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Author Topic: 440 won't start  (Read 6694 times)

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Deacondog31

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440 won't start
« on: October 22, 2012, 10:11:53 PM »
Just bought a 1980 drifter. Started twice after 5 or 6 pulls. After that nothing.

any help would be appreciated.

thanks!

Darren
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jimvw57

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Re: 440 won't start
« Reply #1 on: October 23, 2012, 12:25:33 AM »
Compression, Spark, Fuel... Back to basics.

If it was flooded, then suspect bad plugs.  Also a good idea to check for a plugged exhaust or air box. Them critters like to move in when the sleds sit too long.
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Interceptor398

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Re: 440 won't start
« Reply #2 on: October 23, 2012, 07:00:33 AM »
Quote from: jimvw57 on October 23, 2012, 12:25:33 AM
Compression, Spark, Fuel... Back to basics.

If it was flooded, then suspect bad plugs.  Also a good idea to check for a plugged exhaust or air box. Them critters like to move in when the sleds sit too long.

What he said.  When you pull it over watch the fuel line going to the carb for air bubbles.  The primer is also a common problem for leaking air.
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Deacondog31

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Re: 440 won't start
« Reply #3 on: October 27, 2012, 05:32:37 PM »
Ok so I yanked the thing out of my garage earlier in the week as it was leaking fuel on the floor and the wife was smelling fuel in the house. (Attached garage). For kicks went to start it this morning  and she fired on the fifth pull! Ran it for around ten minutes with no problems! Wondering if maybe it was flooded before?
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Lloyd (ljm)

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Re: 440 won't start
« Reply #4 on: October 28, 2012, 05:43:22 AM »
Sure sounds like it was flooded..

 I like to add a fuel shut off..

 It will keep them from flooding while they sit

1980 Drifter 440 .. one tough sled

Lloyd
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77 SST
78 Intruder
79 340 Invader
80 440 Invader
80 Drifter (bought new)
80 LTD 4/6    X2

Several Deeres

jimvw57

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Re: 440 won't start
« Reply #5 on: October 28, 2012, 05:46:54 AM »
Fuel shutoff is a good idea if you remember to turn it on before you start pulling it over...

Replace the needle and seat in the carbs...
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Deacondog31

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Re: 440 won't start
« Reply #6 on: October 28, 2012, 10:13:21 AM »
I was thinking that too guys. Will head to town today to get a valve and some clamps. Will keep you all informed.
Quick question also. Fuel mixture is 40 to 1 right?

In the manual it says 20 to 1 for breaking in period but after that nothing.

Last sled I had was 40 to 1 but that was years ago.

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ChaChi

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Re: 440 won't start
« Reply #7 on: October 28, 2012, 12:53:26 PM »
I have fuel shut offs on both my sleds because of this issue...

I always run my drifter 40 to 1, the PO told me 50 to 1 though and the motor was in pretty darn good shape so....

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Deacondog31

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Re: 440 won't start
« Reply #8 on: October 28, 2012, 08:20:55 PM »
I just installed the shut off valve. Will mix 40 to 1 next weekend. Just waiting for the snow now!

thanks folks!
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