switch engines or switch tracks

tipitup · Post by **tipitup** » Mon Oct 10, 2005 12:36 pm

I have a 80 sportfire that I'm having a lot of trouble getting the engine to start. My next try is replacing the CDI, if anyone has one that I could borrow to try I'd appreciate it. I'm in Utah so I would not be able to get to any places back east, it would have to be shipped.

but my real question is this: I have access to a 80 liquifire that the engine supposedly works but has no track. Which would be easier, trading out the track on my sporty to the liquifire or trading the engines? I know there will be work with both, but I would like to know the best solution. Both sleds are in good shape so the condition of sleds is not at issue.

thanks

81spitfire · Post by **81spitfire** » Mon Oct 10, 2005 1:15 pm

make sure the engine starts then i would switch the engines

JDFanPa · Post by **JDFanPa** » Mon Oct 10, 2005 5:19 pm

Yes verify the lf motor runs well then the easiest way would be to swap the tracks. If it was a sport to trail quiestion Id say swap the motors but with what you have here is definatly easier to swap tracks. The sportfire tunnel is not set up with heat exchangers for a liquid motor and the bulkhead is most likely different where the primary clutch is since I beleive the lf has a mount there.

Honestly though if both sleds are in good shape I wouldnt tear either apart to fix 1 but replace the track on the lf with a used unit and get the sporty running right. If you want to go this route I have a good used lf track that I would sell.

JoeRainville · Post by **JoeRainville** » Tue Oct 11, 2005 11:59 am

Hi Guys,

I would fix your hard starting problem. I would first check the compression, the spark, and the fuel system, especially the pilot jet and the fuel pump. If all that checks out, the crank seals would be next on my list. As a matter of fact, I would replace them anyway.

I can not recomend either of the swaps you suggest. First, the original 80-81 Sportfire track is cleated, and can NOT take the 65 hp an 80 LF can dish out. The original Sport track is supported and driven off of two drive sprockets, not 3 like a LF, not to meantiion the pitch difference of 2" vs. 3.29" for the LF.

Installing an L/C motor in a Sport chassis is a hack at best. The LF motor mounts on its ends, while the Sport uses a motor plate, not to mention the cooling system.

Fix your problem, not the symptom, would be my best advice.

Good Luck,
-Joe Rainville
"Tech-Ed"

JDFanPa · Post by **JDFanPa** » Tue Oct 11, 2005 11:52 pm

Good point Joe I had a complete brain lapse about the early sprts having the cleated track. I should just trade the parts for the liquifire for the sportfire.