PRE-RIDE INSPECTIONS

Before Starting the Engine

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Suspension Inspection

Loose nuts and bolts can reduce your snowmobile's reliability and cause 
needless repairs and down time. Before beginning any snowmobile trip, 
a visual inspection will uncover potential problems. Check the follow-
ing items on a weekly basis or before any long trip.

Item

Check

Page

Suspension mounting bolts

Tightness

--

Rear idler wheel bolts

Tightness

103

Rear idler adjusting bolt locknuts

Tightness

--

Torque arm bolts

Tightness

--

Carrier and bogie wheel bolts

Tightness

--

Front torque arm limiter strap

Condition

--

Rail slide

Condition

108

Track

Tension

102

All rear suspension components

Lubrication

75

Ski runner/skag

Condition

--

Ski spindle bolts

Tightness

--

Tie rod end nuts

Tightness

--

55

PRE-RIDE INSPECTIONS

Start the Engine and Check

Before starting the engine, always refer to all safety warnings pertaining 
to snowmobile operation. Never engage the starter when the engine is 
running. Never start the engine without checking all vehicle components 
to be sure of proper operation. See Before Starting the Engine beginning 
on page 50.

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Engine Stop Switch

Check the auxiliary shut-off switch for proper operation. Push the 
switch down to stop the engine. Pull it up to allow restarting.

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Ignition Switch

Make sure the engine stops when the ignition switch is turned to OFF.

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Tether Switch

If your machine has a tether switch, remove the tether from the switch to 
make sure the engine stops immediately.

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Lighting

Check the headlight (high and low beam), taillight, and brake light. 
Replace burned out lamps before operating.

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Mirror Adjustment

If equipped, adjust your mirrors so they can be used to their full advan-
tage.

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Operating Area

Before driving away, check your surroundings. Be aware of obstacles 
and make sure bystanders are a safe distance from the snowmobile.

56

OPERATION

Starting the Engine

1. Turn the key to the ON position. Pull the engine stop switch up to 

the RUN position.

2. Carbureted models: Turn 

the fuel valve on. If starting 
a cold engine, flip the 
choke toggle to FULL 
CHOKE. Do not use the 
choke if starting a warm 
engine. After the engine 
starts, flip the choke toggle 
to the OFF position. If the 
engine slows or wants to 
stop, use intermittent chok-
ing to the HALF CHOKE 
position.

NOTE: Do not depress the throttle until the engine starts.

3. If equipped with electric start, turn the key to START to crank the 

engine. Release the key to the ON position when the engine starts. 

4. If not equipped with electric start, grasp the starter handle and pull 

slowly until the recoil engages; then pull abruptly to crank the 
engine.

NOTE:

It may require as many as eight to ten pulls to prime the fuel system 

and start the engine if the fuel tank has been completely emptied.

5. Repeat the cranking procedure as needed until the engine starts.

CAUTION

Engaging the starter when the engine is running WILL result in serious 

engine damage, especially if the transmission is in reverse. Never engage 

the starter when the engine is running.

CAUTION

Don't pull the starter rope to the fully extended position and don't allow it to 

snap back into the housing. Damage may result. To avoid injury and/or 

engine damage, do not operate the electric starter or pull-rope starter while 

the engine is running.

CHOKE POSITIONS

FULL CHOKE

1/2 CHOKE

OFF