"Mysteryfire" - The Resto begins!

[Platinum_2]

I think this must be a 1980. Why the tunnel was never painted is anyone's guess. Some of the other '81 features (skis, etc) may have been used in place of anything else that might have been damaged in an accident. While the dealer may have repaired the sled with any array of parts on hand at the time, the stamped serial number would have been authentic.

Therefore, I'm concluding that this is an '80 until someone can prove otherwise.

[nick80lf]

Definitely interesting. The steel bulkhead is also 81 and up. The 80's didn't have the extra gussets towards the front.

[Platinum_2]

Yeah, I'm not that knowledgeable about the finer details from year to year. I'm just going on what was stamped, presumably by the dealer. My thought is this was an '80 that required repair sometime after 1980, perhaps much later. At that point, maybe 1981+ parts were what was available to repair the sled? Hard to know for sure.

In any case, it will be a custom when I'm done with it. It has no air box and I'm not going to track one down and pay for it. So, it will get TM carbs I have laying around. I always liked the '83 Liquifire decals, so it's probably going to get those. I also have Invader heads on the shelf that I'll swap out. I'm just going to make her a runner since any shot at being an original went out the window years ago. With 823 miles on the clock it should be a tight motor if mileage is accurate. Of course, it's getting new seals....

Stay tuned...

[Norton]

Mysteryfire is a great name for this thread. I have nothing to add but you will love that sled as a custom or anyway you configure it. Have an 82 and enjoy every minute on it. But sometimes starting warm can be a pain.

Jon, I do not do facebook so this is my only source for this hobby. I too have my share of melted pistons from a dator around here to this day. Why one would live and another not, is still perplexing and causes me to be reluctant to even run mine. High output engines in any Motorsport can be frustrating. Love to hear stories from Brezzy Point and the race days so please share when you can.

On another note, I understand Deere along with triple sleds will be the feature at Elk River in 2022. Seems a long way off but plenty of time to plan a great showing for sleds from Horicon.

keith

[Platinum_2]

Well, finally had some time to tear into the "Mysteryfire" and so far, and this is what I know...

Can't wait to see the crankshaft. I have a feeling this is going to be "one of those projects." But, they aren't making these anymore so gotta keep 'em going, right?

[Platinum_2]

The electrical is looking pretty sketchy too....

[Platinum_2]

Was able to tear down a bit more tonight. Engine studs are pretty frozen, so there's been some work getting this apart.

[Platinum_2]

I got everything tore down finally. It appears one of the Parts Unlimited pistons (09-689) lost its skirt. Surprisingly, the top end is intact. The crank bearings are smooth, but the center labyrinth seal is cracked. That usually means junk.

I sent some pics over to Jerome at Crankshaft Services to get his thoughts on the matter. I will report back....

[Platinum_2]

So, Jerome finished rebuilding the crank. Waiting for it to be shipped back, but here's how it looks...