Just picked up a 77 rupp 340 for free. Its been sitting in a barn for 15 years untouched, what steps should i take to get her running agian. Thanks

I've been riding vintage only for the past several years, (Money's tight and so am I.) so I've come up with a to-do list when working over a "gimmy" sled:

1. Give it a real good cleaning.
2. Check for mice and wasp damage. Mice love to infest the carbs, the air box and pipes on long sitting old sleds. Their wastes can raise hell with crank seals, etc. Wasps love air boxes and tunnels, any tight area. Remove the vermin and clean out the crap.
3. See what's broken, slashed, stuck, or missing.
4. NOW see if the engine cranks over well and has good compression. Check the clutches for broken parts and rattles. Do they line up right or does the sled have a broken motor mount. Does the driven clutch rattle or wobble on the shaft?
5. Inspect the track and rear suspension for condition. Anything bent or missing?
6. How does the fuel system look? Holey tank? Broken fuel lines? Bent carb linkage? Leaky carbs?
7.How's the tie rods and the steering? Skis got anything broke or stuck? Hidden rust damage in the steering column under the pads?
8.Kill and ignition and light switches OK? Mice have a party in the wiring? Did Uncle Frankenstien get drunk and rewire the sled?
9. Make a grocery list of things that need fixing, start looking for someone who has a parts/shop manual for the sled.
(Vintagesleds.com is a great place to find a guy who will photocopy a parts/shop manual cheap. Great place to ask questions. Hit the forum and their want-adds.)

Be anal in that first overall inspection. Think bomb sniffing dog. Saves pain later.

If you don't know diddly about the model you have, find someone who does. I ask a bazillion questions when I start a new project if it's an "alien".

Welcome to the vintage world!

Once you got all your ducks in a row, go through it from front to back and fix/lube/set-up everything. Then you can actually ride it in peace.

thanks for the info good to know

First thing to do is fix the cracks in the aluminum chassis that usually start at the end of the ribbed footrest and the back corners. Then remove the airbox and carbs. for cleaning. Next check compression and spark, add new fuel lines and filter. Check bulkhead for cracks in and around the engine mount if cracks can be seen in the chassis. Then you should be ready to fire her up. These sleds are pretty fast for 340's, just ask my son on his 500 Polaris. Good luck!