1981 Yamaha Enticer 340 - Skid Shock Question

[happyhab]

I am rebuilding this sled on a budget.

I need to replace the shock in the skid. There's just one in the back.

Someone mentioned that I could use an automotive shock so long as I get the closed dimension correctly. It appears this would save about half the cost. I am also a heavier driver at about 240lbs plus we'll be hauling some supplies on a back rack.

Has anyone ever tried a heavier automotive style shock with success?

Thanks

 

[chris189]

Hey it's cool you are fixing up one of the best sleds ever made! Yes you can use an automotive shock but it will not perform the same. Auto shocks typically don't have any compression damping. That means they only work when they extend. Their primary job is to stop the car from bouncing.
Where are you located? Pm me if you want. I might have one.

 

[happyhab]

I agree, these are great sleds!

We're moving on from local field runs to the trails this winter and that's why I am going over them with a fine tooth comb.

I have a friend at Napa that got me a shock for $40, which was quite a bit cheaper than $70 at Royal Distributing, so I am going to give it a try and see what happens.

I am just east of Peterborough. Might be in the market for a good used muffler for the '81 as well. I have patched mine up, but a lot of areas are paper thin now.

As far as prepping the machines for max reliability I have done the following:

- cleaned carbs
- set oil pumps to max (apparently these machines run lean on oil at low revs and another mechanic said to set the pump to rich and even put a blurp of oil in the gas tank when filling up in case of a pump failure)
- went through all wiring connections and added split loom to everything
- checked/replaced belts
- chain tension, oil
- skids removed and completed rebuilt and all cross shafts greased
- even rebuilt the seats and added some more foam!

The next big task will be trying to get the track tension set properly. I've got the owners manual and am just trying to decide whether to go through the hassle of buying some kind of weigh scale, or just weigh up some scrap metal to hang off the track.....any advice?

Also, did you see my other post about the torn front skid mount hole. Do you have a similar model that you could forward a pic from?

http://www.totallyamaha.net/forums/...ont-Skid-Mount-Hole-Location-Mine-are-roached