Jd 1983 Trailfire 440 O-Rings

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TRLRider
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Joined: Mon Jul 19, 2021 10:46 pm
Real Name: niko

Jd 1983 Trailfire 440 O-Rings

Post by TRLRider »

Hey all. I was just wondering on how I should go about installing these O-Rings on my crank. Should I replace all other seals in the process? Right now I am just replacing the PTO and MAG side crank seals and just leaving the rest. I am wondering if I am going to have to completely disassemble the engine to replace the O-Rings so I might as well replace all other seals on it? Also these O-RIngs look tough to slip onto the shaft any tips?
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jep_800
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Real Name: Jason
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Re: Jd 1983 Trailfire 440 O-Rings

Post by jep_800 »

TRLRider, I'm not super familiar with Trailfire or the Kawasaki engines that come with them... All of my Deere's have CCW / Kioritz power. On those, you can remove the crank seals without splitting the case. Then I grease up the new ones with white lithium grease and tap them into place like the service manual suggests. Fairly simple process, but definitely take your time to do it right.

I'm not sure which other "o-rings" you are speaking of? The crank seals (mag & pto) is likely the single most important item to replace when working on a vintage sled. Otherwise, there's a big risk of burning up the engine. But in doing so, you should prevent that from happening. If the cylinders are showing good compression on both, then there shouldn't be a reason to tear the engine apart to replace gaskets or other seals necessarily.

Hope that helps. Jason
1975 John Deere 800
1975 JDX8 (VC Finisher 2019)
1976 440 Cyclone (VC Finisher 2022)
1974 El Tigre 440 (Sold)
1996 Arcitc Cat 440Z
TRLRider
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Re: Jd 1983 Trailfire 440 O-Rings

Post by TRLRider »

I really had no choice in replacing the seals in this situation. I needed to replace the Stator anyways which required me to take the halves apart and I was having a giant vacuum leak that made the sled unridable. The O-RIngs are new to me as well I don't quite know what they do but they definitely needed replacing. Both cylinders show great compression so I am hesitant on taking it completely apart so I see where you are coming from.
Matt
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Re: Jd 1983 Trailfire 440 O-Rings

Post by Matt »

The O-rings are easy to swap if you are pulling out the crank. No big deal. You do not need to worry about the inner seal - it's a labyrinth and does not have a wear point that touches the crank. I sell the O-rings on newbreedparts.com if needed.
:usa: Matt - JDsleds.com Administrator
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