Ski-Doo RV 340 Operator's Manual

model

V.I.N.

purchase
warranty

date

expiry

DEALER IMPRINT AREA

date

Text by:

Technical Information Centre
After

Sales Service Department
Bombardier Limited
Valcourt, Quebec

Canada, JOE2LO

The following are trademarks of Bom­bardier Limited.

BOMBARDIER
SKI-DOO MIRAGE
ALPINE NORDIC
BLIZZARD OLYMPIQUE
CARRY-BOOSE SKI-BOOSE
ELAN T'NT
ELITE

EVEREST

MOTO-SKI
FUTURA
SPIRIT
NUVIK
SONIC

CONGRATULATIONS... You are
the proud owner of a new 1978
snowmobile. This vehicle is the
result of incomparable teamwork
tween Bombardier designers, engi­neers and technicians. Consequently,
this vehicle is designed and
with

safety, handling, comfort and
Quietness
desiresand that

The information has been prepared to
acquaint the owner / operator of a
new snowmobile
hicle controls, owner-related mainte­nance, and safe operating instructions.
This is accomplished via 'The Snow­mobile Safety Handbook Booklet' and
the 'Operator Manual'. Each is insepa­rabletoward proper useof the product,

and should be kept

all times.

Should you have any questions per-

taining to the warranty and its applica­tion, please consult the
Question" section of this manual or
your

in mind. We do respect your

of

others.

with

the various ve-

with

the vehicle at

"Often

selling dealer.

now

be-

enqineered

Asked

This manual emphasizes particular in­formation denoted by the wording and
symbols:

.....

WARNING: Identifies an instruc-

T tion which, if

not

followed, could

causepersonal injury.

..

CAUTION: Denotes an lnstruc-

'Y

tlon which, if

severely damage vehicle components.

NOTE: Indicates supplementary

O

information needed

plete an instruction.
Although the mere reading

formation does not eliminate the haz­ard, your understanding

mation
Ridesafe and have
Recreational Products Group

Bombardier Limited,

Valcourt

will promoteits correct use.

Quebec, Canada

not

followed" could

to fully com-

of

of

fun.

such in-

the infor-

PLEASE ENSURE YOUR PROTECTION
MOBILE, THROUGH YOUR DEALER,

ATTHE

BY

REGISTERING YOUR SNOW-

FACTORY.

Observe

•
checked for free movement before
starting engine.

• Engineshould be running only when
pulley guard is secured in place.

• Never run engine
installed. Running an unloaded en­gine can prove

• Never run the engine

when the track of the vehicle is
raised

• It can be dangerous to run engine
with

• Since cooling

only when the vehicle is in motion,
it is recommended that you do not
allow the engine to idle for mere
than brief periods. Prolonged idling
and
engine Becauseof type
of

mended to pull

this vehicle.

• Gasoline is flammable and explosive
under certain conditions. Always
perform in
ted area. Do not smoke or
open flames or sparks in the vicinity.

the

following precautions:

Throttle

mechanism

without

to be dangerous.

sho uld be

drive belt

at high

off

the ground.

the cab open.

is in effect

low

speed cause

engine cooling, it is not recom-

a trailer or sled with

a well ventila-

R.P.M.

allow

If gasoline fumes are noticed while

driving, the cause should be deter­mined and corrected

• Your

• Maintain your

snowmobile is not designed to

be operated on public streets/ road
or highways. In most States and
Provinces,
gal operation.

nical condition at

it is considered an ille-

vehicle

without

~n

all times.

delay.

mecha-

• Your snowmobile is not
be driven or operated on black top,
bare earth, or other abrasive surfa­ces. On such surfaces abnormal and
excessive wear of critical parts is
inevitable.

• Only perform procedures as detailed

in this manual. Unless otherwise

specified, engine should be turned

designed to

OFF for all lubrication and mainte-

, nanee procedures.

• Installation of other than
equipment
bumpers, pack racks,' etc., could
severely affect the stability and
safety of your vehicle. Avoid ad­ding
basic vehicle configuration.

• The snowmobile engine can be
stopped by the emergen­cy cut-out or tether
turning

• The

Please read' and understand all other

warnings contained elsewhere.

R.V. is designed for the driver

only. No provisions have been made

a passenger.

for

including ski-spreaders,

on"

accessories that alter the

off

the key.

"stock"

switches/ or

2

CONTROLS/ INSTRUMENTS

Throttle control lever, brake control lever, ignition switch, light switch, headlamp
dimmer switch. emergency cut-out switch, tether cut-out switch, rewind starter.
primer/ tachometer, cab opening, tool box, fuel

gauge..

. " 4

BREAK-IN PERIOD

Inspection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

.. .,

,....

FUELMIXING

Recommended gasoline, recommended oil, fuel mixture ratio, fuel mixing pro-

cedure. . . . . .

PRE-START CHECK

Check points . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ...8

STARTING PROCEDURE

Manual starting, emergency starting . . . . . . . . .... 8

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ...8

I

DRIVING

Air intake silencer, slide suspension/bulb replacement , 9

TIPS

LUBRICATION

Frequency, pulley guard removal, drive belt removal. steering mechanism, chain-

caseoil

level, slide suspension, rotary valve system

'..

. 10

MAINTENANCE

Spark plugs, suspension condition, track suspension adjustment track tension
and alignment, carburetor adjustment, drive belt, steering mechanism, brake,
steering adjustrnent. engine head nuts, engine mount nuts, exhaust svstern, ve-

hicle general inspection, headlamp beamaiming,

12

STORAGE

Track, slide suspension, ski assembly, fuel tank carburetors, cylinder lubrication,

drive pulley, chaincase, controls, chassis,general inspection

16

PRE-5EASON PREPARATION

Pre-season

preparationchart 19

TROUBLE SHOOTING 20

THE 1978 uLIMITEDWARRANTY"

..

, 22

TOOLING . . . .... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2!i

OFTEN ASKEDQUESTIONS 26

CONSUMER

GUIDE 28

LISTING OFAREA DISTRIBUTORS 29
HOW

TO IDENTIFYYOUR SNOWMOBILE 30

CHANGEOFADDRESS

AND

OWNERSHIP. . . . . . . . . . ....

~

31

3

A) Throttle ControlLever
B) Brake ControlLever

C) Ignition

DJ

Light

EJ

Head/amp Dimmer

Switch

Switch

Switch

FJ

Emergency Cut-Out Switch

GJ

Tether Cut-Out Switch

Hi

Manual

/} Primer

J) Tachometer

StarterHandle

Located on right side of handlebar.

When

gine

transmission.

speed returns automatically to

compressed, it controls the en-

speed

and the

engagement

of the

When released, engine

idle.

Located on the left side of handlebar.

When compressed, the brake

is ap-

plied. When it automatically
returns

to its original position. Braking

effect is proportionate to the pressure
applied on the lever.

4

OFF

",..ON

Keyoperated, 2position switch (OFF/
ON). To start engine, first turn key
clockwise to ON position. To stop en­gine, turn key counter-clockwise to
OFFposition.

A push-pull switch located on right

side

of

cab.

With

engine running! iflu-

minates both headlamp and taillight.

Pull fully

out

to illuminate.

Auto

rewind type located on right hand

side

of

handle.

vehicle. To start engine, pull

The dimmer switch, located on left side
of handlebar, allows correct selection
of headlamp beam. To obtain high or
low

beam simply depress switch.

A push

sideofhandlebar. To stop the engine
an emergency, press
lower
gine always depress

leased upper position. The driver of
this vehicle should familiarize
with

button

position. Before re-starunq en-

the function

switch located on

button

of

button

this'

doyvn

Into re-

device by

.rig~t

into

himself

using it several times on first outing.

Thereby being mentally prepared for
emergency situations requiring its use.

....

WARNING:

~

been used in an emergency situa-

tion

the
be determined and corrected before
restarting engine.

A pull switch located on the riqht side

of cab. Attach tether cord

other convenient location before star­ting engine then fully insert tether
out

O

vehicle.

sourceofmalfunction should

cap on receptacle.

NOTE: The cap must be used at
all

time

If emergency engine

quired,
from switch and engine power will
automaticatly be shut "

....

~

sourceofmalfunction should be de­termined and corrected before re­starting engine.

"pull"

WARNING:Ifthe
in an emergency situation

If the

in order to operate the

out

completely the cap

"shut

off

switch

button

to

off'

u

•

has

Wrist or

cut-

is re-

is used

the

A push-pull button located alongside

manual starter handle. Pull and push
button
The primer
cold engine starts.
warm
use primer when starting.

In

The tachometer registers the impulses
of magneto.
cates the number
minute

..

,.
stops operating check fuse conditio."
and

O.

fuse as
to

To open cab! unfasten latches on both
sides near footrest where cab meets

frame. Always

stopped

....

~

injury could result.

Located beside
the cab! to gain
location

To check fuel level, simply unscrew

fuel tank cap

....

~

(2-3 times) to activate primer.

should always be used

however, it is

Direct-reading dial indi-

(RPM)of

CAUTION: The tachometer is
protected by a fuse,iftachometer

After

not

necessary to

of revolutions per

the

engine.

if necessary replace. The fuse IS

1 amp. Do

the

tachometer.

not

this

use a higher rated

can cause severe damage

lift

cab gently up until

by restraining device.

WARNING:itis dangeroustorun
engine

WARNING:
matchoropen flametocheck.

fuel level.

with

cab open. Personal

the

chaincase under

access/

for

spare plugs, belt, rope, etc.

and

withdraw

Never use a lite

tilt

enqme IS

for

cab. Ideal

dipstick.

5

With

8ombardier-Rotax snowmobile
engines, a break-in period is required
before running the vehicle at full
throttle.
dation
gine
this period, a richer mixture is needed
Ii.e. 40 parts of gas

Bombardier snowmobile oil). Maximum
throttle should
everI brief full acceleration and speed
variations contribute to a good break-

in. Continued wide open throttle accel-

erations, prolonged cruising speeds,
and lugging are detrimental during the

break-in period.

Manufacturer's, recommen-

for the Bombardier-Rotax en-

is 10to 15operating hours. During

for

1 partof50 / 1

not

exceed

%.,

how-

Oil must be added to the gasoline in
pre-measured amounts then both
and gasoline should be thoroughly
mixed together before fueling the tank.

The correct gasoline is premium gaso­line, available from all service stations.

• CAUTION: _Never experiment

oil

with different fuel or fuel ratios.

Never use

line, naphta, methanol or simular

products.

low

lead or non leaded gaso-

After the break-in period, each snow-

mobile must have an inspection check.
This inspection is at the expense of the
vehiele owner.

Use concentrated Bombardier

mobile oil available from your dealer.

This type of oil has specially formu­lated oil bases to meet the lubrication
requirements of the Bombardier-Rotax
engine.

If Bombardier snowmobile

with

available, substitute
2-cycle snowmobile oil. -The
mix must meet the vehicle require-

ments.
mendations on container.

..

...

The importance of using the correct fu-

el mixture cannot be overstressed. An

incorrect fuel ratio results in serious en­gine damage. Recommended fuel ratio

See oil manufacturer recom-

CAUTION: Never use ouboard
or straight mineral oils.

a high quality

snow-

oil is un-

oil/gas

is50/ 1.

5 gallons recommended gasoline plus 1

50/

can of
snowmobile oil

1concentrated Bombardier

=correct fuel mixture.

NOTE: To facilitate fuel mixing,

O

oil should be kept at room

rature.

'

6

To mix the gasoline and oil always use
a separate clean container. Never mix
directly in your snowmobile tank. For

best results, acquire

ther plastic or metal. Draw from one

until empty then use the second one.

two

containers, ei-

+WARNING: Gasoline is flamma-

ble and explosive under certain
conditions. Always perform
dures in a well ventilated area. Do not
smoke or

in the vicinity. If gasoline fumes are
noticed while driving, the cause should
be determined and corrected without
delay. Never add fuel while engine is

funning.Avoid skin contact with fuel at

below freezingtemperatures.

1. Pour approximately one gallon of

gasoline into a clean container.

allow open flames or sparks

proce-

2.

Add

full amountof oil.

4. Add the remainder of the gasoline.

5. Once again thoroughly agitate the
container. Then using a funnel

a fine mesh screen to prevent the

entry of water and foreign particles,
transfer mixture from container into
the snowmobile tank.

with

NOTE:

a

fuel, always shake the container
thoroughly as the oil has a tendency to
settle

.

.....

WARNING:

~

tank before placing the vehicle in
a warm area. At certain temperatures,
gasoline

When using pre-mixed

Never 'top up' gas

willexpand and overflow.

7

Activate the
several times to check
ates

easily

throttle

control

throttle

and

lever

control lever

that

smoothly.

must

return to

idle position when released.

Check

that

the

skis and the track are

not

frozen to

surface and

the

groundorsnow

that

the steering oper-

ates freely.

the

Activate

brake control lever and
make sure the brake fully applies be­fore the brake

control lever touches

the handlebar grip.

Check fuellevel.

that

the

path

Verify

aheadofthe ve­hicle is clear of bystanders and
obstacles.

.&.

WARNING:

...

snowmobile

are checked and

Only

once

all

components

functioning

start

properly.

it oper-

The

your

lower

position

starting

engine

position

to stop engine

1. Insert key in ignition and turn to ON
position.

2. Test

3. Activate primer (2 to 3 times). Pri-

mer

throttle

is

not

control

necessary

lever.

when

engine is

warm.

4. Make sure the tether

in position and

tached to
emergency

your

body. Check

cut-out

cut-out

that

the cord is at-

button

that

is in

cap is

the
the

released upper position.

5. manual starter handle firmly

and pull slowly until a resistance
felt then pull vigorously.
lease rewind starter handle .

.&.

WARNiNG:Donot

...

while

starting.

6. Check operation

Gut-out

Restart

.&.

...

gency

the

tether

by turning

operate

switch,

vll~-411

WARNING:
shut-off

cut-out

cut-out

off

the

vehicle further, see

of

and tether switch.

II;:; •

If engine does

when

applying

switch

cap,

the

ignition key. Do

dealer.

Allow

7.

....

the engine to

,.."

......

".'"'l,t,,...,,.....

at full throttle.

Slowly

apply

throttle

the emergency

the

emer-

and /

Of,

the

pulling
engine

stop

your

warm

before

re-

not

not

is

..

CAUTiON:

..-

is in

effect

is in

motion,

speed operation

Since engine cooling

nnly

when

the

vehiole

prolonqed idling and

may

cause engine

low

damage. Do not allow the engine to

idle

for

morethan brief periods. It is

not

recommended to pull a trailer or sled

with

this

may

vehicle, engine overheating

occurs.

8

Should the rewind starter rope fray and
break, the engine can be started

with

an emergency starter rope.

Tilt the pulley guard forward then wind
the emergency rope tight around the
drive pulley between the sliding half
and the roller guard. Start engine asper
usual manual starting.

WARNING: When starting the

•

vehicle in an emergency situation

by the drive pulley, do not make a knot
at the end of the emergency rope and
do not reinstall the pulleyguard.

The neckofthe air intake silencer must
always be turned down and facing the
rear (see illustration) otherwise the
pressure created by the vehicle speed
will lean the mixture and cause engine
damage.

- CAUTION: Never operate your
.".

snowmobile with the air intake
silencer disconnected. Serious engine
damage will occur if this notice is dis­regarded.

WARNING: Do not

•

cle by the drive pulley unless it is

a true emergency situation, have the

vehiclerepaired assoon as possible.

start

the

vehi-

During normal driving, snow will act as
a lubricant and coolant for the slider
shoes. Extensive riding on ice or sand­ed snow, (not to mention dirt, asphalt,
etc. never recommended) will create

excessive heat build-up and cause pre-

mature slider shoe wear.

If headlamp is burnt, tilt cab. Unplug

connector from headlamp. Remove

rubber boot and unfasten bulb retainer
clips. Detach bulb and replace. If
taillight bulb is burnt, expose bulb by
removing red plastic lens. To remove,
unscrew the

two

(2) Phillips head
screws. Verify all lights after replace­ment.

9