Rubber engine mounts bad?

[liquifirebarn]

I just overhauled my carburetors on my 440 Liquifire. While installing them I noticed the right one is just touching the steering column. I thought the intake rubber may have sagged, but rotating it 180 degrees didn't make any difference. Now I wonder if the rubber engine mounts are the problem. I can't believe I have to remove the engine to change these! What a bad design. They look like new with no sag noticed visually. Is there any other thing that can make this engine sit low? Thanks. Gary

[nick80lf]

I think that's pretty much normal for the bowl to rest on the steering shaft if you have the original longer carb flanges. When (if) you install the air box it may hold the carb slightly off of the steering shaft.

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[liquifirebarn]

Thanks for this tip. I didn't know there were shorter intake flanges. I have a lot to learn on this model!

[nick80lf]

The long carb flange is quite the story. It's been reported on this site that Deere used the long carb flange to prevent aeration of the fuel in the bowls, thus reducing the risk of running lean.

I don't know if it's my bad luck but every one of my origional flanges are in pretty sad shape. Usually the metal plate rusts and the rubber separates from the plate causing air leaks. The long flange is not available as aftermarket and NOS long flanges are pretty much made of unobtainum. I've been using the short genuine Mikuni flanges for quite awhile with good results. The carb doesn't rest on the steering post, it's actually possible to remove and install the air box, and the bolt hole in the air box will line up with the hole in the tab on the tunnel (at least on the 80 model).

Here's a link to the Mikuni flange on New breed parts
https://www.newbreedparts.com/newbreed/ ... r-440.html


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[liquifirebarn]

Thanks Nick, It's nice to know there's a fix!