1982 John Deere Trailfire LX

General topics related to John Deere Snowmobiles
Post Reply
dutchdog
Posts: 6
Joined: Tue Sep 27, 2016 8:42 pm
Real Name: Dan
Location: MICHIGAN

1982 John Deere Trailfire LX

Post by dutchdog »

I picked this sled up yesterday. It has 592 original miles on it. The previous owner said that he "fogged" the engine last spring. It starts on the first pull, but doesn't stay running for more than 30 seconds or so. Is this because he "fogged" it? He said that the fuel lines, fuel pump and the oil lines were replaced. Also, he cleaned the carb. Any help would be appreciated.

I know that these sleds smoke a lot....but this thing really smokes! I'm thinking that it is from the extra lubrication added from fogging it???

John Deere.jpg
JDT
Posts: 5561
Joined: Wed Nov 21, 2007 1:00 am
Real Name: Todd
Location: Milbank South Dakota

Re: 1982 John Deere Trailfire LX

Post by JDT »

Could be as simple as the choke stuck open. That would explain the smoking and only running till it floods out.

But it could also be a bad crank seal. With that low of miles they probably have never been replaced.
Best to address that first and avoid potentially toasting the engine.
Todd Schrupp

Milbank SD
AirborneX4Special
Posts: 1450
Joined: Sat Jan 30, 2010 10:54 am
Real Name: Pat
Location: N. IL

Re: 1982 John Deere Trailfire LX

Post by AirborneX4Special »

Crank seals. Start with that. I bought an '82 with low miles 20 years ago. Learned the hard way.....
dutchdog
Posts: 6
Joined: Tue Sep 27, 2016 8:42 pm
Real Name: Dan
Location: MICHIGAN

Re: 1982 John Deere Trailfire LX

Post by dutchdog »

Thank you guys for the advice. I will start with the crank seals.

Dan
dutchdog
Posts: 6
Joined: Tue Sep 27, 2016 8:42 pm
Real Name: Dan
Location: MICHIGAN

Re: 1982 John Deere Trailfire LX

Post by dutchdog »

Okay, so I am working on getting the engine ready to pull out. How do I remove the clutch? I have watched some youtube videos on removing polaris clutches by just removing the center bolt and then threading a long rod until the clutch "pops" off. Is this what I do on a trailfire as well? Or, is there a specific tool to use? I'm new to this stuff, and trying to learn as I go. Any help is appreciated.

Dan
AirborneX4Special
Posts: 1450
Joined: Sat Jan 30, 2010 10:54 am
Real Name: Pat
Location: N. IL

Re: 1982 John Deere Trailfire LX

Post by AirborneX4Special »

You need the correct clutch removal tool. JDM-41-1 from Deere, but there are aftermarket units available. Don't use just any tool because you will destroy the crankshaft.
User avatar
WinnipegStPaul9
Posts: 5577
Joined: Sat Jul 23, 2005 12:00 am
Real Name: Don Amber
Location: Churubusco, IN

Re: 1982 John Deere Trailfire LX

Post by WinnipegStPaul9 »

Dan, Pat is right in that you need to use the correct tool. Your sled should have a 102 clutch and www.newbreedparts.com offers the correct tool for removal. Become familiar with New Breed Parts as they are a great "go to" source.

DA
Feel free to check out our website www.buscobullet.com for restorations or parts.
dutchdog
Posts: 6
Joined: Tue Sep 27, 2016 8:42 pm
Real Name: Dan
Location: MICHIGAN

Re: 1982 John Deere Trailfire LX

Post by dutchdog »

Thanks Don and Pat. Looks like new breed parts is sold out. Anyone have one for sale? I can't believe how much these things cost.

Dan
sledhead16
Posts: 1386
Joined: Sat Dec 14, 2013 3:39 pm
Real Name: Allan Campbell
Location: Saint Peter MN

Re: 1982 John Deere Trailfire LX

Post by sledhead16 »

You can find the comet 100c-108c pullers on ebay, probably dennis kirk and maybe manufacturer supply if newbreedparts is sold out. They are an investment, but a must have. More than likely you are have a fuel delivery issue. I have seen some wicked wicked stuff. No pun against anyones work, but if there is an issue I'd go through it with my own two hands so you have piece of mind.
1975 340/s Speed Run Sled
1975 340/s I500 #161
1980 Liquifire SN# 4995 From WA Speed Run Sled
1980 Liquifire SN# 4996 From MN
1983 Sportfire
1984 Liquifire Deep Snow Tunnel 4/6 motor
1984 Sprintfire (2)

***Duelling Deere Garage***
User avatar
WinnipegStPaul9
Posts: 5577
Joined: Sat Jul 23, 2005 12:00 am
Real Name: Don Amber
Location: Churubusco, IN

Re: 1982 John Deere Trailfire LX

Post by WinnipegStPaul9 »

This is a good company to deal with: http://www.mfgsupply.com/snowmobile/sno ... 6097a.html


DA
Feel free to check out our website www.buscobullet.com for restorations or parts.
User avatar
tullybrewing
Posts: 17
Joined: Sun Oct 16, 2016 1:07 pm
Real Name: Dan
Location: Tully, NY

Re: 1982 John Deere Trailfire LX

Post by tullybrewing »

WinnipegStPaul9 wrote:Dan, Pat is right in that you need to use the correct tool. Your sled should have a 102 clutch and http://www.newbreedparts.com offers the correct tool for removal. Become familiar with New Breed Parts as they are a great "go to" source.

DA
I'm trying one of these methods before I invest in a puller. I've got some power steering fluid or even beer to use to aid in this:
https://www.google.com/#q=pull+snowmobi ... ch&tbm=vid
dutchdog
Posts: 6
Joined: Tue Sep 27, 2016 8:42 pm
Real Name: Dan
Location: MICHIGAN

Re: 1982 John Deere Trailfire LX

Post by dutchdog »

Thanks for the link Don. I just ordered one.

Dan
sledhead16
Posts: 1386
Joined: Sat Dec 14, 2013 3:39 pm
Real Name: Allan Campbell
Location: Saint Peter MN

Re: 1982 John Deere Trailfire LX

Post by sledhead16 »

A puller is truly the way to go
1975 340/s Speed Run Sled
1975 340/s I500 #161
1980 Liquifire SN# 4995 From WA Speed Run Sled
1980 Liquifire SN# 4996 From MN
1983 Sportfire
1984 Liquifire Deep Snow Tunnel 4/6 motor
1984 Sprintfire (2)

***Duelling Deere Garage***
dutchdog
Posts: 6
Joined: Tue Sep 27, 2016 8:42 pm
Real Name: Dan
Location: MICHIGAN

Re: 1982 John Deere Trailfire LX

Post by dutchdog »

Okay, got a question for the experts. I had the crank seals replaced on the sled, carb cleaned and gone through.......it runs, but will not start without starting fluid down the cylinders when the motor is cold. I am pretty confident that I have the choke cable adjusted correctly. I have been messing with the throttle cable adjustment, but so far....no luck. Any ideas would be greatly appreciated.

Dan
AirborneX4Special
Posts: 1450
Joined: Sat Jan 30, 2010 10:54 am
Real Name: Pat
Location: N. IL

Re: 1982 John Deere Trailfire LX

Post by AirborneX4Special »

Not a good idea to be using starting fluid. Ever.
Do you have a JD Owner's Manual or Service Manual? Choke and throttle cables need adjusting to within precise specs and if they're off by a fraction, the hard starting condition you are experiencing will result. The manuals will be very helpful in calibrating your carburetor and synchronizing with the oil pump. You can run on mixed fuel using a spare container to verify oil pump functionality if in question.
Post Reply