Snowmobile Repair: 1972 john deer 400, Doest idle, tillotson carb, champion powersport


Question
Doesn't idle, runs high speed. Did compression check ,150psi in each cylinder, good vacume to the tillotson carb. Carb is set at factory specs, rebuilt last year and never idled. What should I check in the carb?

Answer
Hello Vent,

  I have a few suggestions, as it sounds like the sled is not burning all of the fuel, which in turn can cause this problem. I would start with a new set of Champion Powersport or Autolite spark plugs. NGK, is ok too. The recommended plugs for your sled are NGK B8H, but I would use B7H, as long as you keep track of your engines temperature, to see if they affect it at all. The proper gap for the plugs is; 0.022. Another possible problem, it sounds like you may need new coils. You can get them here: http://www.mfgsupply.com/m/c/01-082.html?id=sn6xmyDG , if you want to go that route. As for the fuel system, make sure you are using the proper fuel/oil mix, the ratio is 20:1, and Deere recommends using fuel of 90 octane or better in all sleds made before 1974. Also, leaking crank seals or gaskets can cause this problem. While the engine is running cold, spray carb cleaner on the clutches shaft end, where the seals are located. If it suddenly idles, then you need new crank seals, available here, with all gaskets needed for re-assembly; http://www.mfgsupply.com/m/c/711046.html?id=sn6xmyDG . Another thing, is to make sure there are no obstructions in the exhaust ports, such as carbon, and that the air box ( if equipped) is clean. Last of all, if you are using a fuel filter, make sure it's not old or clogged. Your engine is a CCW KEC340, 340cc (339cc), if you need a reference for parts. Hope this helps you out. Let me know if I can answer any other questions at all. Good luck with the Deere! --Arcticatman

VENT, IF THE LINKS DON'T WORK, HERE THEY ARE AGAIN:
SEALS: http://www.mfgsupply.com/m/c/711046.html?id=sn6xmyDG
COIL: http://www.mfgsupply.com/m/c/01-082.html?id=sn6xmyDG