1977 440 Liquifire

Sliquifire · Post by **Sliquifire** » Tue Dec 11, 2007 1:17 pm

Does any have or know where I can find the correct timing specifications for a 1977 440 JD Liquifire with a Kioritz KEC 440/23LC motor in stock condition?

If it helps my sled's ID # is J44LF 070509M, Date of Mfg - 09/76.

I also want to replace the plug wires and caps on this sled. Is it as easy as buying some plug wire and NGK plug caps and twisting them into place or is there a plug wire assembly that I have to purchase? (I noticed that the plug wires disapeer into a black metal box mounted on the engine above the carbs, I haven't taken the box off to see whats underneath yet - taking my lack of mechanical ability into consideration I thought I'd ask rather than tare into it and mess it up!)

PS IF this info is on the FAQ's, I missed it - I'd appreciate your help!

Thanks, Slick

Think Snow!

harleysportster · Post by **harleysportster** » Tue Dec 11, 2007 2:24 pm

Sliquifire wrote: Does any have or know where I can find the correct timing specifications for a 1977 440 JD Liquifire with a Kioritz KEC 440/23LC motor in stock condition?

If it helps my sled's ID # is J44LF 070509M, Date of Mfg - 09/76.

I also want to replace the plug wires and caps on this sled. Is it as easy as buying some plug wire and NGK plug caps and twisting them into place or is there a plug wire assembly that I have to purchase? (I noticed that the plug wires disapeer into a black metal box mounted on the engine above the carbs, I haven't taken the box off to see whats underneath yet - taking my lack of mechanical ability into consideration I thought I'd ask rather than tare into it and mess it up!)

PS IF this info is on the FAQ's, I missed it - I'd appreciate your help!

Thanks, Slick

Think Snow!

Slick,
The plug wires are not replaceable or seperate from the external coils found under the cover box. The spark plug caps are replaceable but if the wire is cracked or broken, you will need to replace the coils. The plug wires are molded into the coils. You can find aftermarket coils from any of the vendors. Try and find OEM JD coils if you can.
Here is a link for the timing procedure. You will need a spark plug dial-indicator adapter and a timing light.
http://z12.invisionfree.com/jdsleds/index.php?showtopic=573

Sliquifire · Post by **Sliquifire** » Tue Dec 11, 2007 3:18 pm

Thanks!

Two more questions:

- Just wanted to confirm the recommending timing for this sled. From the link you gave me i'm reading 0.096 inch BTDC is this correct?

- Do you have an aftermarket coil vender you would recommend? Any idea of what I should be expecting to pay?

Slick

harleysportster · Post by **harleysportster** » Tue Dec 11, 2007 5:09 pm

Slick,
I have bought coils from DennisKirk before. Here is the link.
http://www.denniskirk.com/jsp/tpl/cmn/prod...&np=&mmyId=9568
The new coils do not come with spark plug connectors. You could reuse the old ones or purchase new ones. The old style was a coil shaped connector which peirced the plug cable inside the boot. The NGK type twists on the end of the cable.
In my opinion, the aftermarket coils do not last as long as JD OEM coils.
0.096 inch BTDC is the correct timing which is set up with a dial indicator. Once the mark is established, shine the timing light on the mark. If the pointer does not line up with the mark, you must move the timing ring under the flywheel to achive the correct timing.
All this is explained int he service manual, which should be the next item you buy.

Sliquifire · Post by **Sliquifire** » Tue Dec 11, 2007 5:58 pm

Thanks for your help, I've been trying to find a service manual for this sled - so far no luck. I know I could definitely use one. Anyone have a good source for a 77 440 kioritz liquifire service manual? I've been checking ebay but again havn't had any luck?

Also, does anyone know if a Kohler CDI box will work on a Kioritz motor?

Slick

harleysportster · Post by **harleysportster** » Tue Dec 11, 2007 7:12 pm

Slick,
You are in the right place for info, just not digging deep enough in the archives. So far most of your questions have been answered in the FAQ section. A factory reprint service manual is available from JD...
http://z12.invisionfree.com/jdsleds/index.php?showtopic=398
The Kohler CDI box is the same as the Kioritz. NOS JD cdi boxes show up on Ebay, but usually with a round plug.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/John-Deere-...sspagenameZWD1V
The best aftermarket cdi box is from Hewtec.
http://www.hewtechelectronics.com/sledparts/kohler.htm

Sliquifire · Post by **Sliquifire** » Tue Dec 11, 2007 8:45 pm

Thanks again for your help! This info should be enough to make me dangerous!!!
We got snow on the ground and the lakes are frozen, Game On!

Slick