QuestionThis is great stuff, you mention a link to show me what a CDI box looks like. I don't see it in your email. Do the spark plug wires unscrew from the ignition coil?
Thanks, Dwayne
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Arcticatman, you say one thing to add, and you refer me to this site. Did I miss your answer to my question? Or is your answer to go to this site?
Thanks, Dwayne
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I have a 1979 John Deere 340 Trailfire sled. I am not getting spark out of the plugs or the spark plug wires. The wires connect to a black box on the 340, which looks like you can't get into (a sealed unit). Any suggestions on what to further test or is this black box (distributer?) bad? Where would I find parts? Thanks for your help!
Dwayne
Answer -
Dwayne, one thing to add, this site is really helpful and handy for John Deere enthusiasts, http://www.angelfire.com/pa2/jdsleds/home.html . --Arcticatman
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Dwayne, here is my response that didn't get to you earlier, hope it helps, good luck, let me know how you make out, or if you need any help! --Arcticatman
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Hello Dwayne,
You have a nice year and model deere there! The box you are seeing is the ignition coil. They fail after 15-20 years generally, and are very easy to replace. Before you buy a coil though, be sure that you are using new spark plugs of the correct type. The proper plugs are NGK BR8ES, gapped at 0.032 in. There is another part that is failure prone on vintage sleds, too. It is the CDI box, generally attached to the engine, and held down with 2 bolts. The CDI will have small wire(s) coming out of it, and is no larger than your fist, here is a link that will show you what it looks like: It will cost around 130 dollars usually for a new CDI box. When the CDI box, or coil fail, you will not get any spark. If I'm not mistaken, the engine on your sled is a Fireburst, and was designed by John Deere, and produced by Kawasaki. Because of that, you may have a hard time finding these parts. My recommendation is to take the coil and CDI box out, and take them to your snowmobile dealer ( some small engine repair shops will do this, too). Ask them to test both parts, it should cost close to nothing, and will really save money, this way you will know for sure what to replace. You are right, these are both sealed units, and cannot be disassembled. I hope you are able to get it fixed before it starts snowing! Let me know if I can help you with any other questions at all! Good luck with the Deere! --Arcticatman
AnswerHello Dwayne,
I think some things must not be working quite right here at all experts today, sorry for the trouble! Here is the link for the CDI : http://www.denniskirk.com/jsp/product_catalog/Product.jsp?skuId=42407&store=Main
As far as the spark plug wires are concerned, there are two types, on most, you can simply unscrew them, and they will come right off. On others, the wires are permanently connected to the coil and if you buy a new coil, they will come connected and installed on it. If you do need spark plug wires, you can get decent ones here: http://www.denniskirk.com/jsp/product_catalog/Product.jsp?skuId=2067&store=Main& Another few sites that might carry various parts for your sled would be : www.alssnowmobile.com and www.mfgsupply.com . Another site that is very helpful, and seems to carry all those hard to find parts for below the rip off price is Royal Distributing: http://www.royaldistributing.com/servlet/MiddleRedirect?page=index1.html . I can't say for sure, but I'm almost positive these guys will have the coil and CDI for the Trailfire if you need them.
Hope this helps you! Good luck on the sled! --Arcticatman
