Snowmobile Polaris RMK Shift / RMK / Dragon RMK (2008 year). Instruction - part 21

85

MAINTENANCE

Exhaust System

Check the exhaust system for wear or damage at the intervals outlined in 
the Periodic Maintenance Table beginning on page 71.

Always allow the engine and exhaust system to cool completely before 
inspecting.

1. Open the hood and inspect the muffler and pipes for cracks or dam-

age.

2. Check for weak or missing retaining springs or damper/support 

grommets.

3. Check for loose clamps on the pipe covers.

WARNING

Hot exhaust system parts can cause serious burns. Allow adequate time for 

the exhaust system to cool. Never perform this procedure with the engine 

running.

86

MAINTENANCE

Cooling System

Coolant

The coolant supplied in the system is a 60/40 mixture of ethylene-glycol 
and distilled water. This mixture provides protection against freezing. 
Contact your dealer if greater protection is required.

Use Premium 60/40 anti-freeze coolant, which is already premixed and 
ready to use. Do not dilute with water. Never exceed a 60% antifreeze/
40% water mixture. See page 112 for the part numbers of Polaris prod-
ucts.

NOTE:

Never add tap water to the cooling system. Minerals cause deposits 

and may react adversely with the metals in the engine and cooling 

system.

n

Coolant Level

The engine coolant level is controlled by the recovery system. The 
recovery system components are:

• Coolant bottle or overflow tank

• Filler neck

• Pressure cap

• Connecting hoses

Always maintain the coolant level between the minimum and maximum 
marks on the coolant bottle (when engine is cold) to prevent overheating 
and serious engine damage.

CAUTION

Operating the snowmobile with insufficient coolant will result in overheating 

and serious engine damage. Always maintain the coolant level as recom-

mended.

87

MAINTENANCE

Cooling System

Coolant High Temperature Indicator Light

The high temperature indicator light will illuminate when engine cool-
ant temperature becomes too hot for safe continued operation of the 
engine. If you must drive your snowmobile after the high temperature 
indicator light has come on, drive slowly and stop frequently to allow 
the engine to cool down. Driving in deep snow will also help cool the 
engine. See your dealer for service. Add coolant if the level is low.

NOTE:

Engine performance will be reduced if you continue operating when 

the high temperature light is on.

Flushing the Cooling System

To ensure that the coolant maintains its ability to protect the engine, 
drain the system completely every two years and add a fresh mixture of 
antifreeze and distilled water. This service must be performed when the 
engine is cold. Ask your Polaris dealer to check the coolant when he 
performs the fall tune-up on your snowmobile.

88

MAINTENANCE

Cooling System

Bleeding the Cooling System

Use of a non-standard pressure cap will not allow the recovery system to 
function properly. If the pressure cap needs replacement, contact your 
dealer for the correct part.

WARNING

Steam and hot liquids will cause serious burns to your skin.  Never bleed the 

cooling system or remove the pressure cap when the engine is warm or hot.

CAUTION

If coolant flow becomes restricted or plugged, coolant loss, air lock or engine 

damage may result.  Most cooling systems are equipped with a filter that 

should be periodically inspected or replaced.