Snowmobile Polaris RMK Shift / RMK / Dragon RMK (2008 year). Instruction - part 24

97

MAINTENANCE

Clutch System

n

Drive Belt Condition

Belt width and length must match the center distance of the clutches and 
sheave width of the drive clutch. For this reason, Polaris recommends 
that only O.E.M. belts be used. Other belts may match the dimensions, 
but can drastically change the shift pattern, resulting in poor perfor-
mance. See Drive Belt Troubleshooting on page 117.

Periodically check the condition and tension of the drive belt, and 
always carry a spare. Inspect the belt for signs of excessive wear: frayed 
edges, missing cogs, cracks and excessive looseness. Replace the belt if 
any of these conditions exist.

NOTE:

A worn belt will continue to function, but will not deliver maximum per-

formance. Always carry a spare belt in case of an emergency.

For improved drive-away during extremely cold temperatures, remove 
the belt and warm it to room temperature. Reinstall it before starting the 
snowmobile.

Drive Belt Installation

1. Drop the drive belt over the drive 

clutch and pull back the slack. 

NOTE:

To ensure satisfactory belt life, 

install belts so they operate in 

the same direction of rotation by 

positioning the identification 

numbers so that you can read 

them. If required, separate the 

sheaves as outlined in the belt 

removal procedures.

2. Rotate the L-wrench counter-clockwise to tighten the sheaves while 

working the belt to the outer edge of the sheaves.

3. Remove the wrench and store it in the tool kit.

4. Reinstall the side panel.

5. Close and secure the hood.

98

MAINTENANCE

Clutch System

Drive Belt Removal

1. Stop the engine after operating in a forward motion.

NOTE:

For easier accessibility, make sure the clutch tool access hole is visible 

between the 11:00 and 2:00 positions of the clutch sheave.

2. Turn the ignition key off. 

Wait for the engine to come 
to a complete stop.

3. Lock the parking brake.

4. Open the hood.

5. Remove the left side panel.

6. Locate the L-wrench in the 

tool kit. Install the wrench 
into the open threaded access 
hole in the outer sheave of 
the clutch.

7. Turn the wrench clockwise 

until the sheaves open far 
enough to remove the belt.

CAUTION

Do not attempt to remove the drive belt after operating in reverse. The snow-

mobile must be stopped after forward motion to prevent damage to compo-

nents during belt removal.

11:00

2:00

Access Hole

99

MAINTENANCE

Clutch System

n

Drive Belt Deflection

Measure belt deflection with both 
clutches at rest and in their full 
neutral position.

Place a straight edge on the belt 
and apply downward pressure 
while measuring at point A. This 
measurement should be 1 1/4" 
(3.2 cm).

Drive Belt Adjustment

1. Install the L-wrench into the open threaded hole in the outer sheave 

of the clutch (see page 98). Turn the wrench clockwise slightly to 
remove pressure from the sheaves.

2. Loosen the 7/16" jam nut.

3. Using a 1/8" Allen wrench, turn the set screw inward (clockwise) to 

increase the distance between the sheaves or outward (counter-
clockwise) to decrease the distance.

4. Tighten the jam nut. Store the L-wrench in the tool kit.

Torque Stop

Periodically check torque stop clear-
ance. With clutches in proper align-
ment, measure rear torque stop 
clearance from the engine case. Rear 
torque stop clearance should be .010"-
.030" (.25-.75mm). Adjust if neces-
sary. Secure the nut.

Straight 

Edge

Measure

A

.010"-.030"

 

(.25-.75 mm)

100

MAINTENANCE

Track Replacement

When replacing the track, always install a track having the lug size rec-
ommended for your model. See your Polaris dealer.

Track Inspection

1. Using a hoist, safely lift and sup-

port the rear of the snowmobile 
off the ground.

2. Rotate the track by hand to check 

for damage.

3. Carefully examine the track along 

the entire length of each rod. 
Bend the track to check for 
breakage. 

4. Replace the track if any rod dam-

age is found.

CAUTION

Installing tracks with larger lugs on machines equipped with coolers will result 

in damage to the cooler or tunnel. Always install a track having the lug size 

recommended for your model.

WARNING

Broken track rods can cause a rotating track to come off the machine, which 

could cause serious injury or death. Never operate with a damaged track. 

Never rotate a damaged track under power.

Rods