Snowmobile Polaris RMK Shift / RMK / Dragon RMK (2008 year). Instruction - part 19

77

MAINTENANCE

Lubrication

n

Chaincase Oil

Check the chaincase oil level at the 
intervals outlined in the maintenance 
charts beginning on page 71. The sight 
glass is located on the lower rear of the 
chaincase. Maintain the oil level at or 
slightly below the center of the sight 
glass. 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 112 
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 and add the 

recommended oil as needed. Do not 
overfill.

4. Reinstall the fill plug, making sure it 

is seated properly.

Maintain Level Here

Sight Glass

Fill 

Plug

78

MAINTENANCE

Lubrication

Chaincase Oil

Oil Change 
1. Position the vehicle on a level surface.

2. Remove the drain plug 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.

NOTE:

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 11 oz. (325 ml) of the recommended oil. Do not overfill.

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

Drain Plug

79

MAINTENANCE

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.

NOTE:

On carbureted models, 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 carbu-

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

Normal Spark 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 overheating, 

caused by use of an improper spark plug or incorrect carburetor/throt-

tle body adjustments.

Wet Fouled Spark 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.

WARNING

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

gloves when removing a spark plug for inspection.

80

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. Change the spark plugs 
every 2000-2500 miles (3200-4000 km).

• 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 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 to specification.

5. Reinstall the spark plug cap.

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.