'79 Trailfire and ~'74 400

[rcman989]

Hi all, I am new here and just bought two vintage John Deeres this past weekend.

The first is a '79 Trailfire, which is in rough shape. Everything for the engine was tore out of it and in pieces. I am a little worried if it is all there. The crank spins, but is rusty. I am in the process of splitting the cases. the PTO cylinder walls have scratches along one side, needs both new pistons and bearings.

The second I don't know the year for sure, but its a 400 and from the looks of it the only thing missing is the primary clutch. Engine is all together and still there. I will probably be pulling that engine as well to check it over and try and get it started outside the sled.

I am looking for a few things and hoping you guys can help me out. First off a method to test the CDI and ignition coils to ensure they are in good working condition. Also looing for the cross-reference to the Kawasaki sled equivalent of the Trailfire.

Thank-you for you help,
Chad

[WinnipegStPaul9]

Welcome Chad !! I'm not a mid-mount guy so I'll just talk about the Trailfire. Here's the cold hard sad truth. If it's truly a 1979 it will have a steel tunnel that is heavy and tends to rust. If you are basing the model year on the build date found on the right side by the serial number, a 1979 sled will have been built in 1978 and a 1980 sled will have a build date of 1979. That said the easiest way is the magnet test. If a magnet sticks to your tunnel you have a 79 if not, it's aluminum and an 80 or newer.

I tell you all of this because I think your money would be better spent on an 80 or newer Trailfire which are pretty reasonably priced and I think,,,,,,think fairly easy to find in Minnesota or Wisconsin.

This is just my .02 worth and I'll let others here on the board talk about your mid-mount.

DA

[Sprailfire340]

Chad,
DA has done many restorations and is spot on with his advice. Now if you are set on a '79 trailfire for nostalgia reasons, I've got a rebuilt, runs great '79. Tunnel was repainted 5+ years ago, but showing some wear. A very good pull and go rider. Located in MN. PM me if you are interested. Otherwise I'm going to list in the classifieds here in a week or so.

Mitch

[WinnipegStPaul9]

Chad, that's what I was talking about. There are Trailfires out there that have been restored and I've found ( after many, many restorations) that you can buy a nice restored one much cheaper than you can restore one. Thanks, Mitch!

DA

[rcman989]

How about the engine on the Trailfire with the 440? Any info about them?

Thanks for being honest as well. I'm looking for an easy project just to get running. This is my first snowmobile, but I have rebuilt engines before.

[Sprailfire340]

They are a good 440, fuel efficient and will last a long time. Not a powerhouse and not a speed burner. I had an '80 TF340 as a kid and it took A LOT of abuse and never missed a beat. From the sounds of your '79 it is not what I would consider an "easy" project. You are going to spend some significant cash just to rebuild the motor.

Split crank, replace bearings, seals - $150+
New pistons - $75+
Cylinder hone or replacement - $40+++
gasket set - $30+

Some free advice from guy(s) who have done this many times over. PLEASE believe me when I say I'm not trying to talk you out of your project. I (and many others here) continue to make decisions that don't make much sense when looked at logically. That is why it is my hobby and not my business. Just helps to know what you are in for on your first project. If you haven't already, check out this good "what have I got myself into" piece written by one of the members here...

http://www.jdsleds.com/articles/barnfind/

The board is a wealth of knowledge...ask lots of questions...the only stupid questions are the ones not asked.
Best of luck and remember

[JDT]

Welcome to the group Chad.

Where in MN are you from?