I Give Up, Time To Rip It Down

[motoXman]

I just cant seem to win the battle on my 1980 JD Liquifire 440. My goal was to make it into a reliable rider this winter, then tear down over the summer and start a partial restore. Its fairly clean so it doesnt need much. I want new paint, graphics and seat cover on the outside and do what I can under the hood to clean it up.

Everytime I get it working well, another problem pops up with the engine and I wait on parts. Fix it, runs well, then breaks and I wait on parts. Its a never ending cycle. Around here winter is short so there isnt time for breakdowns when theres snow because it melts every third day. So I give up. Winter is almost over anyway and I only put 50 miles on her, Im pulling the motor this weekend and going to fix every detail of it so my problems go away. Replacing the crank seals, CDI, Ignition coil, and clean up the wiring.

This is fun though. Im not going to hold back my excitement and just go for it

[WinnipegStPaul9]

Welcome to the world of vintage snowmobiles!!

[motoXman]

The 80 LF was my childhood nemisis. I didnt even own a ratchet or wrench back then, and growing up in a single parent house with my mother, I was on my own with that machine.

I suppose its always been my goal to "beat" the LF. Tame one into a good rider. This sled hasnt had me walk yet, so I guess I'm already winning to a certain degree. I havent gone too far from home with it either though lol

[harleysportster]

Welcome to the world of vintage snowmobiles!!

it seems like the 80 series Liquifires are possessed.
Good Luck with yours.

[Ruppster1]

I had a 1980 Liquifire and had continualy mechanical problems with it as well------I have owned other FAN COOLED DEERES and found them to be extremely reliable-----I sold that Liquiifre and for some reason have no desire to own another liquid cooled deere sled. Good Luck with your re-build and hope it solves your problems. I like to work on my sleds in the warmth of summer---and expect them to give me enjoyment during the winter---nothing worse for me than to have to work on 1 when I should be enjoying it.

[ljm]

I've been battling a 81 LF for two days.

I think I finally have it beat. Now on too my one of my Kawasaki's

[motoXman]

I've been battling a 81 LF for two days.

I think I finally have it beat. Now on too my one of my Kawasaki's

I say that everytime ...

[croyturbo]

I have a 80 and an 81 they both run real well and besides some cluthc trouble.

[motoXman]

I took my LF for a rip today. It ran like brand spanken new, imagine that. It has a GHOST

[ljm]

Glad to hear that.

What did you do about the broken fitting?

[motoXman]

Glad to hear that.

What did you do about the broken fitting?

The scary part is why does it run so well now... because its -2 colder than yesterday?

Heres my temporary fix. Seems better than the original lol. I just broke off the remainder of plastic

[motoXman]

Well I wrestled out the motor today, that was the easy part. Primary came off no problem, that flywheel on the otherhand I made a homemade puller out of flat bar and that finally did the trick. I read a post on this forum where one member was able to replace crank seals leaving the jugs on. Thats the route Im going since I already replaced the top end gaskets 50 Mi ago. Found one bad crank seal, it was all warped and the spring had fallen off the back. Im SURPRISED how well it ran last time out being the seal was completely gone. Anyways, back to the shop I go.....

[ljm]

You should have no problem leaving the jugs on. If you do need to take them off. I have used un done the four botls that go doen through the jugs and left the head gasket sealed.

Biggest problem you might have is getting the oil pump drive grear off.

Lloyd

[motoXman]

So heres some photos from todays project

There it is ha. On the bench finally.



I have some cleaning to do



Nice seal eh?



Cases about ready to go back together

[ljm]

that motor look pretty clean..