81 Trailfire 440 Hard to Pull

[bradski12]

Hey Guys, recently got back into the JD sled game and picked up a cherry 81 TF 440. Runs good but needs some adjustment (Drain gas tank, rebuild fuel pump, rebuild card, fuel lines, chaincase, clean and rebuild clutch etc. Going to run through the winter here in NE Ohio and have fun with kids, but noticed from my TFs I had years back that this seems "heavier" to pull over - enter the dad jokes below... Compression is 150 in both cylinders, pull rope and guide tube seem aligned (not bent), I haven't tore into the recoil yet, but any thoughts? Clutch out of adjustment, belt too tight? Something else I should look at?

[Platinum_2]

Every sled has its quirks. If it starts easily and runs good, I wouldn't even bother investigating unless it becomes a problem. Maybe hit up the weight room?

[bradski12]

Haha knew that was coming... Agreed Plat thanks

[SS440-80]

It's very important witch 2-stroke oil you use.
Some oils get very "sticky" and almost glue the pistons to the cylinder walls. They don't have to be bad oils, but makes the motor hard to pull when cold. And both mineral- and synthetic- oils can be like that.

I don't know what brands you use in the US, but someone here on the forum should be able to name a good oil that don't leave a sticky film.

[AirborneX4Special]

I'd switch the crank seals if you're unsure of the last time they were freshened. I bought an 82 LX many years ago with very few miles on the clock and it burned down because the seals were faulty due to the sitting around disease.

[SS440-80]

I'd switch the crank seals if you're unsure of the last time they were freshened. I bought an 82 LX many years ago with very few miles on the clock and it burned down because the seals were faulty due to the sitting around disease.

Super great advice

But changing the crankseals won't make it easier to revolve the engine...

[Platinum_2]

.....but hitting up the weight room will!

[AirborneX4Special]

I'd switch the crank seals if you're unsure of the last time they were freshened. I bought an 82 LX many years ago with very few miles on the clock and it burned down because the seals were faulty due to the sitting around disease.

Super great advice

But changing the crankseals won't make it easier to revolve the engine...

Just trying to help out from the school of hard knocks!

[SS440-80]

Changing crank seals is one of the best things you can do on a old twostroker to keep it alive for a long time

[Platinum_2]

Yes, it should be standard procedure when resurrecting a vintage sled. Especially those with Kawasaki engines as they seem to be the most prone to failure.

[bradski12]

Thanks everyone, going to run it through the winter and pull the kids around on a sled. Everything seems to be in good working order and running just hard to pull. Plat, I should be jacked come summertime when I decide to replace crank seals and top end gasket seals.

Merry Christmas everyone!