New Exciter - Snowmobile Forum: Your #1 Snowmobile Forum

koolsledz · 05-16-2012, 11:12 AM

Just wanted to say hi...I have been a member on here for a couple years, but i changed my email address and my old member name was a lil too sled specific(koolcat). I recently bought and saved an 87 Exciter. Its in rough cosmetic shape but it runs...and thats all that matters right?

I have always wanted an exciter. After I got rid of my 90 Phazer II I have missed the yamahas. So being new to the Exciters i have a lot to learn and a lot of questions...Should my 87 have a coolant tank? Mine doesnt. How do i know when i have enough coolant. Also the main choke is broken and missing the cable to the left side carb. The thing that confuses me is that there is a type of choke swich up near the hood? Is this what it is or is it something else? Ive heard alot of bad things about butterlfy carbs? Whats the bad press about. Also Im not sure if the primary clutch is good or bad. It seems the stick after a while and not engage after being idle. Im not sure if i need to just take it apart and lube it, or replace it. It seems to have had issues before because someone used a hole saw and cut a hole out to gain access to the primary clutch bolt. Well Im sorry for the long post and all the questions. I dont think i did bad for 250 bux. I hope to get to know you all soon.

yamadad4 · 05-16-2012, 06:56 PM

coolant tank would be terminology, the exciters had what i would refer to as an overflow. more of a bottle than a tank in my opinion, kinda an odd shape, should be able to follow a small hose from under the cap to locate the bottle.

the exciters used a 1 into 2 cable for the choke and the flipper for the choke should be on the console just to the lefty of the key switch. flipper was sometimes labeled as "starter". you will want to correct that issue or you will fight cold starts. i remember mine as having round slides, but thats been some time back. no issues to my knowledge with the butterflies except synchronizing them.

sounds like your clutch needs attention. could be simply dirty or there may be some worn parts. neglect can do that. bushings on the rollers, bushings on the weights, along with the sliding sheave bushing and cover bushing can all come to play. open it up and have a look. i may have some parts clutches if needed.

Mpolly500 · 05-16-2012, 07:24 PM

Nice pick up. Fun older sled. The hole in the side is factory so you can take the clutch out without pulling the motor. Shoulda been a rubber plug in it though. Just do like yahmadad said an tear into it clean it up an check for wear.

Vmax540 · 05-17-2012, 10:41 AM

87's did not have the vents on the sides of the shroud and the 87 had a LC decal beside the Exciter emblem on the side panels. The 87's originally had butterfly carbs but, most were updated to Roundslides by Yamaha

YamahaSS440 · 05-17-2012, 11:01 AM

My friend had a bunch of old exciters a few years ago and if I remember correctly one or two of them had to choke like levers up by the dash. One was for choke obviously and they other was labeld decompression.

koolsledz · 05-17-2012, 04:18 PM

thanx for the warm welcome and the info...As for the coolant bottle..I traced it and I lost the hose somewere between the tunnel and the gas tank, but I still dont see it..I know on my 2000 pantera the bottle is right there in view..I guess I will have to look closer lol..I think you guys were also right on the decompression. I followed the lines and it runs to a lil lever right on each head, right by the intake. The choke will be getting fixed...I dont have arms of steel and I dont wanna pull till it falls off lol...I am going to be tearing the clutch apart and lubing it all up. Im hoping that fixes the issue..as of right now I will take it one day at a time..gotta love old vintage horsepower

YamahaSS440 · 05-18-2012, 11:12 AM

Woah there skipper, I don't think you should really 'lube' the clutch up! It needs to be cleaned with air, and maybe brake cleaner or a light solvent.

koolsledz · 05-18-2012, 02:53 PM

actually you can. Graphite spray is a dry lubricant that is made for clutches. I use the comet brand graphite spray on almost all my off road toys that have clutches. so you are correct you dont wanna go throwing grease or wd-40 or PB blaster in there..

YamahaSS440 · 05-21-2012, 11:23 AM

Ya that's what I meant.