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Tech Information => General Help => Topic started by: Viking on January 17, 2016, 10:00:49 AM

Title: 1980 340 drifter.
Post by: Viking on January 17, 2016, 10:00:49 AM

This is our new snowmobile. 12 year old son and myself went in on it, got the original helmet with mask and owners manual. 335$

We went all through motor n fuel system. Runs great but clutch spring seems like its too weak, early engagement. What clutch did they come with and what's the best spring to use for strong pull off the line?

Title: Re: 1980 340 drifter.
Post by: Viking on January 17, 2016, 10:13:07 AM

Helmet n mask

Title: Re: 1980 340 drifter.
Post by: Gilson435 on January 17, 2016, 10:19:42 AM

Nice buy! I dig the Helmet & mask!!

Title: Re: 1980 340 drifter.
Post by: Viking on January 17, 2016, 12:15:14 PM

Thanks, what's the clutch and what spring do I need? riding today its 15 below zero 8). little drifter is only 370 lbs. runs out to 60 on speedo.. handle incredible.. what a fun sled!!

Title: Re: 1980 340 drifter.
Post by: rminier on January 17, 2016, 12:48:03 PM

 Nice pictures! The '79 and '80 Drifters used the Arctic Cat Hex clutch. The '81 Drifters used the Kawasaki clutch, like the Intruders and Invaders used....with different springs and ramps, etc.
 Nothing wrong with the Hex clutches...they tended to wear the center bushing out...just like the SkiDoo square shaft clutches did.
 The shop manual says your '80 Drifter should engage at 3500 RPM, and hold at 63-6500 when shifting.
 If your clutch is original, it should have a yellow spring.....an Arctic Cat spring....not a Kawasaki clutch spring.
 A green spring was offered as an option, which was slightly stiffer, and would raise the engagement slightly.
 Your spring might have lost a little bit of its "spring" over the years if it is engaging much below 3500.
 Those Hex springs are still available from lots of places, if you decide to replace yours.
 It sounds like your Drifter is running well if your seeing near 60 mph! 8)

Title: Re: 1980 340 drifter.
Post by: Viking on January 17, 2016, 02:58:36 PM

yes It runs great. I replaced all gaskets and seals, new fuel pump kit, carb kit. totally disassembled n clean each part. motor looked like new when I had it apart. I like riding it as much or more than Polaris xlt, cause it so light n nibble..

Great insight thank you..

Has yellow spring now. I think I want green one

Title: Re: 1980 340 drifter.
Post by: dr1979-340 on January 27, 2016, 03:17:41 PM

Is that the one that was for sale in New Ulm, MN? 

Title: Re: 1980 340 drifter.
Post by: Viking on February 01, 2016, 09:08:33 PM

NO got by Mankato mn.

Title: Re: 1980 340 drifter.
Post by: dr1979-340 on February 02, 2016, 04:40:15 PM

I think it's the same one.  I recognize the helmet and face-mask with the snowmobile from the Craigslist add.  I talked to the guy about it.  It sure looks familiar.  Glad it went to someone that appreciated Kawasaki snowmobiles!!  I have 4 Drifters now.....two '79 340's I restored last year and am currently working on a '79 440.  I have a '80 440 for a future project some day.

Title: Re: 1980 340 drifter.
Post by: Viking on February 02, 2016, 06:28:40 PM

could be. We got it from courtland, mn. needed seals, gaskets, clutch work ect. Its got new brakes, warebars, belt, clutch spring now. Rides like new, but could use stiffer suspension spring. I want jetting chart for it. got 200 main and 30 pilots now. Its been warm, 30 to 40degrees so I was thinking 190 n 25.. just kinda dog when its warmer out.