New owner of '74 JDX 8

[Deleted User]

Ist of all this is a great resource and an awsome site. I am new to the JD sledding community and heres how it happened.

I was looking at IHC Scout II parts in Michigan and the farmer selling those parts had this sled. Under an original JDX8 cover was a 1 owner '74 JDX8 sled with 350 (+ change) original miles. This guy bought it new for his children who drove it around the fenced in yard. The last time it was registered was '83.

Everything is original and its in great shape except for the "age rot" on some parts.

Here is a list of items I have already purchased and I would really be thankfull if you veterans can give me your input. I want to make sure this JD is fun and safe.

I had to purchase a NOS gas tank because the original broke apart while I was cleaning the" rust sludge" out. I purchased JD fuel lines, "Champion" plugs, and a parts manual on Ebay. Everything else SEEMS to be good, thats what scares me.

Your info will be put to good use. It would be a shame to let this sled sit still any longer.

Thanks for you time!

Eric

[400brian]

I assume you have read the "trouble shooting FAQ"?

I would bet you will have to rebuild the carb. Even if it works now, you won't trust it until you do. The diaphrams may be 30 years old.

Have you tried starting it yet?

[Deleted User]

No, I have not tried starting it yet, it does have compression. I want to make sure I had the fuel cleaned before I sent crud through the system.

I have saved the forum topic you suggested thanks. I suppose I can readily find gaskets and seals on ebay.

One more ?. The inside of the hood had some kind of material probably for noise supression. It almost looks like insulation (looked like) The mice ate it. Any suggestions on the need to replace?

Thanks,
E

[sportnut]

E found my 80 sport at a garage sale last year it had 280 mi and had sat since 1980 . Because they couldnt get it running I got it for $150.00 . when i bruoght it home we cleaned the tank, replaced all fuel lines,the fuel pump, all the gaskets and o-rings in the carb drained the chaincase oil and replaced grease all fittings there wasnt many and fired it up ! Heres my one mistake- I didnt replace the belt. Had ben riding for about an hour and decided it was time to see where this baby topped out and boom the belt blew. Spent about an hour on the trail un wrapping all those little chords from around the primary!!!!! Dont forget to check the seals and intake with starting fluid for leaks . I got lucky. Your right this is a great site with a ton of knowledge! Im sure you will find your sled a blast to ride and very dependable. Good luck! Oh yeah almost forgot 587 mi on clock now starts 2nd pull every time with zero wrench time !

[sportnut]

Eric this is what worked for me. There was enough of the old foam left for me to make a template from paper. Simply trace it and cut out with scissors,then hit your local sled shop and find the foam from an earlier sled that is larger use your template to cut to size. I used 3m automotive weather strip glue to attach . Held up good so far ! If you can find an original thats great to these sleds are noisy and the foam helps alot also helps to keep heat off the hood . Good luck!

[Mailman]

As far as the foam goes I went to the John Deere dealer and got some foam that they use to insulate tractor cabs, foam on one side and a plastic on the other that I used to glue to the hood. Works OK.

[400brian]

Buy a full Walbro carb kit from most any of the catalog suppliers.
Consider replacing all of the parts time is not kind to: Drive belt, ignition wires, ect.
Keep us posted, good luck

[Deleted User]

Man its great to read all these "tried and true" tips. Why try to re-invent the wheel?

Thanks, I'm working on her tomorrow and I'll take some pics and try to post them.

Eric