1978 spitfire, clueless please help guys!

[ajewett04]

Hello sled heads:

I recently bought a non-running 79 Spitfire for my youngest to step up from a Kitty Kat. It has seen a rough life, but the way I saw him ride that Kitty Kat, I will be waiting on doing any fiberglass repair for now, as I'm sure he'll add to the list. I have done the usual items that many of the chats on JD Sleds has mentioned: gaskets/seals, checked compression(105 lbs on both, I think it should be higher, but didn't looked scored, and it ran, see below), new carb, new fuel lines, new coil/wires/boots/plugs, checked timing, and tried a new CDI. I specifically bought the one listed in this chat, since there were problems mentioned with the kimpex ones. I am having the same issues with the one SPI CDI's from Al's Snowmobile. I just got done trying the second one they have sent with the same issues as you stated, it won't rev up. I have tested the problem(with an ohm meter and) by borrowing a CDI off my buddies 78, it runs perfect with that one in. Was able to get the clutch to work freely and such with that one in, which was a big relief. Al's Snowmobile has been very good to work with. I stupidly threw away the box for the first CDI, as when I installed it I didn't have all the fuel system installed, but I pulled chord and saw spark, so I figured I was good. Now I find out it doesn't work (X2 CDI's). Just wondering if any folks out there can tell me that the 01-143-22 CDI;s are still working for their K340-2FA's in their Spitfire's. Thanks

[ajewett04]

Update: I wasn't having any luck with the ones Al's Snowmobile was sending me. They have been great to work with, but still frustrating to spend that much on a part and it doesn't work. One of the guys even tracked down a used OE Nippon Denso for me, but it still didn't work. Ended up taking a chance on one from a vendor on Walmart. Got it today, was in an SPI package and had 2020 stamped under the 01-143-22 (assuming year mfg'd). Hooked it up and works perfect. Was only $50 and site said it would be returnable to store. I doubt it would have been, but figured I would take a chance. Glad I don't need to return it. Sounds like this is the norm for these CDI's, you win some, you lose some. Happy Sleddin'

[nick80lf]

Glad you got it figured out. Dead parts out the box is definitely a frustrating experience.