Engine replacement?

Cuda54

Active Member
#1
I would like to put a 340 2cycle into my TRI-ROD anyone ever use a 340 Yamaha snowmobile engine in anything? I know TRI-SPORTS used snowmobile engines like this. So I thought about putting this into my TRI-ROD I would change the primary and secondary too. I think it would make it more fun to ride with a 340 I have a 10hp Tecumseh on it now. Has anyone ever used any snowmobile engine on anything like a mini bike or go cart?
 
#2
All kinds of snowmobile engine swaps on minis and go carts on youtube. Dont recall ever seeing one on a trike but I've never really looked at trikes much. I'm sure there are some out there.
 

Cuda54

Active Member
#4
I was looking for info on the 340 Yamaha engine. I know the trike use them. But has anyone on here ever put one into a mini or cart? This is in my rides. IMG_3074.JPG
 
#5
I haven't seen or heard of any trike that came with a 340 Yamaha. But, millions of the engines are out there. Decent, reliable, mild state of tune. The 300/340 are just different bore. The later 410 had plated instead of sleeved jugs, crowded the limits of the stud spacing. I have a 300 that needs a rod replaced, but otherwise complete. Local Craigslist, scrap yard, etc.
 

Cuda54

Active Member
#9
The 340 Yamaha is just the smallest twin cylinder I know of right now. All of the Counja and the JLOs Artic Cats and Rotax are 440s or bigger. Some of the real old ones were 290 to 340 singles. I know it is not supposed to be on there but it is what I want to do. I want it to run a little faster and have more power to go anywhere. I even have the ski for it to play in the snow.
 
#10
Physically, they are quite a bit smaller than a lot of twins.
They're cheap, light, compact, has the twin sound and smoothness. A bit plastic-y for vintage looks.
My Hirth 338s are taller, narrower, give up a little top end for a mean midrange.
I'm still hunting for a Polaris 372 single. Some were 396cc in the racers. BIG piston :)
Either way, tripling the horsepower on the rigid-axle short wheelbase machine should make for cool wheelies.
I'd set the clutch up a little softer than stock.
 

bikebudy

Banned - Must pay $500
#11
If its the older style Yamaha, they lean a fair bit forward for the way they were mounted on a snowmobile.
However, you can get it standing straight up just by changing the way the engine mount works.

I have used a 340, 2 cyl Kawasaki engine out of a John Deere snowmobile, put into a trike.
With the snowmobile clutch drive and the gear ratio I used, it would do 50mph down the pavement.
Had to load the front wheel with fluid, in order to keep the front wheel on the ground and removed speed vibration.
 
#12
I've run several JLo singles on Tri Sport TS series ,some came original and they are the ones I like the best. Your Tri Rod should be a easy trike to do this to & is a heavier trike & has a strong frame. But does yours have the independent rear suspension ? BGW used rubber donuts for universal joints on the axle and I don't know how they'd hold up to the power of a twin. If you found a vintage Kohler 340 or 290(twin)it should fit in there pretty easy and depending on sprockets would get you up to 65mph...maybe more !
Once you ride a 2 stroke trike you'll never go back to a 4 stroke Briggs or Tech.
My stock 230-290 single JLo Alsport TS trikes hit 48-51mph...but do it quickly !
 

Cuda54

Active Member
#14
Thanks! I think I can get the whole sled for $50 it is a 1980 340 exciter. I have a independent rear axle it has rubber to flex the axle now. But I plan on putting in new universal joints when I put in the new engine. I rode a TRISPORT my cousin as a kid so when I got the TRI-ROD. I had plans to make it run that way.
 
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bikebudy

Banned - Must pay $500
#15
Well the Exciter will not have the " Lean forward engine " so that's a plus.

CDI ignition, Float carb, You will need to do something about the throttle cable and choke set up.

Should be a good engine with about 35hp ( off the top of my head ) an not checking.

However, you may need a different prime clutch, I think Yamaha's is a splined shaft clutch.

What size is your axle / jack shaft?
 
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#16
Well the Exciter will not have the " Lean forward engine " so that's a plus.

CDI ignition, Float carb, You will need to do something about the throttle cable and choke set up.

Should be a good engine with about 35hp ( off the top of my head ) an not checking.

However, you may need a different prime clutch, I think Yamaha's is a splined shaft clutch.

What size is your axle / jack shaft?


32hp, close enough. Non-splined clutch on those later-designed jobs, should be 30mm 1/10 taper. Doesn't even have the hokey 2bbl carb nightmare, and should accept an e-start if not equipped. Making cables isn't a bad job. I'd stick to pre-made for brakes though :)
 

Cuda54

Active Member
#17
Well what I had planed was to use driver and driven. I has a single carb and had planed on putting disc brakes one on each wheel. The jack shaft will have to fit the driven then adjust the gearing after I see how it runs. I had planed on the electric start and use a wheel chair sealed battery. I use one on my 1978 Harley with a 93ci Stroker kit and high torque starter it is smaller than the stock one too. It is a deep cycle too! I used to run a 377 Rotax with twin carbs and loved that little motor. I would clean and adjust it as needed. It would out run a lot of 440s and yes it would pull the skis. But right now I just can not find one or that is what I would use I like twin carbs too. I think the axles are 1" and they will have new universal joints too. I also plan on new bearing if any of the old one are no up to pare.
 
#18
You should be able to adapt/modify the sled's jackshaft for use on the trike.
I don't think there were any twin-carb Yamahas that used that odd 3-bolt pattern.
Easy to whip up adapters, but a single slide type is easy and plenty.
Stock carb is 34mm.
 
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