1978 Cyclone 440

DevonV · Post by **DevonV** » Sun Nov 30, 2008 7:30 pm

My 1978 cyclone 440 wont stay running. I can get it running only if i dump some gas down the cylinder then it starts n runs for about 30 seconds then quits then I cant get it running again. Do I have a bad CDI?, is there water in the gas, is it not getting fuel? could someone help me out?

harleysportster · Post by **harleysportster** » Sun Nov 30, 2008 7:44 pm

CYCLONE440 wrote:My 1978 cyclone 440 wont stay running. I can get it running only if i dump some gas down the cylinder then it starts n runs for about 30 seconds then quits then I cant get it running again. Do I have a bad CDI?, is there water in the gas, is it not getting fuel? could someone help me out?

If it runs after you dump gas in the cylinders the cdi is good.
It sounds like you have a fuel delivery problem. Possible causes:
-low fuel level below pickup tube
-clogged filters( 1 inside the tank, 1 inline, outside)
-bad fuel pump
-clogged needle/seat in carb
-dirty carb requiring a complete cleaning( removing all jets, soaking carb body and jets, checking/cleaning all jets and passage ways)

With ignition off, start checking things by removing fuel line at carb, place it in a container and carefully pull engine over to see if any gas is pumped from tank

If no gas is comes out, check external filter, then internal filter, last clean fuel pump. If all filters are clean and cleaning fuel pump does not fix problem, rebuilt it with a new kit.

If gas is pumped into container, clean carb completely

If you are working on a engine that you do not know the histoy of it, you should replace the crankseals and clean fuel system and carb before running the engine.

DevonV · Post by **DevonV** » Sun Nov 30, 2008 7:50 pm

the carb was rebuilt n so was the fuel pump thanks

harleysportster · Post by **harleysportster** » Sun Nov 30, 2008 7:58 pm

Check the carb again, many times something is always over looked. Check the fuel filters to.

DevonV · Post by **DevonV** » Sun Nov 30, 2008 8:00 pm

ok thanks

JDFanPa · Post by **JDFanPa** » Mon Dec 01, 2008 12:46 am

Follow what Harley says hes right on track just because it was rebuilt does not mean the inlet needle in the carb isnt stuck. With the bowl off carb you will see the lever that opens and closes the needle if you hold the carb up you should see the needle fully opened push up on the lever and let off a few times to make sure it opens and closes if this is working look to the fuel pump as the problem or the pickup in the tank follow Harleys tip on putting the fuel line in a can if your not getting anything check the line in the tank theres a filter in there that could be clogged or maybe the line broke and it not in the gas also check the pulse line to the fuel pump this is the line off the crankcase with it removed from the pump pull the engine over holding a finger tip very close to the line you should feel it pumping air.

DevonV · Post by **DevonV** » Sun Dec 14, 2008 5:16 pm

got the cyclone running but now its not getting fuel

harleysportster · Post by **harleysportster** » Sun Dec 14, 2008 5:21 pm

jdslednut,
Go back and reread my posts. The causes of a fuel delivery problem are covered.

DevonV · Post by **DevonV** » Sun Dec 14, 2008 5:56 pm

ok thanks

jdjason · Post by **jdjason** » Wed Dec 17, 2008 11:14 pm

did you get it running yet? when the sled quits are the fuel lines full? pull the line off the tank if not see if it will flow. usually these problems are easily solved. take a break and start over from your tank hope you get her running

andyc1995 · Post by **andyc1995** » Sat Dec 27, 2008 3:25 pm

I have a 78 also and mine ended up being the pulse line being bad.

DevonV · Post by **DevonV** » Sat Jan 10, 2009 8:29 pm

well i found the problem. i took off the gas tank and took the tank fitting off and found the screen was full of dirt. its all clean and there was a hole in the tank and thats fixed now. i got the shaft off the suspension and removed the idler wheels and one is good and one is bad. the side of the shaft where the bad wheel is its wore down and needs to be fixed. hopefully i can get it running again soon

dvenney · Post by **dvenney** » Sat Jan 10, 2009 9:03 pm

i have a 440 too. i took out all the gas! Replaced the gas line & cleaned the carb. ooh i got new plugs. Now it runs great i just have to adjust something! john deere is the way to go

DevonV · Post by **DevonV** » Sun Jan 11, 2009 8:09 pm

well it runs great now just have to tweak the air screw a little bit but yea. got a new bearing for the rubber idler wheel it's in now repairing the shaft gonna hope to drive it soon

DevonV · Post by **DevonV** » Fri Jan 16, 2009 5:55 pm

it runs great now didn't mess with the air screw but everything works on it the shaft is back in and is fixed. i dont know the history of the sled. the only thing i no about it is that it sat for about 10 years outside and it was seized up when i bought it.