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Site News => Discussion & Help => Topic started by: Vader440 on January 24, 2023, 12:44:49 PM

Title: Kawasaki & John Deere Question.
Post by: Vader440 on January 24, 2023, 12:44:49 PM

I just read in Snowgoer magazine that the 1980 John Deere Liquifier Kawasaki engine was not the same as the engine in a Kawasaki Invader. According to the article the John Deere version had lower compression, different cylinder heads, rings, timing and exhaust. Is anyone else familiar with this?

Title: Re: Kawasaki & John Deere Question.
Post by: mswyka on January 24, 2023, 05:41:39 PM

I had unknowingly picked up a Liquifier engine and can confirm that the heads are different.  In fact I think that I still have them if anyone is interested.  the other differences that I remember had to do with mounting for the recoil.  My engine had no electrics so I can't saying anything about them.  But the crank and the crankcase castings were all the same and that engine is now running in one of our Kawasaki sleds. 

Title: Re: Kawasaki & John Deere Question.
Post by: Vader440 on January 24, 2023, 08:07:02 PM

Are the heads different enough to be a problem to run 1 of each on an engine?

Title: Re: Kawasaki & John Deere Question.
Post by: Lloyd (ljm) on January 25, 2023, 06:38:44 AM

While it would likely work to run one of each. I would not recommend it.

There should be lots of heads available

Title: Re: Kawasaki & John Deere Question.
Post by: Lloyd (ljm) on January 25, 2023, 06:44:49 AM

 The Deere engines do have slightly lower compression.  The timing is slightly retarded. and the heads are different.  The exhaust is different. The exhaust manifolds are the same, just different pipes. The jetting in the carbs is different.
 The different recoil mounting that Mark mentioned would depend on the year.  80 and 81 Liquifire's used the same mount as an Invader  82,83 and 84 used slightly different mounts. They had a completely different ignition with a combined coil and cdi. and a much better timing curve.

Title: Re: Kawasaki & John Deere Question.
Post by: mswyka on January 25, 2023, 08:56:27 AM

Quote from: Vader440 on January 24, 2023, 08:07:02 PM

Are the heads different enough to be a problem to run 1 of each on an engine?

I have to agree with Lloyd.  Based on the handfull of frankensleds I have cobbled together, the ones that I have been most satisfied with are the ones that are closest to stock.  Let me know if you need a head and I will set you up.

Title: Re: Kawasaki & John Deere Question.
Post by: Vader440 on January 25, 2023, 08:46:04 PM

The only reason I asked is because I unknowingly used John Deere head and piston on an Invader project. I'll keep you in mind for my parts needs. Thanks!

Title: Re: Kawasaki & John Deere Question.
Post by: Kasperwing1 on March 12, 2023, 08:29:23 AM

I just found out that I may have a John Deere engine. It is a TB340A-C202. Can anyone here confirm that is for a John Deere?

Title: Re: Kawasaki & John Deere Question.
Post by: Interceptor398 on March 12, 2023, 01:10:41 PM

A bit of info.

https://jdsleds.com/jdsleds/forums/viewtopic.php?t=1362