Basic Information Identification Make: Arctic Cat Model: Prowler, Cougar, Panther, EXT, Z, ZL, ZR, POWDER Special, POWDER Extreme Model Variants: Panther 400, Panther 550, EXT 550, EXT 580, EXT 600, Z 440, ZL 440, ZR600, ZRT600 Production Years Covered: 1990-1998 Introduction Market Position Target Audience: Snowmobile enthusiasts, DIY mechanics, repair shops seeking detailed service information for vintage Arctic Cat models. Competitive Analysis Value Proposition: Provides exhaustive repair and maintenance information for a range of popular Arctic Cat snowmobiles from the late 1990s, enabling owners to perform their own servicing and repairs. Key Features Features: Comprehensive coverage, detailed illustrations, searchable PDF format, DIY-friendly instructions. Manual Details Coverage Areas Primary Coverage: All mechanical and electrical systems Model Coverage: Arctic Cat Prowler, Cougar, Panther, EXT, Z, ZL, ZR, POWDER Special, POWDER Extreme (specific engine variants listed) Page Count Estimated Page Count: Hundreds (specific count not provided, but described as extensive) Manual Type Type: Shop Manual / Service Manual / Repair Manual Language Language: English Format Format: PDF Download Manual Coverage Systems Covered Engine: Engine assembly, disassembly, overhaul, tuning, lubrication, cooling system, fuel system (carburetion/injection depending on model), ignition system, exhaust system. Transmission: Clutch system (drive clutch, driven clutch), chaincase, gearbox (if applicable), differential (if applicable), lubrication, seals, bearings. Suspension: Front suspension (IFS, Arctic Cat parallelogram ski suspension), rear suspension (articulating rear suspension, torque arm suspension, boggie wheel systems), shock absorbers, springs, bushings, alignment. Steering: Steering mechanism, tie rods, spindles, handlebar assembly, lubrication, adjustment. Brakes: Hydraulic brake system (master cylinder, caliper, rotor, lines), parking brake, adjustment, fluid specifications. Electrical: Ignition system, lighting system (headlights, taillights, brake light), starting system, charging system (stator, rectifier/regulator), battery, wiring diagrams, switches, sensors, troubleshooting. Bodywork And Chassis: Tunnel, skis, track, seat, handlebars, controls, body panels, hood, windshield, fasteners, torque specifications. Procedures Included Maintenance: Oil change, filter replacement, spark plug service, track tension adjustment, suspension lubrication, brake fluid flush, clutch inspection and cleaning. Troubleshooting: Diagnostic procedures for engine performance issues, electrical faults, braking problems, and suspension wear. Repair: Engine rebuilds, transmission overhaul, suspension component replacement, brake caliper repair, electrical component diagnosis and replacement, body panel repair. Disassembly And Assembly: Complete step-by-step instructions for disassembling and reassembling all major vehicle components. Technical Depth Depth: Comprehensive: from routine maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, including detailed troubleshooting and electrical diagnostics. Manual Specifications File Format File Type: PDF Searchability: Searchable text allows for quick navigation to specific topics. Print Quality Printability: Printable pages for convenient workshop use. Illustration Quality: Includes numerous illustrations to aid in understanding procedures. Binding Type Binding: Not applicable (PDF format) Paper Type Paper Quality: Not applicable (PDF format) Engine Specifications Primary Engine Engine Types: Two-stroke, reed-valve, fan-cooled and liquid-cooled gasoline engines. Displacement Range: Approximately 400cc to 600cc (specific to each model variant, e.g., Z 440, Panther 550, EXT 600). Performance Horsepower Range: Estimated range from 70-110+ HP depending on model and engine size. Torque Specifications: Specific torque values for engine components will be detailed within the manual. Fuel System Carburetion: Primarily Mikuni or Keihin carburetors; manual will detail specific models, jetting, and tuning procedures. Fuel Type: Leaded or unleaded gasoline (check owner's manual for specific octane requirements, typically 87-91 octane). Lubrication Oil Type Engine: Typically 2-stroke specific synthetic or semi-synthetic snowmobile oil (e.g., API TC-W3 or JASO FD rated). Manual will specify exact type and brand recommendations. Oil Type Chaincase: Specialized gear oil for the chaincase (e.g., SAE 80W-90 gear oil). Manual will specify capacity and type. Transmission Standard Type: CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) with primary and secondary clutches. Optional Gearing: Most models feature a single-speed forward and reverse gear within the chaincase. Some high-performance models might have specific gearing ratios detailed. Features Clutch Service: Detailed instructions on clutch inspection, cleaning, belt replacement, spring and weight adjustment, and recalibration. Chaincase Service: Procedures for chaincase oil changes, chain inspection, tension adjustment, and bearing replacement. Dimensions Exterior General Dimensions: Dimensions vary significantly by model. Manual will provide specific lengths, widths, and heights for each variant. Weights Dry Weight: Dry weights typically range from 450 to 600+ lbs depending on model and engine size. Manual will provide exact figures. Gross Vehicle Weight Rating: GVWR will be specified in the manual, indicating the maximum operating weight. Safety Features Ratings Crash Test Results: Not applicable to snowmobiles in the traditional automotive sense. Safety information focuses on operational safety. Active Features Braking System: Hydraulic disc brake system for reliable stopping power. Throttle Safety Features: Handlebar-mounted throttle lever with a safety lockout mechanism. Passive Features Kill Switch: Emergency engine shut-off switch (lanyard-style or handlebar-mounted). Lighting: Headlight, taillight, and brake light for visibility. Technology Features Infotainment Dashboard Indicators: Basic dashboard includes speedometer, tachometer, odometer, fuel gauge, and warning lights for oil, engine, and battery. Driver Assistance Engine Management: Basic CDI (Capacitor Discharge Ignition) and potentially early electronic fuel injection (EFI) systems on later models, all detailed...
Snowmobile enthusiasts, DIY mechanics, repair shops seeking detailed service information for vintage Arctic Cat models.
Competitive Analysis
Value Proposition:
Provides exhaustive repair and maintenance information for a range of popular Arctic Cat snowmobiles from the late 1990s, enabling owners to perform their own servicing and repairs.
Key Features
Features:
Comprehensive coverage, detailed illustrations, searchable PDF format, DIY-friendly instructions.
Diagnostic procedures for engine performance issues, electrical faults, braking problems, and suspension wear.
Repair:
Engine rebuilds, transmission overhaul, suspension component replacement, brake caliper repair, electrical component diagnosis and replacement, body panel repair.
Disassembly And Assembly:
Complete step-by-step instructions for disassembling and reassembling all major vehicle components.
Technical Depth
Depth:
Comprehensive: from routine maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, including detailed troubleshooting and electrical diagnostics.
Manual Specifications
File Format
File Type:
PDF
Searchability:
Searchable text allows for quick navigation to specific topics.
Print Quality
Printability:
Printable pages for convenient workshop use.
Illustration Quality:
Includes numerous illustrations to aid in understanding procedures.
Binding Type
Binding:
Not applicable (PDF format)
Paper Type
Paper Quality:
Not applicable (PDF format)
Engine Specifications
Primary Engine
Engine Types:
Two-stroke, reed-valve, fan-cooled and liquid-cooled gasoline engines.
Displacement Range:
Approximately 400cc to 600cc (specific to each model variant, e.g., Z 440, Panther 550, EXT 600).
Performance
Horsepower Range:
Estimated range from 70-110+ HP depending on model and engine size.
Torque Specifications:
Specific torque values for engine components will be detailed within the manual.
Fuel System
Carburetion:
Primarily Mikuni or Keihin carburetors; manual will detail specific models, jetting, and tuning procedures.
Fuel Type:
Leaded or unleaded gasoline (check owner's manual for specific octane requirements, typically 87-91 octane).
Lubrication
Oil Type Engine:
Typically 2-stroke specific synthetic or semi-synthetic snowmobile oil (e.g., API TC-W3 or JASO FD rated). Manual will specify exact type and brand recommendations.
Oil Type Chaincase:
Specialized gear oil for the chaincase (e.g., SAE 80W-90 gear oil). Manual will specify capacity and type.
Transmission
Standard
Type:
CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) with primary and secondary clutches.
Optional
Gearing:
Most models feature a single-speed forward and reverse gear within the chaincase. Some high-performance models might have specific gearing ratios detailed.
Features
Clutch Service:
Detailed instructions on clutch inspection, cleaning, belt replacement, spring and weight adjustment, and recalibration.
Chaincase Service:
Procedures for chaincase oil changes, chain inspection, tension adjustment, and bearing replacement.
Dimensions
Exterior
General Dimensions:
Dimensions vary significantly by model. Manual will provide specific lengths, widths, and heights for each variant.
Weights
Dry Weight:
Dry weights typically range from 450 to 600+ lbs depending on model and engine size. Manual will provide exact figures.
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
GVWR will be specified in the manual, indicating the maximum operating weight.
Safety Features
Ratings
Crash Test Results:
Not applicable to snowmobiles in the traditional automotive sense. Safety information focuses on operational safety.
Active Features
Braking System:
Hydraulic disc brake system for reliable stopping power.
Throttle Safety Features:
Handlebar-mounted throttle lever with a safety lockout mechanism.
Passive Features
Kill Switch:
Emergency engine shut-off switch (lanyard-style or handlebar-mounted).
Lighting:
Headlight, taillight, and brake light for visibility.
Technology Features
Infotainment
Dashboard Indicators:
Basic dashboard includes speedometer, tachometer, odometer, fuel gauge, and warning lights for oil, engine, and battery.
Driver Assistance
Engine Management:
Basic CDI (Capacitor Discharge Ignition) and potentially early electronic fuel injection (EFI) systems on later models, all detailed in the manual.
Connectivity
Wiring Diagrams:
Comprehensive electrical wiring diagrams are a key feature, crucial for diagnosing and repairing electrical issues.
Maintenance
Service Intervals
Oil Change Chaincase:
Typically every 100-150 hours of operation or annually. Manual will specify exact interval.
Spark Plug Service:
Inspect every 100-250 hours, replace as needed. Manual will provide gap specifications.
Clutch Service:
Inspect primary and secondary clutches for wear and proper function every 50-100 hours. Belt inspection every 25-50 hours.
Suspension Lubrication:
Grease suspension pivot points and shock linkages every 25-50 hours of operation.
Fluid Specifications
Brake Fluid:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 hydraulic brake fluid (manual will specify exact type).
Coolant:
For liquid-cooled models: Permanent type antifreeze (ethylene glycol based) with a 50/50 mix of coolant and distilled water. Manual will specify capacity and freeze protection level.
Known Issues
Clutch Belt Wear:
Common for CVT belts to wear and stretch over time, requiring replacement. Proper clutch alignment and belt tension are crucial.
Carburetor Icing:
Can occur in cold, humid conditions. Manual will cover potential causes and remedies.
Exhaust Bellows Leaks:
Rubber exhaust bellows can degrade and leak, affecting engine performance. Regular inspection and replacement are recommended.
Suspension Bushings:
Wear in suspension bushings can lead to play and affect handling. Manual will detail replacement procedures.
Vehicle History
Brand Heritage
Arctic Cat Heritage:
Arctic Cat has a long history in snowmobile manufacturing, known for innovation and performance-oriented designs.
Model Evolution
Gneneration Overview:
The 1990-1998 era represents a period of significant development in Arctic Cat's line-up, introducing more powerful engines, improved suspension systems (like IFS), and refined chassis designs across their various model families (Prowler, Cougar, Panther, EXT, Z, ZR).
Production
Manufacturing Location:
Primarily manufactured in Thief River Falls, Minnesota, USA.
Awards & Recognition
Recognitions
Historical Awards:
Specific awards for these particular model years are not readily available without detailed historical records. Arctic Cat as a brand has received numerous accolades for performance and innovation throughout its history.
Choosing a selection results in a full page refresh.