Fix up??

427cobra · Post by **427cobra** » Wed Jan 03, 2007 11:18 pm

what do you think?? I am unsure of what to do with this sled I picked up. it is 100% complete but needs a lot of work.

Things it needs are:
-choke cables
-gas tank and cap
-cylinders honed/new rings
-gaskets/seals for engine (basically entire engine rebuild)
-then who knows about any coolant leaks
-brake handle bar block
-it was sitting in barn 6 yrs

Things it has going for it are:
-perfect hood
-nice straight tunnel and dent free belly pan
-nice seat (few cracks)
-sport windshield (with tab missing...usable)
-perfect track (nice suspension)
-108c clutch
-overall good shape

Should I attempt to restore/get running??

I just spent lots of $$ getting a 80 LF running not sure if I want to go through that again!!

I did go through the carbs tonight soaked/disassembled/cleaned ...one step closer to getting it running....ha.

427cobra · Post by **427cobra** » Wed Jan 03, 2007 11:21 pm

engine compartment!!

deere abby · Post by **deere abby** » Wed Jan 03, 2007 11:39 pm

ID FIXER UP.BUT I LIKE THE 83 LIQUIFIRE THE BEST

DECISIONS....DECISIONS...

JDXspec · Post by **JDXspec** » Wed Jan 03, 2007 11:47 pm

I'd fix it. I like the 83s better than the 80s I never had much luck with the 80 liquifires. Bought an 83 and it starts much easier the cdi makes for a better take off and I like the looks better.

Post by **Matt** » Thu Jan 04, 2007 12:10 am

I would fix it, but like you said, if you don't want to put the time and money into it, sell it to someone who does want to.

Deere John · Post by **Deere John** » Thu Jan 04, 2007 12:11 am

Kind of sad in a way ... I hate to see nice sleds somewhat "abused" and just sit around collecting dust ... meaning, it's like seeing an old Johnny Popper sitting in the weeds in some pasture -- all they need is a little TLC. As for tackling the project, tough decsion. Tends to cost more $$$ & frustration than expected ....

grantnelson00 · Post by **grantnelson00** » Thu Jan 04, 2007 1:55 am

I think it's not so much the time and money that we put into a snowcat. It's not that much. Plus you get quite a bit back. I mean it's better to be out in your shop, on your feet and working hard than it is to be on the couch drinking coffee or beer (although there is a time and place for both beverages). Also, as modern men, there are not many challenges in life and when you have several passions there IS a challenge. You have to balance your passions with wife, girlfriend,family, whatever and learning to balance all of those things makes you a better man. Hell, it is what makes you a man. The way I see it, finding that one thing that is special about a person isn't that tough, it's not letting that special thing eat you alive that is the tough part.

We're all pretty much the same. If it isn't hard to do we don't really want to do it anyway. It's just hard to start a trip that we know will take time, money and focus. Once you jump in the pool you alway get used to the cool water. I realize I'm preaching to the choir. I just wanted to say it, anyway.

Post by **JRC ETD** » Thu Jan 04, 2007 9:57 am

Rich and Grant....great wisdom!

Mr. Deere · Post by **Mr. Deere** » Thu Jan 04, 2007 9:52 pm

WOW THAT WENT WAY OVER MY HEAD.

NICE SLED THOUGH LOOKS LIKE MINE EXCEPT MINE IS AN 83 ALL YOU NEED IS SOME WD-40 AND A SCOTCH BRITE AND YOUD BE SUPRISED HOW IT WILL SHINE. BOB

JoeRainville · Post by **JoeRainville** » Thu Jan 04, 2007 9:59 pm

Hello 427Cobra,

Here is my take: ANY sled from 1983 should have the motor torn down and resealed with new gaskets and crank seals. #1 reason for vintage sled motor failures "that I have seen" (or have happened to me) is dry crank seals. For some reason it's the PTO seal on the Trails, and Mag side on the LF's.

Since the sled is basically complete, and hard to find with around 1,300 built (I think, correct me if I am wrong Horicon!), and it's desirable for Deere collectors I suggest a mechanical rebuilt at the least. Freashen up the motor, replace all the bearings in the drive train (jackshaft and drive axle), and all the idler wheel bearings. All of them should be available at any bearing house.

Good luck with whatever you decide!
-Joe Rainville
"Tech-Ed"

427cobra · Post by **427cobra** » Thu Jan 04, 2007 11:19 pm

Well,

You guys bring up some good points. I think I am gonig to try and put this thing back together. It would be a nice sled to add to the collection.

I looked at the cylinders tonight. What are your thoughts on reusing cylinders with a small bit of pitting (from rust). Will these areas tear up the piston and rings? One cylinder I dont think is usable the other might be. The better of the two has one small area of pitting toward the bottom of the clinder I would say half the size of a penny (if that).

Not sure if this makes the cylinder bad or if I can still use it. Its not bad I cleaned it up but still noticable.

What has been your experiences?

Eric

427cobra · Post by **427cobra** » Fri Jan 05, 2007 7:46 pm

Thats a good point. Like the old saying goes "do it right the first time"

I have a extra engine. I will take a look at the cylinder on that this weekend. Hopefully with some luck those cylinders will be usable.

Anyone have a nice set of used cylinders just in case...??

Thanks,

Eric

deere abby · Post by **deere abby** » Sat Jan 06, 2007 12:25 am

I KNOW A GUY IN WISCONSIN WHO COULD HELP YOU OUT WITH THE CYLINDERS.HE MIGHT EVEN HAVE THE WHOLE ENGINE.WHERE DO YOU FIND THESE THINGS?I LOOKED ALL OVER FOR A DECENT 83

427cobra · Post by **427cobra** » Sat Jan 06, 2007 1:38 am

It was posted on here in the classifieds. It was near DeKalb IL. He wasn't sure what year it was.

Seeing that it was only about 45 min away from me I went and took a look at it and it ended up on my trailer....ha

If you have a lead on some decent cylinders let me know deere abby. I know you can get a pair of NOS ones from DK for 150.00. But I dont want to spend that much right now.

Thanks,

Eric

BombThreat · Post by **BombThreat** » Sat Jan 06, 2007 12:31 pm

ive got a 80' LF engine I just torn down to rebuild but them just bought a complete engine on ebay instead. Im thinking about parting the engine and making some money back on the new engine I just bought. What would you offer for two jugs that need boring one size over std? Also I know a place that charges only 25$ per hole.