J17 questions

[dezrcr822]

Hi, I need some info on a J17 cart. If im reading my notes right it is the 1982 model with the two stroke engine. I have heard others call them the dreaded 82 models. Can anyone elaborate as to why? It is a running and complete cart that needs some work and the price is right. Is there an issue with getting parts for an 1982 or were there other issues? I have no problems with mechanics as its my trade but I dont want to buy something that is obscure and hard to find parts for if at all. Any input is appreciated, thanks.

[Spicyunicorn]

82 was odd ball year for the motor every other year had the same motor so it's hard to get a top end kit for the 82 other than the motor everything else is the same

[dezrcr822]

Ok. Can another cylinder and piston be used or overbore and bigger piston? How about the bottom end are there issues there as well? Can the reeds be replaced easily or are they hard to come by too?This cart runs well, im just thinking down the road if a rebuild is needed. Thanks again.

[Spicyunicorn]

The bottom is the same but the tops different different intake and different exhaust I would replace crank seals in yours this will prevent a lot of future problems if you ever do need a rebuild it's almost easier to find a donar cart and rebuild the motor in it if it's a non 82 model

[mikeasis]

check compression if you can. 90-100psi i think. If you get it delete the oil injection system and mix the fuel yourself.

the 82 isn't a bad engine just not as peppy as the other years. If it has good compression and a good tune up, including crank seals its a good reliable little engine.

Like stated the bottom end is the same so if later on you wanted/needed to do top end work the other years will swap over. I was thinking the piston was the same but i could be wrong. If so overbore kits would freshen up a top end.

I have 2 of these engines but not using them just bought for parts. I dunno why but every time a G1 comes for sale near me its the J17.

[cgtech]

It was a "one year only" experiment to make a more "refined" 2-stroke cart. It had lower compression, and a different intake system. The "better"setup won't bolt on as it is different size. The more common jug and piston can be put on that bottom end, but would require new intake, and reeds, plus several other odds & ends. It wasn't bad, just weird because of less power and the "one year only parts" thing.

[dezrcr822]

Awesome, thank you all for the information it is very helpful. Im going to buy it if it is still for sale and will post up some pictures and some questions. Thanks again👍👍👍👍

[dezrcr822]

Picked it up the other night. Runs and drives well and in all around good condition for the price. Has new carb and fuel pump with oil injection delete. P.O. didnt know it was an 82, just a G1 so not sure of the carb as its probably not an 82 but felt crisp on acceleration. Brake pedal sticks to floor but brakes work well when used after pulling pedal back up. Missing cowl from fan to cylinder head, the little fan on the starter generator is broken and will need crank seals. Going to tune it up, repair these issues,turn up the wick on the gov and do some mods so more questions to come. Im stoked to get into this cart and thank you again for the replies to my pre purchase questions.

[mikeasis]

if the shroud is missing around the engine fan don't run it as it will over heat and could ruin your top end. take more pics. I like it.

[dezrcr822]

It looks like its missing two pieces of the cover assembly. I have the original spark plug boot for it. Can you tell me what the fan for the starter is called so i can search for it? Never mind the cobbeled up hitch as it will be coming off and maybe redone. Does it look like the primary belt is going through its full range of travel? Do the secondary scheaves look good? The belts are horrible but no big deal there and the only rust is on that lower pannel and battery tray which should be no match for my cut off wheel and welder.