Snowmobile Lynx 500: technical characteristics

Lynx 500 is a universal snowmobile, developed by the Ufa Engine Plant. The car entered mass production in 1991. This device is one of the latest models of the company, which announced the completion of its production in 2009. Over the many years of production, the model in question has shown all its strengths and weaknesses, and overall, it has become a successful snowmobile that can still be found in good condition.

During the development of the Lynx 500 snowmobile, special attention was paid to practicality and proven technical solutions. The developers set out to make a reliable device with high off-road performance - with the goal that residents of the northern regions would be more interested in it. To adapt the model to harsh climatic conditions, it was equipped with a spacious trunk, a high windshield, a comfortable suspension and a powerful engine that has an uninterrupted starting system in frosty weather.

We must admit that this is a very fast and maneuverable car, capable of dynamically moving not only on a well-trodden, flat road, but also on loose and deep snowdrifts. The car moves smoothly thanks to the energy-intensive suspension, which is protected from breakdowns. Especially for this purpose, the front and rear suspension have an improved design, adapted to driving on uneven roads. Also, to improve cross-country ability, the vehicle was equipped with a wide caterpillar track.

Lynx 500 is a multi-purpose snowmobile. It has improved performance characteristics compared to its predecessors. The machine stands out for its high power and good traction characteristics. In addition, it is very economical and ideal for work trips. In particular, Lynx 500 can be used on farms, in forestry, and is also in great demand in operations related to the maintenance of oil and gas pipelines. In addition, Lynx 500 takes an active part in patrolling state borders, which is very important for security purposes. The developer adapted the model to snowy off-road conditions, as well as the ability to cover long distances and drag a large load weighing up to 250 kg. Among other features of the technology, we note its adaptation to low ambient temperatures, down to minus 40 degrees. This was confirmed by successful factory tests in Yakutia, beyond the Arctic Circle. For this, the machine is equipped with all the necessary options.

Modifications

The Lynx 500 snowmobile received several modifications, each of which was in deserved demand on the Russian market, as well as throughout the post-Soviet space:

1. Lynx 500+. This version is intended mainly for tourist trips, and is less suitable for work purposes. In this device, the width of the caterpillar track is 500 mm, which is enough for high maneuverability on any surface - from smooth knurled roads to deep and loose snow. The basic configuration includes an electric starter, which makes starting the engine easier in any weather.
2. Lynx 500M. In this version, the car features a modified hood, as well as an improved carburetor. Thus, the device is equipped with a single-chamber carburetor from the Japanese company Mikuni. This component turned out to be more reliable than the original domestic carburetor. In addition, Mikuni is designed for increased loads. Also in the basic configuration of the Lynx 500M snowmobile there is an electric starter.
3. Lynx 500MP. An improved snowmobile with an updated hood and a single-barrel carburetor system. The machine is equipped with a gear transmission. The design of the device can be compared with the previous version. As in other versions, the Lynx 500MP snowmobile is also equipped with an electric starter.

All the modifications discussed are very popular among hunters and fishermen. These vehicles are able to overcome any hard-to-reach places and are capable of performing any off-road tasks.

Price

Due to the complete cessation of mass production of the Lynx 500 snowmobile, finding it in a completely new technical condition is quite a difficult task, and it is not a fact that there are still such ones left. Used cars are available for sale and their prices vary from 80 thousand rubles to 150 thousand Russian rubles. The cost for this snowmobile is quite low, since in terms of functionality and performance it can compete strongly with newer imported models of snowmobiles.

Specifications

1. Dimensions, mm: Length – 3200, Width – 1240, Height – 710
2. Propulsion - caterpillar type, with front drive sprockets
3. Chain links, pcs. – 22
4. Chain pitch length/caterpillar belt – 16 mm/rubber-fabric, reinforced
5. Roller material – rubberized
6. Track width – 500 mm
7. Track windows, pcs. – 43
8. Track lug height – 23 mm
9. Track tensioning mechanism - screw type
10. Track pitch – 50 mm (length)
11. Weight – 280 kg
12. Engine – petrol, 4-stroke, with manual reserve
13. Electric starter – option
14. Fuel tank – 28 liters
15. Speed ​​– 90 km/h
16. Weight of towed cargo including sleigh – 250 kg
17. Control – hydraulic
18. Brakes – mechanical disc
19. Front skis - support-turning
20. Front suspension - independent pendulum chassis
21. Rear suspension – roller-slide
22. Headlight – halogen
23. The ignition system is electronic non-contact type.

Fuel system

Incorrect fuel supply and increased/decreased fuel consumption indicate a problem with the fuel pump. To eliminate them, simply clean the part thoroughly.

The advantage of domestic Lynx snowmobiles is simple and cheap repairs that do not cause many problems. Original spare parts for all-terrain vehicles can be purchased at most auto stores, and some of them are comparable to motorcycle counterparts.

Engine

For the Lynx 500 snowmobile, a compact engine with a two-stroke layout was produced. The lightweight engine made it possible to reduce the total weight of the snowmobile, and thereby improve behavior on the road. The two-cylinder engine develops a power of 30 kW or 40 horsepower. The engine operates efficiently due to the continuous operation of air cooling, thanks to which it is possible to work in any climatic zones with temperatures below and above zero degrees. A special lubrication system is of a combined type, with oil and fuel ingredients. This lubricant has a qualitative effect on frost resistance, which is very important in harsh operating conditions. Gasoline consumption per 100 km is 20 liters. Cheap AI-80 fuel can be used as fuel. In the basic configuration, the engine must be started manually, but an electric starter can be installed upon request. The electronic ignition system is a non-contact type, ensuring stable and smooth operation of the power plant.

Video

The Lynx 500 snowmobile turned out to be quite multi-purpose, with improved performance characteristics with a fairly powerful and at the same time quite economical power unit. This model is ideal as a workhorse, so it is often used on farms, in forestry, in oil and gas pipeline maintenance, and in patrolling state borders. In snowy off-road conditions, a snowmobile is capable of covering a long distance, dragging sleds and sleds with loads weighing no more than 250 kilograms. Another feature is the ability to operate at fairly low ambient temperatures, namely, the power plant can be easily started even in frosts of minus 40 degrees. The snowmobile performed well in various tests conducted in Yakutia, beyond the Arctic Circle.

Reviews

• Boris, Primorsky Krai. This snowmobile was purchased to replace the Buran, which my father and I actively used. Lynx 500 is an improved alternative to Buran, and we have seen this in practice. We bought the car in 2009 and are still using it. An excellent device in terms of its performance, and even from a design point of view. It consumes cheap 76 gasoline, and there are no problems with dynamics. For its price of 115 thousand rubles, the snowmobile is excellent. Compared to Buran, the car accelerates faster and brakes actively. The snowmobile is more maneuverable and practical, with a spacious trunk. Moreover, it is easy to maintain. One of the weak points is the capricious gearbox chain, which must be regularly tensioned, otherwise the chain will break and this will cause more serious problems. Overall, my father and I are pleased with the technology.
• Nikolay, Sakhalin region. Lynx 500 starts perfectly in cold weather at minus 40 degrees. What we need for our conditions. The car is equipped with wide front skis, and thanks to this it is very stable on uneven roads. So, rollovers and rollovers are absolutely excluded with this snowmobile. The configuration I chose has a heated steering wheel grip feature to prevent your hands from freezing. Of course, it was not without its shortcomings, as with any other domestic technology. The most serious and unsolvable problem is a weak engine that pulls poorly when driving uphill or on loose snow. Under such conditions, engine speed rises, which leads to excessive fuel consumption. In addition, strong noise and vibrations occur, which are then transmitted to the steering column. The gearbox does not have a neutral speed, and this is another serious disadvantage. The maximum speed on a flat road is 80 km/h. The car consumes much more than stated by the manufacturer - certainly more than 20 liters per 100 km, even in gentle driving mode.
• Alexey, Leningrad region. The car was purchased last spring in maintained condition. At that time of year, I managed to bargain well, and in the end the snowmobile cost me 90 thousand rubles. The condition is good. I started using it actively quite recently - after the new year 2022. I will say right away that the device is cheap to use. It handles well and is quite comfortable on long trips, thanks to heated grips and a large trunk. There is also a high windshield that protects from the oncoming cold wind. The roomy seat can accommodate a child (in front) and another adult passenger (behind me). In this case, the traction does not disappear, but the annoying noise of the engine rises. According to my passport, my model is from 2004, and has probably already changed 2-3 owners (it’s unlikely that the seller told me the truth). I travel for several hours every day. The Lynx 500 is ideal for fishing and hunting. I was pleased that all the necessary spare parts were available for this machine.
• Konstantin, Sverdlovsk. I was pleasantly pleased with this snowmobile. To be honest, I expected the worst. I liked that the gearbox has a reverse gear, which increases maneuverability and ease of turning. This function is very helpful in cases where the snowmobile sits on its belly somewhere in the wilderness. If necessary, you can turn on the heating of the steering wheel grips and feet, although the heat is almost not felt in the legs. The device as a whole is not bad, but the mediocre build quality does not bother me much - the parts are not neatly fitted. The instrument panel creaks, and there are knocking noises in the chassis. Unfortunately, the engine is difficult to start in cold weather, and to start moving it must first be warmed up well at idle.

How to modify a snowmobile

The Lynx engine has a fairly good power reserve and service life. If you install a unit of the UMPO 432am model, you can increase the number of horses to 50 - 55. If we talk about modifying the power plant, then you can try to increase the number of revolutions, but you will have to climb into the switch. In some cases, another valve is cut into the crankcase and a second carburetor is installed.

Models

Models produced:

• Lynx 113;
• Lynx 119;
• Lynx 121;
• Lynx 500+ 219;
• Lynx 500M.
• Lynx 500MP
• Lynx 440.

Lynx 113 is not a very successful copy of the Arctic Cat snowmobile. The engine's aluminum cylinders did not have liners. The engine could have jammed without stopping for hundreds of kilometers.

“Lynx 119” - replaced the unsuccessful Lynx 113. Designed as a tourist vehicle. Good for hiking, fishing or hunting trips. The engine is reduced to 432 cm3. Fiberglass replaced fiberglass. Liners were installed in the cylinders and engine airflow was improved.

“Lynx-sport”-121 was released as a sports car. Version of the 119 model, but shortened to reduce the turning radius. Fast, maneuverable, a model more suitable for sports.

"Lynx-500+" - 219 - a tourist snowmobile (the caterpillar became 50 centimeters wide).

“Lynx 500M” is a snowmobile for tourism. Another hood. The engine has a MIKUNI carburetor (made in Japan).

“Lynx 500PM” is another modification. Equipped with a gearbox.

"Lynx 440" is the latest version of the snowmobile with a Japanese four-stroke engine. Reduced speed, but powerful and reliable engine.

Instructions for use

The instructions for the Lynx 500 (US-440) snowmobile consists of the following sections:

1. Description and operation of the snowmobile;
2. Intended use;
3. Maintenance;
4. Snowmobile storage;
5. Possible malfunctions and methods for eliminating them;
6. Disposal;
7. Certificate of acceptance;
8. Certificate of conservation;
9. Certificate of packaging;
10. Warranty obligations;
11. Reference normative documents.

How to set the ignition on a Lynx 500 snowmobile

For high-quality engine operation in hazardous conditions, you need to perform the correct settings. Before adjusting the ignition system, you should take into account the following parameter during the adjustment process - setting the advance angle (TAA).

To adjust the ignition, use the following tools:

• strobe;
• screwdriver;
• spanners;
• paper sheet;
• protractor ruler;
• compass;
• metal strip.

According to the instructions, draw a scale and mark the degrees on it, then draw a circle on paper so that its diameter matches the size of the fixed element of the mounted variator on the device. The central part of the circle is the middle of the edge of the crankshaft.

1. Using a protractor, write the degrees - minimum 0 and maximum 30, the marks are counted from the point that is equal to 12 o'clock on the dial, clockwise. Transfer the prepared drawing to the strip and attach it to the engine cover. Please note that the motor must be cooled beforehand.
2. Place the left piston of the engine in the “dead” position, but first unscrew the spark plugs.
3. Install a screwdriver into the well.
4. Turn the variator by hand while rotating the rod (shaft), while simultaneously watching how the screwdriver moves in the well. She should stand for a moment and immediately continue moving in the other direction.
5. After reaching the dead center, mark the point on the variator so that it is located opposite the “0 degrees” value, which is marked on the OZ scale.
6. Connect a strobe light to pick up the signal from the wire. Mount in the spark plug position and turn on the engine.
7. Point the stroboscope lamp at the scale, start the engine with an electric starter and increase the speed to maximum values. When reaching high speeds, the lamp should flash when a spark appears. This means that there is a coincidence with the scale mark on the variator, and the ignition timing can be determined.

To adjust the ignition timing, you need to turn off the engine, loosen the magdino screws and turn the base of the latter to the desired amount. Repeat the angle check using the strobe light.

After the replacement has been completed, the base of the magdino needs to be checked, the ignition timing must be set, and marks applied to the body part. At maximum engine speed, the ignition timing should be 21-23 degrees. In addition to high speeds, additional SOP can be checked at idle speed - 14-17 degrees and at start speed - 8.5-11 degrees. To set the correct parameters, you need to use a universal tachometer. Priority readings: the position of the magdino base, which provides the desired angle at high speeds.