Looks like I get to try out my Liquifire for the first time!

General topics related to John Deere Snowmobiles
Post Reply
User avatar
Blown 331
Posts: 46
Joined: Tue Dec 28, 2010 8:25 pm
Location: IL

Looks like I get to try out my Liquifire for the first time!

Post by Blown 331 »

I've had my 1980 Liquifire for about 2 weeks now and have yet to ride it! I got it the day 6 inches of snow melted! Well more snow is on the way and I took off work tomorrow! I'm pretty pumped and I'll be sure to post some pics!
This is the bad side with the damaged decal but otherwise in great shape. Starts, runs and idles perfect, only 570 miles. Not bad for $280!

:letitsnow:

Image

I'm close to Belleville.

Image
John Deere 1980 Liquifire 440
John Deere 25S straight shaft weed eater
JD_Sledder68
Posts: 229
Joined: Fri Dec 04, 2009 11:43 pm
Location: Fletcher, OH

Re: Looks like I get to try out my Liquifire for the first time!

Post by JD_Sledder68 »

I am in a zone (ohio) for 5+ tonight and into tomorrow. It's about damned time!!
Brian Redick
1982 John Deere Trailfire LX 440
1978 John Deere Liquifire 340
User avatar
nick80lf
Posts: 1159
Joined: Thu Jan 14, 2010 10:45 pm
Real Name: Nick
Location: The snow free zone of Ohio

Re: Looks like I get to try out my Liquifire for the first time!

Post by nick80lf »

JD_Sledder68 wrote:I am in a zone (ohio) for 5+ tonight and into tomorrow. It's about damned time!!
I hear ya!! :letitsnow:
80 Liquifire (purchased 1996 ~ Running)
80 Liquifire (purchased 2010 ~ Running....Now)
80 Liquifire (purchased 2011 ~ Not running - I officially have a problem now)
83 Snowfire (purchased 2014 father/son restoration project)
78 Spitfire ~ sold (should have been shot for this)
User avatar
Blown 331
Posts: 46
Joined: Tue Dec 28, 2010 8:25 pm
Location: IL

Re: Looks like I get to try out my Liquifire for the first time!

Post by Blown 331 »

We could have used a litle more snow but it was a great first ride! Love it! My buddy also has a 1980 Liquifire and neither of our temp gauges or speedos work, any idea? I guess I could try a search or start another thread on that. Ran great all day long! If you look closely, there is another 2 cylinder Deere in the back ground.

Image

At the bar!

Image
John Deere 1980 Liquifire 440
John Deere 25S straight shaft weed eater
User avatar
smitfire
Posts: 1411
Joined: Wed Sep 19, 2007 12:00 am
Real Name: Dustin Smit
Location: hull Iowa

Re: Looks like I get to try out my Liquifire for the first time!

Post by smitfire »

unhook the speedo cable from the speedometer... put a board under the back bumper start and run the sled and see if the cable turns, if so speedometer is shot. Next thing to try is the speedometer key, pull off the secondary clutch and then you with see the speedometer drive. Take the nuts off but you should be able to leave the bolts in so the drive shaft dosent fall down, pull the speedometer drive off and inspect the key. Look at the bearing and see what that looks like, that may have worn and caused the key to shear
Many new and used parts available, I ship anywhere. Thanks everyone.
Matt
Posts: 4747
Joined: Wed Jul 13, 2005 12:00 am
Real Name: Matt
Location: Coopersburg, PA
Contact:

Re: Looks like I get to try out my Liquifire for the first time!

Post by Matt »

There is some temp gauge info in the FAQ, and there was a run of aftermarket replacements made, but I don't think there are any available at the moment. Another run will be made in the future.
:usa: Matt - JDsleds.com Administrator
JD_Sledder68
Posts: 229
Joined: Fri Dec 04, 2009 11:43 pm
Location: Fletcher, OH

Re: Looks like I get to try out my Liquifire for the first time!

Post by JD_Sledder68 »

Got over 6 inches here today......but could use more. This stuff is super fluffy and light.

I need a temp guage for my Liquifire as well. I think after 5 miles or so, the guage shoulda moved by now.
Brian Redick
1982 John Deere Trailfire LX 440
1978 John Deere Liquifire 340
JDT
Posts: 5561
Joined: Wed Nov 21, 2007 1:00 am
Real Name: Todd
Location: Milbank South Dakota

Re: Looks like I get to try out my Liquifire for the first time!

Post by JDT »

Keep in mind that a failed speedo key is often followed by ball bearings flying out the back of the sled.

Last week I replaced three sets of bad bearings in sleds that had broken speedo keys.

On one sled the drive shaft was so scared that I had the shaft turned down 1/16" and went with an undersized bearing.

As long as you have the skid frame out it is an excellent time to go over that also.
Todd Schrupp

Milbank SD
User avatar
Blown 331
Posts: 46
Joined: Tue Dec 28, 2010 8:25 pm
Location: IL

Re: Looks like I get to try out my Liquifire for the first time!

Post by Blown 331 »

Thanks for the suggestions! I was hoping there would be a John Deere tractor or gator etc with the same diameter temp gauge as the sled? I guess there is not or I'm sure some else would have found it by now. I like that it has the Deere logo on it!

I checked and my speedo cable does not move at all so I guess it's that key. So I most likely have a bad bearing on the drive shaft? That doesn't sound good!
John Deere 1980 Liquifire 440
John Deere 25S straight shaft weed eater
JDT
Posts: 5561
Joined: Wed Nov 21, 2007 1:00 am
Real Name: Todd
Location: Milbank South Dakota

Re: Looks like I get to try out my Liquifire for the first time!

Post by JDT »

It is really not a big deal to replace it.
Simple hand tools and some time.
I buddy will make removing and replacing the skid frame easier.

It is always best to go through the entire sled if it has sat for years, the condition notes that regular maintenence has been neglected or if you do not know the history of it.
Todd Schrupp

Milbank SD
burt87
Posts: 95
Joined: Sat Dec 20, 2008 1:00 am
Location: Lowell, IN

Re: Looks like I get to try out my Liquifire for the first time!

Post by burt87 »

JD_Sledder68 wrote:Got over 6 inches here today......but could use more. This stuff is super fluffy and light.

I need a temp guage for my Liquifire as well. I think after 5 miles or so, the guage shoulda moved by now.
I'm useing a sunpro temp gauge from advanced auto. $17.99 It fits the hole perfect. The line is long, so you need to carefully coil up the excess and zip tie it under the hood away from any moving parts and away from the motor so you don't get any false readings.
76 El Tigre 5000 WRECKED
83 Trailfire LX sold wish I still had it
80 Liquifire running
80 Spitfire new project
User avatar
427cobra
Posts: 2474
Joined: Thu Jan 26, 2006 1:00 am
Real Name: Eric
Location: Metamora IL

Re: Looks like I get to try out my Liquifire for the first time!

Post by 427cobra »

The Sun Pro will work just fine. Cant beat the price!!
Eric A.

"Life is tough, but it's tougher when you're stupid" - John Wayne
burt87
Posts: 95
Joined: Sat Dec 20, 2008 1:00 am
Location: Lowell, IN

Re: Looks like I get to try out my Liquifire for the first time!

Post by burt87 »

I can't take the credit for figuring out that the sunpro gauge works in this application. Someone else on this site suggested it to me, but I can't remember who it was.
76 El Tigre 5000 WRECKED
83 Trailfire LX sold wish I still had it
80 Liquifire running
80 Spitfire new project
Post Reply