Need some opinions on a 1981 Liquifire 440

[Blown 331]

I'm thinking of purchasing a 1981 JD 440 Snowmobile tonight and want to get some opinons on them. It runs and looks good so Im not concerned with that. I'm just looking for any and all info about them. Hows the power, parts availabilty, reliability etc. How long before they need a rebuild, on average. My cousin has a 1997 Arctic Cat 550, I guess it's safe to say the JD will have no where near the power? How fast are they? Just anything you can tell me about this model would be great. I really don't know anything about them. The price is $300. A friend of mine has one just like it but I have never even seen it run, even though he did have it out last weekend. My brother has a 340 air cooled model, around a 1979 or 80 I think. Thanks!

[atcrider1]

no matter how it runs change the crank seals if you get it

[Blown 331]

no matter how it runs change the crank seals if you get it

Hmm. I assume they must be problematic. Any idea if it's a big job or fairly easy?

[atcrider1]

the kawi liquids are just know for bad crank seals, one bad seal can wreck the motor. you have to pull the stator and clutch to change them

[fabiodriven]

It's actually a good idea to do the crank seals on any old two stroke.

[trikes4life]

them john deere are crazy fast (for its age) and super light. My favorite vintage sled to this day. PArts are not super easy, but well worth it.

[Xfile]

The seal kit is still available from winderossa....I put new kit in my invader last year. I think john deere called theres "firebust" engines, but they are made by kawasaki. If my memory is correct the earlier kawasaki invader 440 gasket kit is the same (1978-79-80). I think the fireburst/kawasaki engines were ported to john deeres specs, so I don't think you can mix cylinders with a 440 invader.