Clutch Problem 79' Polaris TXL

[Monkeyjoe]

I am new to this forum and new to sledding. I just got a 1979 Polaris TXL 340. I am sure it is all stock. It is hard starting. Once it is started it will run but it is noticably slow at first to get up to the higher RPM range. Once you give it some throttle it screams really nice. Also once I get it running the clutch doesn't engage until it hits 5,000 on the tach. I have noticed that the belt slips too if I get into any deep snow. My Question is what can I do to help it start easier with out using any Starting fluid. And does anyone know at what RPM the clutch should engage. Is there anything I can do to the clutch to service it. I would really like to do it myself if there is any advice out there. Thanks in advance.



MJ.

 

[theultrarider]

5000 rpm is about right for that motor. They make no power down low. I think I had mine coming in closer to 6000. As for rebuilding it yourself, you can change the weights and springs yourself but for a full rebuild, you will be money ahead to take it to a shop to have it done. It takes a couple hundred dollars of special tools and alot of knowledge to get them right. As for hard starting, how fresh is that motor? Do a compression check. If it is under 120-130 that is probably your problem if your carbs are clean and you have fresh fuel. Hope this helps. Good Luck
Tim

 

[SFaulken]

I don't know about the 79, but I had an 80 TX-L and an 82 TX-L Indy, and the best thing I ever did was pull the 38mm carbs, and toss 34's on them. That motor is a screamer (actually ended up putting the motor out of the 80 in a '93 Wedge SKS Chassis). With the 38's the mileage was crap, and too much WOT would foul plugs all the time, with the 34's I could run WOT all day long and not be changing plugs every ride.

As far as having to use starting fluid, that's not good. I'd check all the fuel lines, clean the carbs, make sure the fuel pump is doing it's thing, and maybe even swap out the CDI Ignition module make sure you're getting good spark. You shouldn't need bangwater to get it going.

 

[dpsnodno]

If the sled has sat for any amount of time I would check the choke plungers to start. Have had them stick before and makes for a pain in the azz on start up. Starting fluid= bad idea. Unscrew them from the carb, clean and lube them up. May help, may be something else. The RPM's on engagement are pretty close. I put a P-85 open clutch on my 77, made a huge difference. Comes in about 5500 rpm, pulls hard from there up.