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Introduction
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Market Position
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Market Position:
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The Ski-Doo Alpine II was a versatile snowmobile designed for utility, trail riding, and even some touring. It occupied a niche for riders seeking a robust, two-up capable machine with a reputation for reliability and adaptability in varied snow conditions.
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Competitive Analysis
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Competitive Analysis:
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Competed against other utility and touring snowmobiles from manufacturers like Yamaha (e.g., Bravo, Exciter), Arctic Cat, and Polaris, offering a blend of performance and practicality. Its Rotax engine was a well-regarded powerplant in the industry.
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Key Features
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Key Features:
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Two-up seating capability, powerful Rotax 503cc engine, reliable drive system, comfortable suspension for its era, and the robust build quality characteristic of Ski-Doo snowmobiles from this period. The manual provides access to the technical knowledge needed to maintain these features.
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Manual Coverage
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Systems Covered
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Systems Covered:
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Engine (Rotax 503), Fuel System (carburetion, fuel pump), Ignition System, Cooling System (liquid-cooled), Drive System (clutch, chaincase), Suspension (front and rear), Steering, Brakes, Electrical System (lighting, wiring diagrams), Chassis, Bodywork, Accessories.
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Electrical System Detail:
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Includes complete wiring diagrams with component identification, troubleshooting guides for common electrical faults, and procedures for testing and repairing ignition, lighting, and charging systems.
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Chassis And Bodywork:
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Covers frame integrity checks, body panel removal and installation, seat removal, handle bar and steering column maintenance, and ski/runner inspection.
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Procedures Included
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Procedures Included:
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Routine maintenance (lubrication, adjustments), engine overhaul, clutch inspection and replacement, suspension rebuild, brake servicing, electrical troubleshooting, carburetor tuning, troubleshooting common issues, specifications and torque values.
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Engine Rebuild Procedures:
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Detailed step-by-step instructions for complete engine disassembly, cleaning, inspection, parts replacement (pistons, rings, bearings, seals), and reassembly with specified torque values and clearances.
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Carburetor Overhaul:
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Detailed instructions for dismantling, cleaning, replacing jets, floats, and gaskets, and reassembling carburetors for optimal performance.
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Technical Depth
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Technical Depth:
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Detailed diagnostic procedures, step-by-step repair instructions, exploded views, component identification, specifications for clearances, pressures, and timing. Suitable for both amateur mechanics and professional technicians.
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Diagnostic Procedures:
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In-depth troubleshooting charts for identifying causes of poor performance, starting issues, overheating, and other operational problems. Includes methods for testing components like the stator, ignition coil, and fuel delivery system.
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Specification Tables:
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Comprehensive tables of specifications including critical measurements, torque values, fluid capacities, and electrical resistance values.
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Engine Specifications
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Primary Engine
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Engine Type:
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2-Stroke, Twin-Cylinder, Rotary Valve
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Displacement:
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503 cc (approximately)
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Bore X Stroke:
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Approximately 72.0 mm x 61.0 mm (typical for Rotax 503, verify with manual for exact spec).
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Cooling System:
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Liquid-Cooled
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Ignition System:
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CDI (Capacitor Discharge Ignition) or similar electronic ignition system, likely with a magneto or flywheel alternator.
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Performance
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Horsepower Range:
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Estimated 40-50 HP (typical for a Rotax 503 of this era, actual output may vary).
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Torque Specifications:
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Detailed torque values for engine components are a core part of the manual's specifications.
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Compression Ratio:
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Manual will specify compression test procedures and acceptable ranges for engine health diagnosis.
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Fuel System
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Carburetor Type:
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Typically twin Tillotson or Mikuni carburetors (e.g., 32mm or 34mm, specific model dependent).
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Fuel Type:
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Unleaded gasoline (minimum 87 octane recommended).
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Fuel Mixture:
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Requires 2-stroke oil mixed with gasoline at a specified ratio (e.g., 40:1 or 50:1, consult manual for exact ratio and oil specification).
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Maintenance
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Service Intervals
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Engine Oil Change:
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N/A (2-stroke engine relies on oil mixed with fuel).
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Clutch Inspection:
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Annually or every 50-100 operating hours. Manual details inspection for wear on buttons, rollers, and sheave surfaces.
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Spark Plug Replacement:
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Typically every 100-200 hours or as needed based on performance. Manual will specify plug type and gap.
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Chaincase Oil Change:
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Annually or every 100-150 operating hours. Manual specifies type and capacity.
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Suspension Pivot Lubrication:
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Annually or as per manual recommendations. Manual will identify all grease points.
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Track Tension Adjustment:
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Check and adjust as needed, typically every few hundred miles or if track slaps. Manual provides adjustment procedures.
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Fluid Specifications
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Engine Oil Type:
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Specific 2-stroke snowmobile oil meeting API-TC or similar specifications. Manual will recommend specific Ski-Doo branded oil or equivalent.
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Chaincase Oil Type:
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Specific gear oil for snowmobile chaincases (e.g., SAE 80W-90 GL-4/GL-5). Manual will provide exact specification and capacity.
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Coolant Type:
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Permanent type antifreeze coolant (e.g., ethylene glycol based) with rust inhibitors. Manual will specify mixture ratio and capacity.
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Grease Type:
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Manual will specify the type of grease for various points, typically a general-purpose lithium-based grease suitable for low temperatures.
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Known Issues
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Known Issues:
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As with any vintage snowmobile, potential issues can include carburetor wear, aging fuel lines, clutch wear, suspension component wear (bushings, shocks), and electrical connection corrosion. The manual is invaluable for diagnosing and rectifying these.
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Track Wear:
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Regular inspection of track lugs and tread for wear and damage is recommended. Manual can guide on track tension adjustments.
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Vehicle History
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Brand Heritage
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Brand Heritage:
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Ski-Doo, a brand of BRP (Bombardier Recreational Products), has a long and storied history in snowmobiling, dating back to the invention of the modern snowmobile by Joseph-Armand Bombardier in the late 1950s. Ski-Doo is synonymous with snowmobile innovation and performance.
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Model Evolution
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Model Evolution:
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The Alpine line represented Ski-Doo's commitment to utility and touring snowmobiles. The Alpine II built upon previous iterations, often featuring more powerful engines and improved chassis designs for better comfort and handling compared to earlier utility models. The 503cc engine was a popular choice for this segment.
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Chassis Design:
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The Alpine II likely featured an updated chassis compared to earlier models, focusing on rider comfort and stability, with a longer track and wider stance for better flotation and control.
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Production
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Production Period:
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The Alpine II was produced through the late 1980s, with the 1988-1989 model years representing a specific iteration of this popular utility/touring snowmobile.
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Manufacturing Location:
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Primarily manufactured in Canada by Bombardier Inc.
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