Author Topic: I just found my invader and need some help!  (Read 3329 times)

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mikesnowman

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I just found my invader and need some help!
« on: December 09, 2017, 05:24:52 PM »
Hello, I am new to this forum and look forward to being here. I just picked up this "79" 440 invader. I could not believe how clean it is. Supposedly one owner who said that it has a custom paint job. . So here are my questions; the Serials number say 440a-010582. does that indicate its an 82? also the brake rotor seems wobbly if you grab it, is this normal? The rear suspension does not really squat down when you sit on it even when the shock is in the loosest setting. I can pull it up a bit as it pivots at an arm in front of the rear idlers. Should I consider replacing the cranks seal? In looking i can see sealant dripped from the case so I think it has been done. Sled has 1100 miles.
Thanks!!

mswyka

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Re: I just found my invader and need some help!
« Reply #1 on: December 09, 2017, 06:42:22 PM »
Welcome and congratulations on the "new" old Invader.  They are great sleds.  Is that the complete serial number?  A 79 Invader should be something like SS440A2-********.

Brake rotor wobbly - after 1100 miles, yes it will be wobbly, but that may not mean there is a problem.
Suspension will not travel - probably needs to be disassembled and serviced.
Crank seals - most definitely.  Good crank seals and carb boots will make or break a good experience with this sled.

We have had Kawasaki sleds since the early 2000s.  When we try to run them without checking them over inside and out, they generally don't run very long before a problem develops.  Now we pull them all apart, check them out, and replace parts that are worn out of the service tolerance. 

There are others on this site who have had these sleds much longer than I have who can probably give you some better advice.

Do you have a manual?
Intruders:  1978, 1979, 1981 Custom (Pink)
Invaders:   1980 440
Projects:    1981 Invader 440

Boomologist

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Re: I just found my invader and need some help!
« Reply #2 on: December 09, 2017, 06:53:28 PM »
Hi,
Very nice find!
This is from the listing of sled numbers and engine numbers:
1978 Invader 440 - Model No: SS440A Engine: TC440A
1979 Invader 440 - Model No: SS440-A2 Engine: TC440A

Yes, the brake rotor should be loose/wobbly. It floats on a splined shaft and should have some free play.

These engines have very close tolerances both in the mechanical parts and in fuel/oil ratios. They will not tolerate a lean mixture. It's extremely important that all seals on the engine don't leak air or a lean condition will occur. Lean will usually melt a piston.
Perhaps you can ask the previous owner if he knows if/when seals were replaced.

And yes, get a genuine Kawasaki manual for this sled. Not one of those "one size fits all" manuals
« Last Edit: December 09, 2017, 06:59:22 PM by Boomologist »

Boomologist

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Re: I just found my invader and need some help!
« Reply #3 on: December 09, 2017, 07:00:50 PM »
Also, what part of the country are you in?

mikesnowman

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Re: I just found my invader and need some help!
« Reply #4 on: December 10, 2017, 06:28:57 AM »
I live in Iowa.  I was planning to disassemble the carbs and clean, check the boots and then take out motor flip over and crack apart...I do not  want to but was planning to.

Interceptor398

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Re: I just found my invader and need some help!
« Reply #5 on: December 10, 2017, 08:22:49 AM »
Welcome to the site!  All good advice so far.  The suspension not squatting likely means the cross shafts may be frozen and should be serviced as suggested.  Good luck!

gixxer6

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Re: I just found my invader and need some help!
« Reply #6 on: December 10, 2017, 09:30:19 AM »
Welcome!  Nice sled! It looks really clean! 

Boomologist

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Re: I just found my invader and need some help!
« Reply #7 on: December 10, 2017, 12:59:16 PM »
"In looking i can see sealant dripped from the case "
Is it silicone sealant (RTV) or something else?

mikesnowman

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Re: I just found my invader and need some help!
« Reply #8 on: December 10, 2017, 01:34:20 PM »
it looks like a pliable crankcase sealant.......white/cream in color.

Boomologist

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Re: I just found my invader and need some help!
« Reply #9 on: December 10, 2017, 03:16:50 PM »
It's difficult to determine what was used but it sounds right.
It's always a gamble trying to guess what someone else did to a machine. From your pictures it appears the previous owner took pride in his work which is a huge plus.

kawhead

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Re: I just found my invader and need some help!
« Reply #10 on: December 11, 2017, 08:54:31 AM »
1979 model imo.[tie rods, sheet molded hood]...those suspensions are an easy r+r,your shafts are stuck, also check brackets at the rails for cracks