1973 Tucker Sno Cat 1443 New to Me

[Track Addict]

First coat of preservation oil for the artwork on progress. Original east coast ski courtesy of Loggah!

 

[Track Addict]

Basement coming together. A Tucker center piece is needed to tie it together.

 

[Track Addict]

Intake manifold went to the blaster today.

Got the exhaust calyx save. Pretty neat stuff. Exhaust to intake seal was leaking for some time looking at the soot lines.

Bent some rails back. Vice quit today. Millennial of course!

 

[PJL]

The "Vice quit"? How long was the cheater bar?

 

[Track Addict]

If you can believe it 4 yo and 40 yo.

Put the top rail in applied Bri power pop. J. Tucker said what was that? One more and they we go.

2001 vintage of abuse so maybe time.

 

[Track Addict]

Inside a pontoon

 

[loggah]

Well you did it now !!!!!! you ruined the endangered pontoonasaures's habitat !!!!!

 

[Track Addict]

The inspiration for a Tucker tribute piece has been flowing for years. Had a general idea with its roots needing to be White Mountains NH and it’s eventual home. The active ingredient/catalyst was an original Tucker ski with NH history that needed to tell a story.

I am in the market for some pics of the saddle. I can see the outline on the ski but need more input of the metal work. Looks like angle of sorts mostly with some flat plate uprights to spindle.

Good bones have gone a long way on this forum for all of us! They will be represented well here I think.....

 

[Track Addict]

Intake manifold back from blaster. The heat pocket sealing surface between the manifolds needed some work. The exhaust leak that existed since I have owned pitted the surface a bit. I was able work it with a series of metal files to clean it up nicely. The remflex gasket should seal well.

The Red Coats are coming next. #1 again by land.

 

[Track Addict]

Definitely Red now. Project is now ready for assembly and back on the sno!

 

[Track Addict]

Needs to leave the bolts loose while mating up to head.

 

[Track Addict]

Studs sealed. Manifold in final position. Note the correct brass washers and special nuts on 1 and 13 studs.

 

[PJL]

I see where this is going now. Brian has to paint the rest of the engine or it won't look right.

 

[Track Addict]

In my life it’s coming out for seals at least. I figure when the clutch goes that will be the signal to color match. Although the valve cover might be targeted.

Next tasks is to torque all the track grouser bolts. Then a once over for the snow.

Hydraulic hoses are next maintenance item.

 

[Track Addict]

Manifolds all torqued three steps from manifold to manifold then intake to head working inside to outside landing at 7 ft/lb or 84 in/lb on the tiny torques.

Those lower nuts and retainers take some patience to get on!

Filled with antifreeze no leaks so far but really need to fire to get circulation and let the thermostat open on the slant.

Two brackets drying and two gasket should be ready to fire over the weekend.

 

[Track Addict]

Success! Much quieter plus starts idles and sounds better than ever.

On to the next one.

https://youtu.be/FXMdmFYgg5c

 

[redsqwrl]

any relation to MIke D?

 

[Track Addict]

Only Mike D I know was from a group called the Beastie Boys.

He must be awesome though?

 

[luvthemvws]

The camera angle might be deceiving, but the fuel filter position (at a higher placement, right after the fuel line travels past the hot exhaust manifold) might lead to vapor lock issues. I recommend some heat shielding to deflect the heat and/or making the fuel line shape an incline all the way to the carburetor.
Just a suggestion... not trying to be a wise-a$$.

 

[Track Addict]

Never gave it much thought but now that I looked at the setup I agree it needs improvement.

 

[Track Addict]

Here is the plan. Ordered some 3/8' Vapor/Heat Resistant Fuel Hose from Earl's performance as well as their hose clamps. Edlemann #822560 5/16 inverted flare 90 to 3/8 hose barb x 2. Wix inline metal fuel filter.

The filter needs to be after the pump. The fuel line currently takes a whimsical trip around the motor. Plan is to come 90 degrees alongside the PCV and vacuum lines down to the other 90 on the pump. Fuel filter will go inline above the pump vertically.

Thanks for the feedback and idea which always appreciated!

 

[Track Addict]

Picking away at another Track Addiction waiting on some Tucker parts. Any snowmobile people will enjoy the new tech we use here in the East ice luge hard pack trails.

Triple point carbides and new composite backing plates that the stud
self threads into. Traction has evolved quickly from the days of the T nut.

This setup you soak in hot soapy water and run in flush. Composite backer adds support and additional traction. The plastic is much like some nice tucker rollers I saw once.

 

[sno-drifter]

Here is the plan. Ordered some 3/8' Vapor/Heat Resistant Fuel Hose from Earl's performance as well as their hose clamps. Edlemann #822560 5/16 inverted flare 90 to 3/8 hose barb x 2. Wix inline metal fuel filter.

The filter needs to be after the pump. The fuel line currently takes a whimsical trip around the motor. Plan is to come 90 degrees alongside the PCV and vacuum lines down to the other 90 on the pump. Fuel filter will go inline above the pump vertically.

Thanks for the feedback and idea which always appreciated!

Why not just install an electric fuel pump so the hose can be located far away from heat sources? Electric pumps make for long lasting starter motors too. If you are paranoid about it pumping fuel in a roll over, install a gravity shut off switch.
Your engine will love it too.

 

[Track Addict]

Sticking with the time tested mechanical. More wires and this single barrel doesn’t like much pressure so would need a pressure regulator.

This setup is much cleaner and should address the valid concerns raised.

Snow on the way next few days so if we are lucky will get to make some tracks.

J.Tucker observing begins the safety glass viewing gallery. Celebrating 3 years since the 442 munched my leg. Everybody be safe and think this winter!

 

[m1west]

Sticking with the time tested mechanical. More wires and this single barrel doesn’t like much pressure so would need a pressure regulator.

This setup is much cleaner and should address the valid concerns raised.

Snow on the way next few days so if we are lucky will get to make some tracks.

J.Tucker observing begins the safety glass viewing gallery. Celebrating 3 years since the 442 munched my leg. Everybody be safe and think this winter!

Routing your fuel line between the heater hoses may be promoting vapor lock and after reading your posts showing you leg I never start my Tucker from the outside no matter how tempted to do so. Im sorry you got to be the poster boy on that one but will probably save someone else from the same fate or worse. Marty

 

[Track Addict]

Never had vapor lock issues to begin. Internet says mostly summer drivers in the old dodges. If anything this setup should be cooler than the previous. If I have issues I know where to look.

 

[Track Addict]

Early sno pack and tucker use already more than last season!

First Sno Cat rescue missions of the season. J. Tucker at age 4 doing well in his hand me down sled. Lots of stuck tonight. Checked the 5 miles of trails and the slant performed well. Quieter and more power. Thinking an upgraded ignition will be a worthy improvement for performance.

More inches coming tonight. Hope this is a good winter?

Cat nap.

 

[LakeTucker]

So Jealous.. Storm underperformed here in Central NH. Not enough to fire up the Tucker.

 

[DAVENET]

Drag it south. Two feet at the house currently and still snowing lightly.

 

[DAVENET]

Wife driving the Tucker? Or has a clan of college chicks been using it as a party rig??

Either answer above is acceptable. Just don't tell me "there ain't no laws when you're drinking Claws". That would justify revocation of your man card.