1972 Ski-Doo Blizzard 293 3 cylinder saved from the woods

[sconnierider]

I was about 12 years old when first introduced to this sled. Buddy of my parents in N. Wisc. raced it on weekends at the little circle tracks that cropped up everywhere. Was as fascinated with it then as I am today. He's had it in a barn for 20 some years and the balance of those years it sat in the woods alongside his home. Been dogging him to let me restore it to it's original awesomeness. Almost had it 3 years ago and he changed his mind. Well, about a month back, he said yes and I was up there in a jiffy with my trailer to snag it. I plan on keeping this gents legacy alive by not altering the outside of the hood or existing paint scheme, it's simply cool as h$ll. Will lay some glass on the inside to strengthen it up a bit. Mechanically, I plan on making it right. Crazy as it is, the engine is loose. Compression is 136,135,125 (L to Rt). Tails of the skid are a bit of a mess. Usual other items like fuel tank and seat are roached.  Am now seeking the following;
-drive sprockets
-ski shocks
-kill switch
-throttle cable
-brake line
-seat (has the fuel tank fill coming out the center)
-rubber tip for the ski's
-rear flap
-skid. Yep, I'd buy a skid if someone had one
-rubber engine mounts
-hand grips
-fuel tank

And any / all advice you throw my way. I know many of these parts are as rare as hens teeth and I'll have to go repro but that doesn't concern me.

Thanks,  David

[Vintagesleds.com]

[Brokenleg]

WOW I remember that sled and the dealership.. The building is still there and If Im thinking right its a cat dealer today.. I live about 15-20 miles north of the dealership.. That's just awesome your going to restore the sled. Pretty sure their last name was Marquart.. Correct me if Im wrong that was a long time ago.

Brokenleg

[HudCo]

thats a cool sled them pistons must be tiny

[sconnierider]

The guy that I knew and rode with is Tom Fryderich and lived just north of Armstrong Creek, WI.   He did tell me that the sled was raced before it was offered to him by Duane's.

[sconnierider]

And yes, those pistons are tiny!   Like 3 chainsaw engines smacked together. About the same diameter as the throat of the carb itself.  Note the cobweb on the bottom of the piston!

[sconnierider]

OK,, dilemma time. Leaning on the collective wisdom here.   Trying to get the driveshaft out. The shaft itself is rusted to the inner race on the RT side bearing. The bearing holder itself is rusted to the outside race.  Any ideas on how to get it off without destroying it?
Soaked it with PB and used a blue torch a bit. Similiar metals so heating isn't going to be as effective.
Thanks,

[Tom Priebe]

Have you slid the shaft over and removed the track?  I'm guessing you have removed the seal since you know where it is rusted.  I know it's a tight fit, but you can try grinding on both the inner and outer bearing races to pop out the ball bearings.

[kube1]

It's been my experience that fire and a mallet may be your best bet. Those suck to remove when they're rusty.

[sconnierider]

Thanks for the responses, going to have at it again tomorrow.

[sconnierider]

Hello again,
I'd like to get this engine cleaned up and I'm not sure what process is the most tried and true. Chemical bath or some kind of media blasting, maybe pecan or soda?   Any tips?  The case and carbs are pretty grungy.    Do the carbs intact and then disassemble?   Same with the engine?

This is what I'm looking at;

[zoom]

IMO do the carbs before disassembly . Do engine after disassembly.

[sconnierider]

Getting there. Still contending with that drive shaft and the bearing stuck to both the drive shaft and that retaining cup that bolts to the outside of the tunnel. 

Did find the old Bombardier tag affixed on the tunnel. Was painted over but with a little brake cleaner and a bronze brush, it came out well.
So am I to assume this is sled #32 of the 293cc size?

[zoom]

Wouldn't the build date make it a 1972 model ?   I thought it looked like a 72 , but I'm a Cat guy , so don't  know for sure.  

[sconnierider]

You are correct, trying to change my header now. Was having celebratory old-fashioneds when I penned my opener 

[Tom Priebe]

I would say to make this easy on yourself, cut the outside of the bearing cup.  They are easy to replace.  Either split it in line with the driveshaft, or use a sawzall and cut the cup from the mounting flange.