4 Break-In Procedure A new ATV and an overhauled ATV engine require a “break-in” period. The first 10 hours (or 200 miles) are most critical to the life of this ATV. Proper operation dur- ing this break-in period will help assure maximum life and performance from the ATV. During the first 10 hours (or 200 miles) of operation, always use less than 1/2 throttle. Varying the engine RPM during the break-in period allows the components to “load” (aiding the mating process) and then “unload” (allowing components to cool). Although it is essential to place some stress on the engine components during break-in, care should be taken not to overload the engine too often. Do not pull a trailer or carry heavy loads dur- ing the 10-hour break-in period. When the engine starts, allow it to warm up properly. Idle the engine several minutes until the engine has reached normal operating temperature. Do not idle the engine for excessively long periods of time. During the break-in period, a maximum of 1/2 throttle is recommended; however, brief full-throttle accelerations and variations in driving speeds contribute to good engine break-in. After the completion of the break-in period, the engine oil and oil filter should be changed. Other maintenance after break-in should include checking of all prescribed adjustments and tightening of all fasteners. Gasoline - Oil - Lubricant RECOMMENDED GASOLINE The recommended gasoline to use is 87 minimum octane regular unleaded. In many areas, oxygenates (either etha- nol or MTBE) are added to the gasoline. Oxygenated gasolines containing up to 10% ethanol, 5% methane, or 5% MTBE are acceptable gasolines. When using ethanol blended gasoline, it is not necessary to add a gasoline antifreeze since ethanol will prevent the accumulation of moisture in the fuel system. RECOMMENDED ENGINE OIL The recommended oil to use is Arctic Cat ACX All Weather synthetic engine oil, which has been specifically formulated for use in this Arctic Cat engine. Although Arctic Cat ACX All Weather synthetic engine oil is the only oil recommended for use in this engine, use of any API certified SM 5W-50 oil is acceptable. OILCHARTI RECOMMENDED REAR DRIVE LUBRICANT (Utility) The recommended lubricant is Arctic Cat Gear Lube or an equivalent gear lube which is SAE approved 80W-90 hypoid. This lubricant meets all of the lubrication requirements of the Arctic Cat ATV rear drive. RECOMMENDED TRANSMISSION LUBRICANT The recommended lubricant is Arctic Cat Gear Lube or an equivalent gear lube which is SAE approved 80W-90 hypoid. This lubricant meets all the lubrication requirements of the Arctic Cat ATV front differential and rear drive. FILLING GAS TANK Since gasoline expands as its temperature rises, the gas tank must be filled to its rated capacity only. Expansion room must be maintained in the tank particularly if the tank is filled with cold gasoline and then moved to a warm area. CAUTION Do not use white gas. Only Arctic Cat approved gaso- line additives should be used. CAUTION Any oil used in place of the recommended oil could cause serious engine damage. Do not use oils which contain graphite or molybdenum additives. These oils can adversely affect clutch operation. Also, not recom- mended are racing, vegetable, non-detergent, and cas- tor-based oils. CAUTION Any lubricant used in place of the recommended lubri- cant could cause serious rear drive damage. CAUTION Any lubricant used in place of the recommended lubri- cant could cause serious front differential/rear drive damage. ! WARNING Always fill the gas tank in a well-ventilated area. Never add fuel to the ATV gas tank near any open flames or with the engine running. DO NOT SMOKE while filling the gas tank. Manual Table of Contents For Arctic Cat Parts Call 606-678-9623 or 606-561-4983 www.mymowerparts.com
5 ATV0049B Tighten the gas tank cap securely after filling the tank. Genuine Parts When replacement of parts is necessary, use only genuine Arctic Cat ATV parts. They are precision-made to ensure high quality and correct fit. Refer to the appropriate Illus- trated Parts Manual for the correct part number, quantity, and description. Preparation For Storage Arctic Cat recommends the following procedure to pre- pare the ATV for storage. 1. Clean the seat cushion (cover and base) with a damp cloth and allow it to dry. 2. Clean the ATV thoroughly by washing dirt, oil, grass, and other foreign matter from the entire ATV. Allow the ATV to dry thoroughly. DO NOT get water into any part of the engine or air intake. 3. Either drain the gas tank or add Fuel Stabilizer to the gas in the gas tank. Remove the air filter housing cover and air filter. Start the engine and allow it to idle; then using Arctic Cat Engine Storage Preserver, slowly inject the preserver into the air filter opening for a period of 10 to 20 seconds; then stop the engine. Install the air filter and housing cover. 4. Drain the carburetor float chamber. 5. Plug the exhaust hole in the exhaust system with a clean cloth. 6. Apply light oil to the upper steering post bushing and plungers of the shock absorbers. 7. Tighten all nuts, bolts, cap screws, and screws. Make sure rivets holding components together are tight. Replace all loose rivets. Care must be taken that all calibrated nuts, cap screws, and bolts are tightened to specifications. 8. Fill the cooling system to the FULL line in the cool- ing system reservoir with properly mixed coolant. 9. Disconnect the battery cables; then remove the bat- tery, clean the battery posts and cables, and store in a clean, dry area. 10. Store the ATV indoors in a level position. Preparation After Storage Taking the ATV out of storage and correctly preparing it will assure many miles and hours of trouble-free riding. Arctic Cat recommends the following procedure to pre- pare the ATV. 1. Clean the ATV thoroughly. 2. Clean the engine. Remove the cloth from the exhaust system. 3. Check all control wires and cables for signs of wear or fraying. Replace if necessary. 4. Change the engine oil and filter. 5. Check the coolant level and add properly mixed coolant as necessary. 6. Charge the battery; then install. Connect the battery cables. ! WARNING Do not overflow gasoline when filling the gas tank. A fire hazard could materialize. Always allow the engine to cool before filling the gas tank. ! WARNING Do not over-fill the gas tank. CAUTION Prior to storing the ATV, it must be properly serviced to prevent rusting and component deterioration. CAUTION Rapid induction of oil or any liquid into a four-cycle engine can cause “hydraulic-lock” resulting in severe engine damage. CAUTION If the interior of the air filter housing is dirty, clean the area before starting the engine. CAUTION This maintenance-free battery should be charged at the recommended rate every 30 days or permanent damage may occur if the battery completely discharges. CAUTION Avoid storing outside in direct sunlight and avoid using a plastic cover as moisture will collect on the ATV caus- ing rusting. CAUTION The ignition switch must be in the OFF position prior to installing the battery or damage may occur to the igni- tion system. Manual Table of Contents For Arctic Cat Parts Call 606-678-9623 or 606-561-4983 www.mymowerparts.com
6 7. Check the entire brake systems (fluid level, pads, etc.), all controls, headlights, taillight, brakelight, and headlight aim; adjust or replace as necessary. 8. Tighten all nuts, bolts, cap screws, and screws mak- ing sure all calibrated nuts, cap screws, and bolts are tightened to specifications. 9. Check tire pressure. Inflate to recommended pressure as necessary. 10. Make sure the steering moves freely and does not bind. 11. Check the spark plug. Clean or replace as necessary. CAUTION Connect the positive battery cable first; then the nega- tive. Manual Table of Contents For Arctic Cat Parts Call 606-678-9623 or 606-561-4983 www.mymowerparts.com
7 Periodic Maintenance/ Tune-Up SPECIAL TOOLS A number of special tools must be available to the techni- cian when performing service procedures in this section. Refer to the current Special Tools Catalog for the appro- priate tool description. NOTE: Special tools are available from the Arctic Cat Service Parts Department. Periodic Maintenance Chart A = Adjust I = Inspect C = Clean L = Lubricate D = Drain R = Replace T = Tighten Description p/n Compression Tester Kit 0444-213 Tappet Adjuster 0444-189 Item Initial Service After Break-In (First Month or 100 Miles) Every Day Every Month or Every 100 Miles Every 3 Months or Every 300 Miles Every 6 Months or Every 500 Miles Every Year or Every 1500 Miles As Needed Battery I I C Air Filter/Drain Tube I I C* R Valve/Tappet Clearance I I A Spark Plug I I R (4000 Mi or 18 Mo) Muffler/Spark Arrester C R Gas/Vent Hoses I I R (2 Yrs) Gas Tank Valve I C Throttle Cable I I C-L A-R Carb Float Chamber D* Engine RPM (Idle) I I A Engine Oil Level I A Engine Oil - Screen C C* C Drive Chain (DVX) I I C-L Rear Drive Lubricant (Utility) I I R A Transmission Lubricant I I R A Tires/Air Pressure I I A-R Steering Components I I I R V-Belt I I R Suspension (Ball joint boots, tie rods, differential and rear drive bellows) I I l* R Nuts/Cap Screws/Screws I I T Ignition Timing I Headlight/Taillight-Brakelight I I R Switches I I R Shift Lever I A-L Choke Cable I C-L R Recoil Starter (Utility) I C-R Handlebar Grips I R Handlebars I I R Gauges/Indicators I I R Frame/Welds/Racks I I l Electrical Connections l C Complete Brake System (Hydraulic and Auxiliary) I I C L-R Brake Pads I I* R Brake Fluid I I R (2 Yrs) Brake Hoses I I R (4 Yrs) Coolant/Cooling System I I R (2 Yrs) Manual Table of Contents For Arctic Cat Parts Call 606-678-9623 or 606-561-4983 www.mymowerparts.com
8 * Service/Inspect more frequently when operating in adverse conditions. Lubrication Points It is advisable to lubricate certain components periodi- cally to ensure free movement. Apply light oil to the components using the following list as reference. A. Throttle Lever Pivot/Cable Ends B. Brake Lever Pivot C. Auxiliary Brake Pivot/Clevis D. Choke Cable Upper End E. Shift Lever/Ball Joints F. Idle RPM Screw (Carburetor) Air Filter Use the following procedure to remove the filter and inspect and/or clean it. CLEANING AND INSPECTING FILTER 1. Remove the seat. 2. Remove the air filter housing cover from the retain- ing clips. KM095A 3. Loosen the clamp; then remove the filter. KM097B 4. Fill a wash pan larger than the filter with a non-flam- mable cleaning solvent; then dip the filter in the sol- vent and wash it. NOTE: Foam Filter Cleaner and Foam Filter Oil are available from Arctic Cat. 5. Dry the filter. 6. Put the filter in a plastic bag; then pour in air filter oil and work the filter. 7. Clean any dirt or debris from inside the air cleaner. Make sure no dirt enters the carburetor. 8. Place the filter in the air filter housing making sure it is properly seated and secure with the clamp. 9. Install the air filter housing cover and secure with the retaining clips; then install the seat making sure it locks securely. CHECKING/DRAINING DRAIN TUBE Periodically check the drain tube for gasoline or oil accu- mulation. If noticed, remove the drain tube cap from beneath the housing and drain the gasoline or oil into a suitable container; then install and secure the tube cap. KM114 CAUTION Failure to inspect the air filter frequently if the vehicle is used in dusty, wet, or muddy conditions can damage the engine. CAUTION A torn air filter can cause damage to the ATV engine. Dirt and dust may get inside the engine if the element is torn. Carefully examine the element for tears before and after cleaning it. Replace the element with a new one if it is torn. Manual Table of Contents For Arctic Cat Parts Call 606-678-9623 or 606-561-4983 www.mymowerparts.com
This repair manual for the 2012 Arctic Cat Utility 300 & DVX300 ATV contains comprehensive maintenance, service, and troubleshooting information. It is designed to assist both professional mechanics and DIY enthusiasts in service-oriented operations. The manual is divided into sections, each outlining specific systems or components, and includes factory service procedures, inspection, disassembling, assembly instructions, and a troubleshooting guide.
It is essential for the repair mechanic to thoroughly understand the construction and operation of each system or component by carefully reading and comprehending the manual. This manual aims to enhance the mechanic's awareness and efficiency in servicing procedures.
Upon purchase, the manual is instantly delivered in a simple format that requires no special software to view. It can be conveniently stored on the computer for permanent access. The manual covers all aspects of repair, from basic maintenance to complete engine overhaul.