New owner of a 400

hvyhorsepwr · Post by **hvyhorsepwr** » Thu Nov 03, 2005 2:16 pm

Just bought a 400.. I think it is a '76. In pretty good shape and has been garage kept with all the manuals and a cover. Have no idea when it was run last and have a few questions on some steps to get it running without damaging it. Outside of new fuel and a battery....what should I do to prevent any further problems should there be any? The gas tank said "use leaded fuel only"...what is the deal with this? I believe the gas tank is empty and if it isn't I suppose I will drain what is in there to start with fresh fuel. The engine is free and I am hoping with some lube in the cylinders as well as some fresh gas... I may be ok. Any input would be greatly appreciated! As far as being a good deal...well.... I felt $400 wasnt tooo bad if my daughters and I can run it around the farm....

Eric

400brian · Post by **400brian** » Thu Nov 03, 2005 2:47 pm

Eric

We have a FAQ just for you. Look it up.

hvyhorsepwr · Post by **hvyhorsepwr** » Thu Nov 03, 2005 3:09 pm

Thanks, I did read that and found some good information. Wondering about this "leaded fuel only" issue. Is it an issue? What gas should I use or doesn't it make a difference? Apparenetly the sled is equipped with the smaller 340 engine. Any other points would be appreciated!

Eric

harleysportster · Post by **harleysportster** » Thu Nov 03, 2005 7:33 pm

hvyhorsepwr,
Back in the day when your sled was new, the quality of the gas and oil was not as good as it is today. As a safegard, JD recommended leaded fuel for the extra lubrication provided by the lead. Use a good quality 2 stroke oil with a rating of TCW3 and non-leaded gas of 88 octane or higher and you will be fine. Many people use standard 87 octane gas and have not had a problem.
The first thing I would recommend is getting a service manual, either a Jd or a generic from ebay. Learn how the sled operates and how to maintain it.
Things to check are:
Loose hardware
proper operation of suspension
track tension
condition of track
condition of skis and wear rods
proper operation of hand controls( kill switch, throttle level, brake lever, key switch)
Good Luck,

Caleb55 · Post by **Caleb55** » Thu Nov 03, 2005 7:55 pm

I had a 400 for my first sled. It was a lot of fun. I always ran premium in mine with a good quality oil. Old girl topped out at about 55, which felt like I was really haulin!

Mac67 · Post by **Mac67** » Thu Nov 03, 2005 8:21 pm

now there may be several different opinions on this but i would steer clear of the 10% ethenol blended gas , i have personally witnessed it eat up a craftsman leafe blower , and a yamaha dirtbike , it makes the fuel lines very gummy i have noticed as well ,

grasscutter97 · Post by **grasscutter97** » Thu Nov 03, 2005 8:43 pm

I remember the first thing my Dad always said to test was the brake! And don't forget you can ride a sled farther in 30 minutes than it would take you to walk back in day. (at least thats what the DNR always preaches!)

have fun!!