Segment:
Entry-level to mid-range recreational snowmobile
Competitors 1979:
Arctic Cat, Ski-Doo, Polaris, Yamaha snowmobiles of similar displacement and era
Target Audience:
Owner-operators, DIY mechanics, vintage snowmobile enthusiasts
Value Proposition:
Empowers owners to perform maintenance and repairs confidently, saving time and money.
Engine Mechanical:
Engine overhaul, disassembly, assembly, tuning, lubrication, cooling
Fuel System:
Carburetor adjustment, fuel pump, fuel lines, fuel tank
Ignition System:
Spark plugs, ignition coils, CDI unit, timing
Drive System:
Clutch (primary and secondary), drive chain, sprockets
Suspension And Steering:
Front ski suspension, rear suspension, shock absorbers, steering mechanism
Brakes:
Brake system components, adjustment, repair
Electrical System:
Wiring diagrams, lighting, battery, starter, alternator
Body And Chassis:
Body panels, seat, track, hull maintenance
Routine Maintenance:
Oil changes, lubrication, track tension adjustment, spark plug replacement
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic procedures for common and uncommon problems
Engine Repair:
Piston replacement, cylinder head service, crankshaft inspection
Transmission Repair:
Clutch service, belt replacement, gear inspection
Electrical Diagnostics:
Component testing, wiring repair, troubleshooting electrical faults
Suspension Overhaul:
Shock absorber servicing, ski alignment, rear suspension linkage maintenance
Depth:
Comprehensive, covering basic to advanced repairs and diagnostics
Presence Of Illustrations:
Hundreds of illustrations to aid in repair and maintenance
Search Functionality:
Searchable PDF for easy navigation
Printable Pages:
Printable pages for hands-on use
Engine Type:
2-stroke, piston-ported, air-cooled twin cylinder
Displacement:
432 cc (26.3 ci)
Bore X Stroke:
62.0 mm x 72.0 mm (approximate, specific factory data may vary)
Horsepower:
Estimated 30-35 HP (specific figures vary by tuning and altitude)
Torque:
Not readily available in public specifications, typically in the 25-30 lb-ft range.
Carburetion:
Dual Mikuni VM carburetors (likely 30-32mm, specific size to be confirmed in manual)
Ignition Type:
Capacitor Discharge Ignition (CDI)
Cooling Method:
Air-cooled
Lubrication Method:
Pre-mix (gasoline and 2-stroke oil ratio specified in manual, typically 40:1 or 50:1)
Transmission Type:
Automatic CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) with chain drive
Clutch System:
Torque sensing primary clutch and centrifugal secondary clutch
Gear Reduction:
Internal gear reduction within the drive case
Drive Case Oil:
Specific gear oil type and viscosity (e.g., SAE 80W-90, to be detailed in manual)
Dashboard Features:
Basic instrumentation: speedometer, tachometer, engine temperature light, oil indicator (if equipped).
Braking System:
Hydraulic disc brake (rear), mechanical drum brake (front or secondary on some models, manual will clarify)
Oil Change:
Pre-mix ratio specified in manual; check for plug fouling and inspect drive case oil annually or per operating hours.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Recommended based on usage, typically every 100-200 hours or as needed for performance.
Clutch Inspection:
Inspect clutch sheaves, weights, and springs regularly for wear and damage, especially before heavy use.
Track Tension:
Check and adjust track tension as per manual recommendations (typically 1/2 to 1 inch deflection).
2 Stroke Oil:
High-quality 2-stroke snowmobile oil, pre-mixed with gasoline at the specified ratio (e.g., API-TC rated).
Drive Case Oil Type:
Specific gear oil (e.g., SAE 80W-90) - exact specification from manual is critical.
Carburetor Icing:
Common in cold, humid conditions; manual will cover cleaning and potential remedies.
Clutch Wear:
Sheave wear, belt slipping, and spring fatigue can impact performance.
Exhaust System Maintenance:
Carbon buildup in exhaust ports and muffler can reduce power.
Suspension Component Wear:
Bushings, shock absorbers, and suspension linkages are subject to wear over time.
Kawasaki Motorsports:
Kawasaki's entry into the snowmobile market leveraged their expertise in engine and powersports manufacturing.
Drifter Series:
The Drifter line was Kawasaki's offering in the competitive mid-70s to early 80s snowmobile market, focusing on reliability and trail performance.
Production Years:
Kawasaki produced snowmobiles roughly from the mid-1970s to the early 1980s. The Drifter 440 was a key model during this period.
