Green Spitfire Questions

[duwem]

Just picked up a Kohler powered green spitfire. I will post up the serial number. It has a black dash, but not sure if hood has been changed ever.

Had bad gas in it when I picked it up, so I pulled the carb all apart, removed the fuel tank and drained it, and put it all back together with new fuel lines and filter.

I had to add almost 2.5 gallons before fuel would come out of the tank. The fitting is like 2" off the bottom, is there supposed to be an elbow on the inside of the tank to get down to the bottom, or is that how they are?

Starts and idles well, but a bit doggy down low, seems to pull decent once it gets caught up, but then its kind of weak on the top end. For comparison I have a 1980 Yamaha Enticer 300 fan cooled that's about the same physical size, and it pulls way harder.

I checked compression and it was 118 on one and 120 on the other. Is this within spec?

I suppose a new belt wouldn't be a bad idea.

Thing is also petty darty at speed, but I noticed one of the tie rods is bent, so maybe the steering is toed out. what is on the bottom of the steering shaft that holds it from pulling up? Need to get it up to remove the tie rod bolt as it comes in from the bottom.

[JDT]

My advise would be to change out the crank seals before you put any more miles on it.

When you have the engine out you can address the steering linkage issue more easily and remove any play.
Also align the skis. Toe in/out will take away top end as you are plowing snow with the skis.

Than you should check all the bearings in the drive and suspension. Or better yet just replace them all.

You are missing the fuel pick up line inside the tank. Maybe you saw renominates of it when you cleaned the tank out. Also should be a pickup filter and check valve in there.

A new drive belt is always a good idea. And check the clutch alignment and spacing while in that area. Also pay attention to the clutches themselves.



Seen it too many times. A decent vintage sled is put hastily put back in service and 40 miles later the machine is toast from one end to the other.

Spitfires are great sleds and very responsive. But with any free air machine they do not like warm weather. The colder it is the better they perform.

[fastl82vette]

I agree with the crank seals. That is always a must. The steering shaft should just have a big cotter pin in the bottom with a washer. Green hood with black dash should be a 1978. All green hood is a 79.