1980-84 Liquifire 440 Electric Start Conversion

[jrmitch]

Hi All,

I was wondering if anyone here has added an electric starter to the JD Liquifire 440 (Kawasaki engine). I know there was a conversion kit for the air cooled Spitfire 440 but have not found a similar kit for the liquid cooled 440 kawasaki engine used in the Liquifire. I have looked on-line for things like a ring gear that might fit the flywheel and really have not come up with anything. My other thought was to try to design and fabricate a pulley on my lathe that would fit on the inside of the primary clutch and use a starter-generator similar to what is used on a golf cart engine.

If anyone has any history of doing this type of conversion or has any suggestions as to how I might proceed I would appreciate it. The sled I have is a 1981 Liquifire 440 and I really get tired of pull starting this engine, especially when it has not been run for a while or when it is really cold out. The electric starter would sure help ease my aging right arm problems during sledding season!! Also, if you have good info on this topic and don't mind copying me on my email at; jrmitch319@comcast.net I would appreciate it as I don't log in here too regularly (I'm also a new user to the site).

Thanks,

Jeff M.
West Bloomfield, MI

[WinnipegStPaul9]

Jeff, start by removing the starter plate behind the flywheel. Two bolts. Look to see if there isn't already a ring gear. I'm thinking there might be. If not let me know as I know where there is a ring gear if the guy wants to sell it. Otherwise it's a simple job, I just did one on an 84 LF for a customer. You'll need a wiring harness and rectifier which I offer for sale but so do others here on the board. I would think someone has a battery box that they'd sell also. So, the key ingredients are starter motor, ring gear if not already present, wiring harness, rectifier, battery,battery box, ignition switch (5 pole). Did I miss anything guys?? By the way, I wouldn't have a sled without e-start anymore but then I'm almost 70 and don't feel like pulling the rope, especially when the cheap Kawi recoils break.

DA

[jrmitch]

DA,

I know there is no ring gear on this flywheel. If you have info on where I could get either a flywheel with the ring gear that fits the Kawa 440 engine or a ring gear that will install on the existing flywheel I would appreciate it. Also, I am pretty sure there are tapped bolt holes on the existing flywheel that look like they were intended to mount a ring gear on what I have.

Thanks,

Jeff

[jrmitch]

P.S. I know the drill on all of the electrical mods needed (I'm an auto/small engine/bike/boat/snowmobile mechanic with about 35 years of experience). My main sticking point was finding a ring gear and starter that would work on this engine. Thanks for the suggestions though . . . .

Jeff

[nick80lf]

http://www.jdsleds.com/community/viewtopic.php?t=7488

http://www.jdsleds.com/tech/instruction ... cstart.pdf

Sent from my HTC One_M8 using Tapatalk

[WinnipegStPaul9]

Jeff, does it have a removable plate for the starter motor or is it all cast aluminum which would have to be cut out. Want me to see if I can get you the ring gear? I'm certain it's a "press on".

DA

[jrmitch]

DA,

Yeah, if you can find a ring gear for me that would be awesome!!! And yes, this engine does have a cover plate where the started would be installed - that's why I originally thought there was a starter kit for the Kawa 440 engine. It doesn't seem to make sense to have the Kawa 440 engine equipped with the starter hole on the flywheel housing with a cover plate on it but no provisions by JD for a starter kit on that engine. Maybe they were just teasing the original buyers of the sleds or something

Also, I think you are right about the ring gear being a press fit (no problem for me using my forge and press) . . . I took a second look at the flywheel and those tapped holes that I thought were for mounting a ring gear must be something else - what, I'm not sure though.

Thanks for the help,

Jeff

[jrmitch]

nick80lf - Thanks for all the very helpful info!!! I knew this site was going to be awesome but I didn't think it would be this awesome!!! What a great group of JD'rs . . . .

Jeff
West Bloomfield, MI
1981 Liquifire 440 - fully restored (It hauls ASS for a 34 year old sled!!)

[WinnipegStPaul9]

DA,

Yeah, if you can find a ring gear for me that would be awesome!!! And yes, this engine does have a cover plate where the started would be installed - that's why I originally thought there was a starter kit for the Kawa 440 engine. It doesn't seem to make sense to have the Kawa 440 engine equipped with the starter hole on the flywheel housing with a cover plate on it but no provisions by JD for a starter kit on that engine. Maybe they were just teasing the original buyers of the sleds or something

Also, I think you are right about the ring gear being a press fit (no problem for me using my forge and press) . . . I took a second look at the flywheel and those tapped holes that I thought were for mounting a ring gear must be something else - what, I'm not sure though.

Thanks for the help,

Jeff

I'll see what I can do about the ring gear. I don't want to be in the middle so I'll try to line up sale between you and the seller.


DA

[jrmitch]

DA,

If you find a ring gear for the '81 Liquifire 440 if you could pass along my email address to the guy to contact me directly I would appreciate it: jrmitch319@comcast.net.

Thanks again,

Jeff

[WinnipegStPaul9]

Jeff, I sent him an email with your address. They're in the fields harvesting right now so I'm not sure how quickly he'll get with you.

DA