Torque converter issue 72 a.c. panther - Snowmobile Forum: Your #1 Snowmobile Forum

oldie yungin · 03-05-2008, 11:51 AM

I thought i finally had the old panther going again.Its a 72 400 panther that has about 4xx original miles on it.I just replaced the engine and finally got to ride it after it put me through 6 years of hell.So i racked up enough miles to tune the carb and tool around the yard a couple miles and the original belt just melted and disintegrated which i thought nothing of and bought a new belt.I threw it on last weekend and started it up and it was still a no go.

oldie yungin · 03-05-2008, 12:01 PM

So i watched the converter while i revved it up and it wasn't pulling in all the way anymore.I popped it off and brought it into work. Its a salisbury 700 series and i looked at my service manuals and i don't see anything broken or missing.It doesn't look like any of the other ones i've had apart in the past it looks complicated.I tore it down and soaked all the parts in the parts washer.Other than cleaning and lubing it up does anyone have any suggestions on what to do next?Or a better diagram

**RJ Gleason** · 03-05-2008, 03:00 PM

Is that the primary or secondary that you are referring to?
I would replace it unless you are wanting to keep it all original.
A Comet 94 (duster) is a good choice for it.
The Salsbury clutches where notorious for grenading at high rpm.

oldie yungin · 03-05-2008, 08:11 PM

I would like to repair it as cheaply as possible. If what i did doesn't end up fixing it i'll have to get a used one from my local old sled guy. I want to ride it a little bit this winter and then i'm going to try to sell it. Its not really practical for me to have it. Anyone looking for a mint 72 panther?

**RJ Gleason** · 03-06-2008, 08:42 AM

Too bad you are so far away from me, I happen to have one of those Duster clutches.
$100 + shipping.

oldie yungin · 03-07-2008, 07:20 AM

The t.c. i have is a 700 series.The one that is supposed to be on the 340 is a 770 series which is rated to over 20 hp and the 700 is only rated to 15 hp.My dad got it used from our old sled guy but he must've not known the difference or not cared.The 400 i have in it now calls for a 910 series thats rated to 32 hp.Is it possible that the higher torque/hp could throw off the weaker t.c?I didn't see anything broken inside and all the guts are intact.It still works but it wont fully engage,it did on the 340

**RJ Gleason** · 03-07-2008, 12:53 PM

Spring and weights are different inside.
Unfortunately, you can not adjust them on those units.
The duster that I have is on a 440 right now and would work with the 400 with no changes.
You could change the spring and weight pucks to make it perform optimally for the 400.
If you are interested, give me a Zip and I will get a shipping price for it.

oldie yungin · 03-08-2008, 01:43 AM

I'm really hoping that my guy has one.Or at least one that will work.Does anyone know of a torque converter that has a similar offset to the salsburys from early 70s cats?I know the dusters are good clutches but if i can find a good used clutch for cheaper i'd buy it but my area of expertise is engines not drivetrain(i can understand some of the most complicated principles of engines but even simple transmission concepts still confuse me).It doesn't have to be original it just has to work so i can sell it

**RJ Gleason** · 03-08-2008, 07:23 AM

Clutching IQ - Northern Catalyst Performance Clutching Systems

oldie yungin · 03-16-2008, 01:45 PM

Okay after cleaning it all up and lubing the parts it took off just fine and then it did the exact same thing again.It goes really good for a little while and then its like the converter just disengages for no reason.I wait a little while and then it takes off again and then it slips again.What would make it do this?Its a 700 series salsbury converter/clutch.It went like a bat out of hell when i first rode it and then my dad rode it the next week and it started acting up..anyone know whats going on?

**RJ Gleason** · 03-17-2008, 04:25 AM

Take a look at the secondary unit, it's possible that the spring is either broken or just worn out.
Also, the plastic buttons on the helix ramps should be in good shape. If they appear to be worn more than half way through, replace them.

oldie yungin · 09-07-2008, 05:48 PM

I'll take a look at those. Does the secondary clutch come off like on my polaris (one bolt through the middle and falls off the shaft?) or is it more complicated?

**RJ Gleason** · 09-07-2008, 07:25 PM

Snap ring on the helix, take that off and check that the bushing is not binding and that the spring is OK and the slide buttons are not worn out.