1986 Polaris Indy 400 Carb Manual PDF

The 1986 Polaris Indy 400 carburetor manual provides comprehensive service information for the Mikuni VM34 carburetor system used on the 1986 Polaris Indy 400 snowmobile. This manual covers carburetor specifications, adjustment procedures, troubleshooting, maintenance schedules, and repair instructions for optimal engine performance in various temperature and altitude conditions.

1. Carburetor Specifications 2. Installation Procedures 3. Adjustment Settings 4. Technical Specifications 5. Controls and Components 6. Fuel System Connections 7. Maintenance Procedures 8. Performance Tuning 9. Care & Cleaning 10. Regulatory Information 11. Troubleshooting

Carburetor Specifications

Key components: Mikuni VM34 carburetor, throttle cable assembly, fuel inlet fitting, choke mechanism, jet needle assembly, float bowl.

ComponentSpecification
Carburetor TypeMikuni VM34 round slide
Main Jet#210 (standard)
Pilot Jet#40
Needle JetQ-2
Jet Needle6DH4-3 (clip position 3)
Throttle Valve2.5
Float Height21mm ± 1mm
Fuel Inlet1/8" NPT
Choke TypeEnrichment circuit
Air Screw1.5 turns out (initial setting)

Installation Procedures

Remove old carburetor and install new unit following proper procedures.

  1. Disconnect fuel line: Remove fuel line from carburetor inlet, drain fuel from bowl.
  2. Remove throttle cable: Loosen cable adjuster, disconnect from throttle lever.
  3. Disconnect choke cable: Remove choke cable from carburetor choke lever.
  4. Remove intake manifold: Loosen manifold clamps, remove carburetor from engine.
  5. Install new carburetor: Reverse removal procedure, ensure proper gasket alignment.

WARNING! Fuel is flammable; work in well-ventilated area away from ignition sources.

Adjustment Settings

Proper carburetor adjustment is critical for optimal engine performance.

  1. Idle speed adjustment: Turn idle speed screw to achieve 1500-1800 RPM at operating temperature.
  2. Air screw adjustment: Turn air screw for smoothest idle, typically 1-2 turns out from lightly seated.
  3. Float level adjustment: Measure float height 21mm from float bowl gasket surface.
  4. Needle clip position: Standard position is middle groove (position 3).
  5. Throttle cable freeplay: Maintain 1-2mm freeplay at throttle lever.

CAUTION! Engine must be at operating temperature for accurate adjustments.

Technical Specifications

Controls and Components

Carburetor features multiple adjustment points for precise fuel mixture control.

Adjustment Points: Idle speed screw, air mixture screw, main jet, pilot jet, needle clip, float bowl.

Idle Circuit: Controls fuel mixture at idle and low throttle openings. Main Circuit: Controls fuel mixture at 3/4 to full throttle. Needle Circuit: Controls fuel mixture at 1/4 to 3/4 throttle. Choke Circuit: Provides rich mixture for cold starting. Float System: Maintains consistent fuel level in float bowl.

Fuel System Connections

Proper fuel system connections ensure reliable carburetor operation.

  1. Fuel inlet connection: 1/8" NPT fitting with fuel filter.
  2. Overflow lines: Route downward away from engine components.
  3. Vent lines: Ensure unrestricted airflow to float bowl vent.
  4. Throttle cable: Adjust for proper freeplay and smooth operation.
  5. Choke cable: Ensure full travel for cold starting enrichment.

Tip: Always use fresh fuel and clean fuel filter for optimal performance.

Maintenance Procedures

Regular maintenance ensures reliable carburetor performance.

  1. Float bowl cleaning: Remove bowl, clean sediment, inspect float needle.
  2. Jet cleaning: Remove and clean main and pilot jets with compressed air.
  3. Needle and seat inspection: Check for wear or contamination.
  4. Float inspection: Verify proper float height and condition.
  5. Gasket replacement: Replace all gaskets during reassembly.
  6. Synchronization: For multiple carburetors, synchronize throttle opening.
  7. Fuel filter: Replace annually or every 1000 miles.

WARNING! Use only compressed air for jet cleaning; never use wire or drills.

Performance Tuning

Carburetor tuning for specific riding conditions and altitudes.

ConditionMain JetPilot JetNeedle Position
Sea Level to 3000ft#210#403 (middle)
3000-6000ft#200#352 (leaner)
6000-9000ft#190#301 (leanest)
Cold Weather (-20°F to 20°F)#220#454 (richer)
Hot Weather (60°F+)#200#352 (leaner)

Care & Cleaning

Proper cleaning prevents carburetor issues and ensures reliable operation.

Use carburetor cleaner and compressed air for thorough cleaning. Soak metal parts in carburetor cleaner solution. Blow out all passages with compressed air. Inspect rubber components for deterioration. Replace worn gaskets and O-rings.

CAUTION! Do not soak plastic or rubber components in carburetor cleaner.

Regulatory Information

This manual contains proprietary information for the 1986 Polaris Indy 400 carburetor system. All specifications and procedures are based on factory service data. Copyright © 1986 Polaris Industries Inc. For technical support, contact Polaris Customer Service at 1-800-POLARIS or visit www.polaris.com.

Troubleshooting

SymptomPossible CauseCorrective Action
Hard startingClogged pilot jet, improper chokeClean pilot jet, verify choke operation
Poor idleClogged idle circuit, air leakClean idle passages, check manifold gaskets
Bogging accelerationLean needle setting, clogged main jetAdjust needle clip, clean main jet
High fuel consumptionRich jetting, leaking float needleLean jetting, replace float needle
Engine floodingStuck float, contaminated needle seatClean float bowl, inspect needle and seat
Poor high speed performanceClogged main jet, restricted airflowClean main jet, check air filter

Reset: Return all adjustments to factory specifications if troubleshooting fails.

Service: 1-800-POLARIS; www.polaris.com

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