78 liquifire cross country

[zacman]

[Danzig]

pm sent

[Sprailfire340]

[AirborneX4Special]

I must borrow the movie line from Caddyshack.....

" Well......we're waiting! "

[JoeRainville]

my question is, my buddy will sell me a 78 liquifire 440 engine for $75. is it worth leaving this particular sled unmolested, or should i put the bigger engine in?

Zacman,

Darn nice find you have there. I believe you should keep this sled orginal to perserve it's value and scarcity. Deere only built 174 as Matt said, starting from S/N 80751 and going to 80924. As you know, they were built and offered for sale to cross country racers, and given to factory supported riders like Carlson, Otte, Oster, Hougs, etc. Much like 1975, they managed a 3rd and 4th place finish in the I-500, and several of them led much of the race until crashing or damage took them out. I have one that started the I-500 right next to Jon Carlson.

Also, guys, lighten up a bit. A fairly new member asked our opinion on his lucky find. Provide guidance and welcome him to our board please.

Also zacman, SnowKat is nothing but snarky! Steve was an Enduro Team Deere mechanic in 77, and built some of the fastest Liquidators in CC racing that year for Bob Enns. He also built a 78 CC that led much of the I-500 before the spindle mounts failed. He is a great guy, but a character too. He is also a wealth of information if you can get on his good side. I am not sure he has a good side though...LOL!

Good luck with your sled, and holler if you need any parts or advice. I do have the correct hex drive shaft for them if you want an NOS one.

-Rainville

[zacman]

well, the only thing i'm looking for at the moment is a fix for the plug wires. i think the motor has an intermittent miss on the cylinder closest to the clutch. i put new plugs in it and that one came out wet. not soaking, dripping, or oily, just a little damp. also, when i got it, while it seemed to run fine, both of the plug wires were wrapped with electric tape. i understand that with these engines, the spark plug is part of the coil, and can not be replaced seperately? i suppose i could get off my duff and remove what looks to be a cover that the plug wires go into by the carbs? worst comes to worst and i have to buy new parts, can i get original equipment replacements, or are just cheap knock offs available?

[Sprailfire340]

If you are interested I have several gas and go sleds I'd trade for the cc. Send me contact info if interested. Otherwise enjoy your new project
- you're in the right place.

[I500]

It would really be interesting to see pics of sleds that would be traded for that CC. ..... This could be fun.

[Jack Frost]

Zacman, yes I am interested in a trade. Let me post some pictures of my clone. It has a new track, rebuilt clutches, rebuilt 78 440 motor, 78 heat exchanger, 78 rad assm, 78 seat with a new John's seat cover, completely rebuilt suspension with extra wheel assm added, all new drive bearings and rebuilt carbs.

Dave

[I500]

Great trade Dave.

Here is mine. Sled plus $500.00 . Sled completely gone through and runs great.

[Jack Frost]

It also has a set of Kenny's cc bars on it and a set of tunnel supports on the rear of the tunnel.

[Jack Frost]

Very nice Chuck! Zacman I have one more pic.

[Jack Frost]

I can get you some more pics if you like. Send me a PM if you are interested. Or give me a call 905-988-1622

Dave

P.S. I can deliver and pickup.

[JoeRainville]

well, the only thing i'm looking for at the moment is a fix for the plug wires. I understand that with these engines, the spark plug is part of the coil, and can not be replaced seperately? worst comes to worst and i have to buy new parts, can i get original equipment replacements, or are just cheap knock offs available?

zacman,

You are correct, the coil and plug wires are molded together, and the wires are generally not replaceable. New coils should not be too hard to find, but I think all the NOS (new old stock) coils have been bought up. I would check Dennis Kirk or suppliers that like and see if they have anything in stock.

Also, I suggest removing the coil cover, as it causes the coils to over heat and/or melt. You could machine slots in the top and bottom for air flow if you want to reinstall it for the proper look. Not sure how familiar you are with vintage sleds, but if you intend to ride your CC, (I rode mine in the vintage challenge last year) make sure you replace the crank seals, axle bearings, rebuilt the clutches, etc. first.

Good luck with your sled!
-Joe Rainville

[WinnipegStPaul9]

Ok, Ok, here's my offer......my 340/S ( and of course I'll put a 440 in it), my first born male child, and a zillion dollars...........if necessary I'll make it a "ba-zillion" dollars..............U.S. of course. Will you take a Czech? If so I'll throw in a guy named Ivan too.
How about Paypal? Give me the sled and I promise to pay.....pal.


DA