Author Topic: 1981 340 Drifter  (Read 1680 times)

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whitley1983

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1981 340 Drifter
« on: October 19, 2020, 02:21:04 AM »
Just picked up a running 1981 340 drifter. Last winter I tore down and rebuilt a 1980 440 Drifter down to the crank so I’m pretty familiar with the engine but this year they added the oil injection. I plan I’m pulling the motor out and the suspension and looking through everything and will def replace the crank seals but just curious if there’s anything related to the oil injection that I should replace or look at closely while I have it all torn apart.
1980 440 Drifter, 1978 440 Invader

gixxer6

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Re: 1981 340 Drifter
« Reply #1 on: October 19, 2020, 10:45:40 AM »
I'm not familiar with the Drifters, but I always make sure the Invader oil pumps don't leak before installing it.  The motor needs to be removed from the sled to change the pump, nothing worse than putting a sled together just to find out you need to pull the motor again.  The Invader pumps like to leak around the shaft.  They don't leak much, but it can be a nuisance.  Cleaning the pump thoroughly, then filling it with oil and let sit on the bench overnight will tell if it's a leaker. 

Good luck! 

Interceptor398

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Re: 1981 340 Drifter
« Reply #2 on: October 19, 2020, 09:22:05 PM »
I have 3 of the 81 Drifters and none of them have had trouble with the oil injection, GREAT sleds!

mswyka

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Re: 1981 340 Drifter
« Reply #3 on: October 20, 2020, 05:09:44 PM »
My recommendation would be to not take the oil injection apart.  If it has been connected for its full life, and if the oil entering the pump has been clean, then there should be no issues.  If there are missing hoses and/or if you see grit and grime in any of  the oil ports then there could be an issue.  Failure on these pumps will put more oil into the engine than necessary so there  should not be a problem with damaging the engine, just possibly making more smoke than necessary.
Intruders:  1978, 1979, 1981 Custom (Pink)
Invaders:   1980 440
Projects:    1981 Invader 440