440 Liquifire Reliability First Sled

[Jerry Jim]

Hey im young (teenager) and am looking to get into my first JD sleds, I was looking specifically at the 1978 Liquifire (my dad had that one on the farm when he was young) or maybe a 80s model. I want to do a bit of a restoration and then take it out and ride some light trails and going around on the lake and maybe ice fishhing too. Whats the most reliable Liquifire model? And what would be the price to get it up and runnings and clean it up again. Thanks

[Cdnturboz]

I would say from what I’ve read on here that the earlier 76-78 liquifires are slightly more reliable or are at least less finicky. Around here the later 80-84 liquifires are more sought after so usually higher in price.

Costs wise the sleds are all getting to be 40-50 years old - unless a sled was redone already you’re going to have to sink some cash into the fuel system, engine seals, and other misc items.

[Jerry Jim]

I would say from what I’ve read on here that the earlier 76-78 liquifires are slightly more reliable or are at least less finicky. Around here the later 80-84 liquifires are more sought after so usually higher in price.

Costs wise the sleds are all getting to be 40-50 years old - unless a sled was redone already you’re going to have to sink some cash into the fuel system, engine seals, and other misc items.

Ok thanks, I was thinking a 76 or 78 I was planing doing a little bit of a resto and engine rebuild, I just want something a little bit different and light wheight to puts around on, just dont want to be left stranded lol.

[Cdnturboz]

These older JD sleds are pretty good to get parts for (minus a couple rarer years/models) and overall lots of info on how to fix them either on here or facebook groups.

I’m sure others will chime in - with my experience out of the 76-78 liquifires the 78s are more rare and have a few more “year specific” parts.

You’ve come to the right place - a good place to check out Newbreedparts.com they have almost anything you would need, also will give you an idea on prices.

If you look up vintagesnow.com and go under John Deere they pretty much have any year JD sled manual or service book etc for free.

[Jerry Jim]

These older JD sleds are pretty good to get parts for (minus a couple rarer years/models) and overall lots of info on how to fix them either on here or facebook groups.

I’m sure others will chime in - with my experience out of the 76-78 liquifires the 78s are more rare and have a few more “year specific” parts.

You’ve come to the right place - a good place to check out Newbreedparts.com they have almost anything you would need, also will give you an idea on prices.

If you look up vintagesnow.com and go under John Deere they pretty much have any year JD sled manual or service book etc for free.

Thanks! I knew about New Bread but not vintage snow... that will be a big help manuals always are.

[High Top]

I can’t speak to the earlier liquifires but the 80 I’ve been messing with for the last year has been a project. I knew this would be the case though because, as stated earlier, these things are 45 years old, and from researching on this site they are just more involved. The liquifire has a lot more going on under the hood than my trailfires or sportfire but that’s the way it has to be to have a liquid cooled machine. More messing with the dual carbs trying to get them dialed in but I’m getting there. I agree that fuel system will need to be gone thru if it’s been sitting a while.

[High Top]

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[snowmoer]

If you want light weight go with the 80-84. The 76-78 are heavy! I had a friend that had a 77 back in the day. We called it the tank! Also, the rear suspension is a lot better on the 80-84 sleds. If you are going with the newer one, try and find an 82-84. They had some updates as well as an updated primary clutch.

[Jerry Jim]

If you want light weight go with the 80-84. The 76-78 are heavy! I had a friend that had a 77 back in the day. We called it the tank! Also, the rear suspension is a lot better on the 80-84 sleds. If you are going with the newer one, try and find an 82-84. They had some updates as well as an updated primary clutch.

Yea I hear the 80 model year would never start... or take like 100 pulls lol. So the 82's are a bit better but they seem to be a bit more sought after so I will see if I can find one
Thanks!

[Jerry Jim]

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[Jerry Jim]

I can’t speak to the earlier liquifires but the 80 I’ve been messing with for the last year has been a project. I knew this would be the case though because, as stated earlier, these things are 45 years old, and from researching on this site they are just more involved. The liquifire has a lot more going on under the hood than my trailfires or sportfire but that’s the way it has to be to have a liquid cooled machine. More messing with the dual carbs trying to get them dialed in but I’m getting there. I agree that fuel system will need to be gone thru if it’s been sitting a while.

Thanks for the advice, was dialing in those carbs really a pain to do or did it just take a bit of time? I plan to pull the motor and put new gaskets and seals if I do get one and refresh it.

[High Top]

I think I am close but really need to put it on snow and see how it acts. It takes some effort to pull the carbs on it but working on them it’s much of a pain. Did a fair amount of research on the site and using the tech manuals to try and get the right jetting. All of my machines were none runners and they have all had complete fuel system overhauls and crank seals. As of now if it sits for a while I maybe have to get it 5-10 pulls to get it fired then just one or two to restart it so maybe I’ve got something right! (Hoping to get e start someday but baby steps for now) I wouldn’t be scared to dive into any model of JD machine with all the info on here. New breed has been great to get most parts needed.

[cameronv]

I would think you would be well off to have a fan-cooled model if you plan to be running on ice very often. Liquid sleds in my experience get pretty warm without snow through the exchanger. Also a bonus would be easier maintenance with less parts. Just a thought to keep in mind.

Best of luck with whichever route you choose!

[Cdnturboz]

If you want light weight go with the 80-84. The 76-78 are heavy! I had a friend that had a 77 back in the day. We called it the tank! Also, the rear suspension is a lot better on the 80-84 sleds. If you are going with the newer one, try and find an 82-84. They had some updates as well as an updated primary clutch.

I hear you on the 76-78s being heavy - when I picked up a cheap 77 Liquifire and was loading it on the truck, my god the difference even vs. my Trailfire.

[Jerry Jim]

If you want light weight go with the 80-84. The 76-78 are heavy! I had a friend that had a 77 back in the day. We called it the tank! Also, the rear suspension is a lot better on the 80-84 sleds. If you are going with the newer one, try and find an 82-84. They had some updates as well as an updated primary clutch.

I hear you on the 76-78s being heavy - when I picked up a cheap 77 Liquifire and was loading it on the truck, my god the difference even vs. my Trailfire.

Are they really that bad for wheight? Im a teenager im pretty big, my freinds have
polaris indy 500s and those are big for me id say... I know the liquifire is a sleek little nimble machine, so I feel it might be better