Target Audience:
Owners and technicians seeking in-depth repair and maintenance information for the 1979 Kawasaki Drifter 340
Value Proposition:
Enables owners to perform maintenance and repairs themselves, saving costs and ensuring proper upkeep
Manual Type Advantage:
Factory service manual provides authoritative and detailed information superior to generic repair guides
Comprehensive Coverage:
Covers every nut and bolt for complete understanding and repair
User Friendliness:
Easy-to-read text and abundant illustrations facilitate understanding for all skill levels
Search Functionality:
Digital format allows for quick access to specific information
Factory Knowledge:
Transmits factory-trained technician knowledge directly to the owner
Engine Overhaul:
Complete engine disassembly, inspection, repair, and reassembly
Fuel System:
Carburetor adjustment, cleaning, and repair; fuel pump inspection; fuel lines
Ignition System:
Spark plug service, ignition coil testing, magneto inspection
Cooling System:
Liquid cooling system maintenance and repair (if applicable, though likely air-cooled for this era and model)
Drivetrain:
Clutch (drive and driven) inspection, adjustment, and replacement; chain drive maintenance and adjustment; track system maintenance
Suspension:
Front and rear suspension component inspection, lubrication, and repair; shock absorber service
Brakes:
Brake system inspection, adjustment, and component replacement
Electrical System:
Lighting system, wiring diagrams, switchgear inspection and repair
Body And Chassis:
Body panel removal and installation, chassis inspection and repair
Routine Maintenance:
Oil changes, lubrication points, spark plug replacement, air filter service, track tension adjustment
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic procedures for common performance issues, starting problems, and component failures
Component Repair:
Step-by-step repair instructions for all major and minor components
Disassembly Reassembly:
Detailed instructions for taking apart and putting back together all systems
Torque Specifications:
Crucial torque values for critical fasteners to ensure proper assembly
Adjustments:
Carburetor, clutch, brake, and track adjustments
Depth Of Coverage:
Comprehensive, from basic maintenance to complex repairs and rebuilds
Diagnostic Capabilities:
Advanced troubleshooting guidance for identifying root causes of problems
Rebuild Procedures:
Detailed instructions for engine and transmission rebuilds
Illustration Quality:
Numerous illustrations and diagrams to aid understanding
Text Readability:
Easy-to-read text with clear, concise instructions
Searchability:
Searchable PDF functionality for quick information retrieval
Printability:
Ability to print specific pages or the entire manual
Engine Type:
Two-stroke, piston-ported, forced air-cooled
Displacement:
338 cc (Cubic Centimeters)
Bore X Stroke:
Specific dimensions to be found within the manual
Compression Ratio:
To be specified in the manual
Horsepower Estimate:
Estimated 25-30 HP (typical for this displacement and era, to be confirmed by manual)
Torque Estimate:
To be confirmed by manual
Carburetor Type:
Likely a single Mikuni VM series carburetor (specific model number in manual)
Fuel Mixture:
Pre-mix gasoline and oil (specified ratio in manual)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline (likely 87 octane or higher, confirm with manual)
Overall Length:
To be specified in the manual
Overall Width:
To be specified in the manual
Overall Height:
To be specified in the manual
Dry Weight:
To be specified in the manual (likely in the 350-450 lb range)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
To be specified in the manual
Crash Test Ratings:
N/A (Snowmobiles of this era did not undergo formal crash testing like automobiles)
Braking System:
Drum brake system (typically rear-mounted)
Throttle Control:
Thumb throttle with safety detent/return spring
Kill Switch:
Engine kill switch located on the handlebar
Windscreen:
Provides some protection from wind and snow
Oil Change Interval:
Refer to manual for specific interval; typically every 100-150 operating hours or annually
Spark Plug Replacement:
Refer to manual; typically every 100-150 operating hours or annually
Clutch Inspection:
Refer to manual; recommended before each season and periodically during use
Track Tension Adjustment:
Refer to manual; check and adjust as needed, especially after initial break-in or heavy use
Engine Oil Type:
2-stroke engine oil, pre-mix (specific API/TCW rating recommended in manual)
Fuel Oil Ratio:
Typically 40:1 or 50:1, confirm with manual
Chaincase Lubricant:
Lightweight gear oil or grease (specific type and viscosity to be found in manual)
Carburetor Fouling:
Common in older 2-stroke engines due to fuel quality and carbon buildup
Clutch Wear:
Centrifugal clutches can wear over time, affecting engagement and performance
Track Damage:
Tears or missing lugs can occur from rough terrain or improper tension
Seizure:
Engine seizure can occur from lean fuel mixture, overheating, or lack of lubrication
Kawasaki Motorcycles Inc:
Kawasaki Heavy Industries, Ltd. has a long history in manufacturing motorcycles, ATVs, and other recreational vehicles.
Drifter Series:
The Drifter was part of Kawasaki's snowmobile lineup, known for reliability and performance in its class during the late 1970s and early 1980s.
Production Period:
1970s and early 1980s for Kawasaki snowmobiles
Manufacturing Location:
Likely manufactured in Japan or North America by Kawasaki
