Hello, I just picked up a '79 El Tigre that currently doesn't run. I was told I needed some carb parts, and may have a gasket leak. As to where, neither they or I know. I ordered all the parts I know I need, and expect to have quite a few questions in the coming days, as I am completely new to snowmobiles.

My first question:
The drop case is completely dry. What type of oil do I need, how much do I fill it with, and is it something I could pick up from autozone? There aren't any sled shops close.

the drop case is that the chain case? u use gear oil do a search u can find it i can think of what vicosity off the top of my head

Yup, chaincase is what I meant. I wasn't sure exactly what to call it and I found "dropcase" used on several parts websites.
And, after running a search, which I should have done previously, I came up with this:

http://www.snowmobilefanatics.com/fo...8/display.aspx

Which suggests gear oil isn't the best to use... Transmission fluid sounds like something that would be appropriate for this application.

Here's another one suggesting you not use gear oil:

http://www.snowmobileforum.com/gener...-will-eat.html

So it seems that using gear oil will not actually cause damage except when using really heavy stuff in really cold weather, but ATF or synthetic chain case oil is preferable. Thanks though!

Now my next question: Does anyone know what year this hood is? The sled says it's a '79, but the hood doesn't match any pictures of a '79 I've seen.

if i'm correct them green lines on the sides came out in 76-77. my friend fix up a 77 5000 and is now drag raceing it. if you take out the suspention be careful with the crossaft becuase if you break the blot it take a long time to fix. just thought to tell that, just in case becuase it's a real head ac.

Those look like '79 graphics to me.

76 and 77 were the last two years of the Kawasaki powered El Tigre. It looked like a hopped up Jag.

Uhm... nice sled there dont feel bad about missing a ski lol i drove one with no skis atall it was fun cept you couldnt steer

that there is a 1979 el tigre 5000FA , free air.i have 2 of them ones a parts sled.