82 Sportfire

[MIGreg]

I have my sled together and am very surprised at how it's running compared to before I re sealed it and put new pistons in. The problem is when I'm cruising it seems to be disengaging at some point in the powertrain. I did notice 1 coil spring towards the front track is snapped don't know what it's called, it's wrapped around a cross shaft. The reason I mention this is because I'm not familiar with the track mechanics. It just seems to free rev while your cruising.

[JDT]

Sounds like you are discribing a broken spring.

Best to get that fix rightaway as it could ruin your track if the end catches.

You may wish to go through your clutches and check your drive belt.

[MIGreg]

Is there a drive direction to clutch belt? Another possibility is that the motor is to far back since I just finished the rebuild. I used the bump stop on the pto side as my reference. It did kinda sound strange under the tunnel I thought it was just the fatty on top.

[JDT]

Me thinks more quality time needs to be spent with your machine.

Check drive sprockets, drive shaft bearings, chain sprockets and more.

Drive belts are omnidirectional.

Belt should have no contact with the primary sheeves and ride even with the outside edge of the secondary.

[MIGreg1]

I'm back at it found the track wheels are blown out bearing retainers are just hanging out on shafts. Are these bearings easy to replace(just a sealed bearing assembly)? Still have to get the rear end apart this will be new for me, then I need to find that spring. It looks like you only need to back off the rear tensioners and there's four bolts holding it in. Someone replaced the slides a little to late but there appears to be enough aluminum to hold them proper.

[JDT]

You are on the right track (pun) in getting her back to life Greg.

Yep, four bolts and drop the entire suspension down and out from the chassis.

Set it on the bench or table and start looking for any neglected issues.

Bearings are cheap and very common. Can be found at any motor shop, auto parts store, aftermarket sled business.

Slides, springs and other snowmobile specific parts will not be found at NAPA or Auto Zone but are available from Pat's (www.pseb.biz) or MFS (www.mfsupply.com).

Sportys are great machines and well worth putting some money into to make them trail worthy again.

[guitardude081]

Most of the bearings are a 6205-2rs bearing. What it sounds like to me is that your broken spring is causing the track to stop for a second and your belt is slipping. Clutches should be cleaned and check every 200 miles. My bet is that if you haven't replaced the belt for a long time that it is worn out. I would use the Max 2 belt if I was you. The gates belts are junk and they don't do well with heat. I would pull the suspension, replace the bearings, springs and hifax, and while you're at it check the 4 drivetrain bearings and the chaincase. Rebuilding an engine on a 27 year old machine is only the first step in getting it ready to ride. Everything else on the machine has to be checked over and replacements and repairs need to be made accordingly. Always make sure your clutches are clean and in good working condition. They are the most dangerous component on the machine if a failure results.
~Jack

[MIGreg1]

I have the suspension out, unfortunately I had to cut one of the bolts on the rear left. I'll have to find some aluminum pipe at work to replace it. The shock is good, but where it mounts to on the rear looks bent(where the aluminum pipe came out of) The left rear wheel is melted from no bearings, the other three wheel bearings need replaced. I wanted to paint it but cant get the swing arm out of the back, the bolts are stuck in the plastic nubs. When I move the drive back and forth there doesn't seem to be any play in the chain. Looks complicated to pull the track drive out hopefully looks are deceiving in this case. Also the track seems to have been put in backwards the flat edge of the track nubs is opposite of pushing. Unless that's how it's supposed to be idk. Thanks to everyone for the continued help, I have a lot to learn this is my first sled.

[JDT]

You are doing the right stuff Greg. And you are finding what one would expect from years of neglected mantainence.

Continue to take components off the sled and make the needed repairs and you will be pleased with the end result.

The track is probably installed correctly. The is a active tread on this under tech tips.

The shaft with the broken bolt can be replace with either alum or steel but use shaft not pipe.

One would not be suprised to have bad drive shaft bearings along with the idler bearings you found so I would pull the drive shaft and also go through the chaincase and the jack shaft bearings.

Have fun doing it and consider the purchase of a service manual as money well spent.

[427cobra]

I found taking A LOT of pictures helps with reassembling. Taking the track drive out isnt all that hard. Just six more bolts...

youre on the right track...just take your time..

[MIGreg1]

I am finally working on it unfortunately I'm unable to locate right front coil spring. Took two road trips today one to a sled junkyard and one to a guys barn which ended up being a shrine to JD sleds with no luck. Does anyone make these springs still? I just picked up a 78 or so Liquifire maybe I'll work on it until I can find this spring.

[johnnycyclone]

migreg1,
You should try posting an ad in the classified section, on this board, asking for a spring for your sled. Maybe some one on this board will have one they would sell you. You can also post a classified ad on vintagesleds.com, I have had good luck using both, and posting an ad is free.


Terre

[jdsnowfire]

the front ones are the same part # on sportfires and trailfires- i think i have a used pair if you cant find any.
the rear ones are are different

[johnnycyclone]

Come to think, I may have one. I will take a look tonight. By the way, what part of Michigan are you located?

Terre

[MIGreg1]

I asked dennis kirk if they knew of anyone who sold them and they hooked me up with a guy in Minnesota It's ordered and on the way but I appreciate the help. I'm from LaSalle.