73 JD 500

[Tim500]

After I run my sled for about 15 mins and shut it off, its tough to start when its warm, is this odd?
Thx,
Tim.

[harleysportster]

It could be the crankseals, which should be replaced anyway if they are very old. I would also try holding open the throttle slightly as you start it.

[JD600]

It sounds like a vapor lock issue to me. How are your fuel lines routed?

DE

[Tim500]

I don't understand the question about the fuel lines, what exactly do you mean Dustin? Thx

[400brian]

If your fuel lines are routed close to the exhaust, they may be heat soaking on shutdown, and vaporizing the gas, thus the hard start. Reroute the lines farther away, and you can insulate them as well.

Another thing would be the aluminum bulkhead/firewall between the engine and carb. These originally had insulation on them, which is typically long gone by now.

I don't know if this is your problem for sure, but it's something to think about. I did this to my '74 X8 a few years back, and it pretty much cured the hard start when hot issue.

[JDT]

Pretty slick there Brian, nice job.

[400brian]

Kevin Campbell gets the credit for putting me on to it. I think the duct insulation came from Home Depot, and it was cheap enough. I cut the insulation about an inch or so bigger than the firewall, this closes the gap between it and the plastic engine cover. Before I did this, on a warm day I could feel hot air coming out of every opening in the engine cover. After, not so much, it seems to do a decent job of isolating the carb from the engine heat.

[JDT]

Credit dually noted. Great idea Kevin.

[DLDeere]

I like this idea! This seems to be a chronic problem with most of my mid-mount sleds, especially this time of the year when the days are a little warmer. I'm going to give this a try. Thanks Brian!

Howard

[Tim500]

off to Home Depot I go! Thanks!