looking at a JD Sled

140deere · Post by **140deere** » Mon Jun 03, 2013 1:29 pm

Going to go and take a look at a JD sled, seller will be getting back to me with pics and a model #. This is what I know so far, not running, has good compression and spark. The crank seals were repalced recently and the carb was "worked" on. It won't start.... I have not owned a sled before. I have a few older JD garden tractors that I tinker with.... with that said my guess it it would be a fuel issue.... old gas, clean out carb again, new fuel lines.... anyone else have any ideas ? Hopefully going to look at it this weekend. Anything I can do to it while I am there to get it going? What else should I make sure is good on it? What is the most costly item to have to replace on there sleds? Seller says the seat, plastic and windsheld are in good shape. Are parts hard to come by? He also said that the headligh "flips up" to add fuel to it?? Does that give a clue on the model? Thanks! ... sorry for all the questonis

140deere · Post by **140deere** » Mon Jun 03, 2013 1:47 pm

also its listed as a 1979 and seller says its green

fastl82vette · Post by **fastl82vette** » Mon Jun 03, 2013 2:11 pm

Doesnt sound like a 79. Sounds to me like its a 75-77 hundred series. They had a door next to the headlight so you could access the fuel tank without opening the hood. it could be a 300 400 600 or 800 in those years.

pwgsx · Post by **pwgsx** » Mon Jun 03, 2013 3:03 pm

I wouldn't try to start it there, make it seem worse than probably is and buy it real cheap. Also point out anything you see that will need work or replacement. Check e bay for parts so you kinda know what parts sell for. Bring a compression tester to look like you know your stuff. Works for me all the time!

JDT · Post by **JDT** » Mon Jun 03, 2013 4:36 pm

It may well be a Spitfire.

A very nice sled and a great starter machine for a first sled.

But check out the track very carefully. They are almost impossible to find if it needs a replacemnt track.

Starting a sled that has not been checked out can cause damage that could have been prevented....Like sucking that mouse nest into the engine.

Post by **Matt** » Mon Jun 03, 2013 7:04 pm

When you say "headlight flips up" and green that makes me think '72-'74 00 series. You brought up all the fuel system issues - this has a points ignition which I am sure you know all about if you work on old garden tractors, so they may need to be cleaned up if it has an ignition issue.

140deere · Post by **140deere** » Thu Jun 06, 2013 9:21 am

140deere · Post by **140deere** » Thu Jun 06, 2013 9:23 am

140deere · Post by **140deere** » Thu Jun 06, 2013 9:27 am

140deere · Post by **140deere** » Thu Jun 06, 2013 9:27 am

140deere · Post by **140deere** » Thu Jun 06, 2013 9:30 am

Got some pics as you can see. Seller is asking $350.00 it does not run. I like how its stored inside under cover! Do you guys thinks the front green plastic is just dusty or is it sun bleached out? I asked the seller on the condition of the track and waiting to hear back. What up with the serial tag and it mentioning Canada? Thanks

JDT · Post by **JDT** » Thu Jun 06, 2013 4:26 pm

What you are looking at is a 1974 model. The tracks on these are pretty robust.

It is missing the rear snowflap. The hood appears to be just dusty.

The front bumper appears to be homemade or barrowed from some other brand of sled. It sould be chrome plated steel.

All the shrouding plastic pieces appear to be there. That is a plus as many are missing these.
The seat looks very nice and the stitched seat is correct for a 300.

All in all I think you can do better for $350 or you can hold out for a lower price.

looking at a JD Sled

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