Excellent write-up Brian. I am looking forward to next year, without any unforeseen family medical issues, God willing

As with Brian's Vintage Challenge recaps, you will not get a more thorough deep dive into the progress of a restoration project.

Great write-up Brian, and keep it coming!!

As far as reliability and ease of maintenance, the earlier Deere's are pretty fail safe as long as you've updated things like the ignition. Kioritz engines are easy to start compared to early 80's Kawi's. The later years (82-84) as others have noted are better for that. I agree, go with a fan cool, ...

Getting excited. Lots to do, as I got a long list to accomplish on the JDX8. But hopefully I can find the time to get wrenching done.

Great write-up again Brian! Point of observation: We went into this week with reservation that we'd have anything to ride on. Maybe not to the extent of last year with absolutely no snow, but so thin it was going to be not so fun. As it turned out, the snow gods were with us, and once Friday rolled ...

Looks fantastic Nick! Nice job!

Jason

Finally got some snow at home so a test run was in order. Took a little fresh gas to make sure everything was working as it should, but the 800 ran great! Will try and get the Cyclone out in the next couple of weeks too, as these will be my main riders in St. Germain. Praying to the snow Gods to hel...

I generally find that the flywheel is tough, especially if you're fairly certain it's never come off before. I've tightened my puller until I think something is going to break. I know it's not a recommended practice, but I get it very tight until I think the attaching bolts will shear or something, ...

Any prep work taking place for this year’s RWTC? Praying the weather will treat us well in Jan and Feb so we can ride this year unlike the dismal conditions we had last. I’ve been working on some electrical gremlins on my Cyclone but think it’s now solved. That, and my 800 will make the trip, and bo...

I purposely deleted my Facebook account years ago, as I just didn’t have the energy or passion to view it every day and see what folks are saying…. I guess if it’s not my family or inner circle of friends I just don’t care all that much. So I agree, I prefer this site much more, as I like to review ...

That is probably your best bet to rebuild with available parts like Luke mentioned.

Just curious does it have the original? It should be a Comet 101C. I have an 800 and have a 102C on it, which has the same weights and spring as the original.

Paint can be very frustrating. I think you got great results with some patience. Good job!!

Actually, for the carb you list, which I assume is for a JD 300, it definitely is the correct high speed needle. The parts manual shows AM 53093, which is the number on the eBay listing I attached.

Jason

James, Yes, you can replace crank seals without splitting the cases. Several techniques have been used with things like drilling in a couple of screws and using a pulling device to yank the seal out... or start a cut into the seal and use a prying device or large screwdriver for leverage to pull the...

I don't know much about that particular model carb, but many used the same needles... Would this be the correct one, or does it require a special needle? https://www.ebay.com/itm/125678311984?itmmeta=01HQNC67AAQB9F8FKQZFPHNHZ3&hash=item1d4302da30:g:ZLUAAOSw8QljpfWW&itmprp=enc%3AAQAIAAAA0MlRs...