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It’s true, these sleds would be a lot harder to rebuild without internet sources. FB gets its share of criticism (and justifiably so) but the brand-specific vintage sled groups are a great source for information, parts, and entire sleds. Occasionally, unexpected parts finds will even show up on...

Gary, it's pretty funny that I learned about the true definition from a former female co-worker. Can’t remember how it came up in the conversation though. I’m confident that I have a decent starting point but probably not the final answer. There are still a few things I want to check as it...

Thanks guys, it is a bit of a monkey off my back. Could do some minor tuning but think it’s very ride-able as is. After I put the case back together it occurred to me just how compact these old motors are when they’re stripped down to the basics. Got everything plugged into the electrical...

Don't think this needs an explanation: Merry Christmas to me I guess:)

Gary, it's definitely a "rider forward" design. Wind protection seems a little lacking but maybe it never went fast enough. I think I remember Indian Head. Think it was pretty much the same as the Permatex version. With the little dip brush, it wasn't the most precise application system...

Since I always appreciate a mildly warped sense of humor, this gave me a good laugh. Only Mr. Nash could pick up on this but now that you have, there will be many times I will look at this thread title and think: “The Nam-eh-sock-kee”. No doubt it will bring a smile each time.

I do not have one. I should put together some kind of leak-down test kit for checking these old cases. I guess the trick is to get it built and installed correctly so I have confidence in it not producing false leak readings. It’s a long shot but I’ll do some checking around town and see what I...

The seepage thing on the seal may have happened but I’m thinking it shouldn’t have. It seems like the seal should have been good enough to keep the oil in the engine. I have a mystery for you guys: Cleaning the case today (saving the alcohol for a better purpose), I discovered brown sealant in...

I tore into the sled motor today and got the bottom end taken apart. I’m not sure whether it created more answers or questions. Before I even split the case, I saw oil seepage behind the stator plate. It looked like it was coming from between the seal and the case and not the crank. Not right in...

Yes, I agree that this is a good starting point. In this case, the idle screw had virtually no effect. In fact, full choke wouldn't kill the engine - had to put my hand over the carb to kill it (no wiring yet to kill the ignition). There's a major air leak somewhere. Thanks guys for the...

No offense, but that explains a few things. You know I love ya Gary!

Kirk, the belt change is super-easy, no tools or foul language required. mike1970 and euphoric1, I did manage to make some smoke in the shop today. Started the RTX for the first time with a tank fuel supply. Fired right up but it’s not quite time to break out the good beer. It won’t idle...

I received an awesome, American-made carb adaptor boot from Rick down at Rick’s Rupps here in MN, which allowed me to mount a Mikuni VM36 carb instead of the original diaphragm version. The adaptor for the Sachs manifold has to have 3” bolt centers, which makes them a little harder to come by...

Happy Birthday Mezz!

I don't know how you get so much accomplished while still working full time. I have all I can do to get a couple of bolts removed in a day and I don't have that pesky distraction of a job. I suspect that if I were to do a time-lapse of my shop activity it would probably confirm what I suspect...

Considering that the deflector is actually there for the belt to rub on it’s an interesting approach to a problem. Guess they didn’t have a lot of options for a faster solution. Gary, a lot can be accomplished on these projects by just being willing to put in the time. A little mechanical...

Trying to work off a little turkey today. Motor is now snugly mounted. Had to go to the Skiroule experts to learn the function of the “mystery piece”. Turns out it’s a deflector to keep one of the front motor mount bolts from tearing up the belt. This was probably a lesson learned the hard way...

Yes, Happy Thanksgiving! Lots to be thankful for on this home front. Hoping everyone has a great day however you plan to spend it.

I guess I know who to see if I need clutch work done :). I’ve talked to Don Soukup (AKA Dr. Mario) on a number of occasions at different vintage events and have bought seat covers, tracks, and a bunch of small stuff from him, all of which have been top quality items. Interesting guy and he’s...

Yes, I especially have a lot to be thankful for this Thanksgiving holiday. When I’m tempted to start whining about my limitations, I just have to think about how my cardiologist put it. He told me I could just as easily be spending the rest of my life in a nursing home. It could have gone that...