'72 500 carb

[spudnut]

Last night I picked up a 5oo and it has a Mikuni carb on it (not sure it is the right one). I know the original carb is a Walbro WD. Anyone have the correct set up for a Mikuni carb for this engine? I believe later models using the 440 CCW/Kiortz engine had the Mikuni. thanks

Oh P.S. I need to set the carb up to run this machine at 6,000 ft elev.

[harleysportster]

Last night I picked up a 5oo and it has a Mikuni carb on it (not sure it is the right one). I know the original carb is a Walbro WD. Anyone have the correct set up for a Mikuni carb for this engine? I believe later models using the 440 CCW/Kiortz engine had the Mikuni. thanks

Oh P.S. I need to set the carb up to run this machine at 6,000 ft elev.

spudnut,
Welcome aboard. The 34 mm Mikuni carb was not used on the 440 engine until the 1976 Cyclones and Liquifires. The earlier KEC-440 such as yours(piston port), had less horsepower and different porting than the later reed valve engine. The mikuni carb can be adapted but your are kinda on your own tuning it. Here is the '76 carb specs, use them as a guide. You may have to also experiment with the pilot jet. If it was not changed already, you should change the throttle handle to the later 295/S, Cyclone/liquifre style to be able to get a wide-open effect of the throttle. The standard 500 throttle level will not open the Mikuni carb completely.
http://www.jdsleds.com/community/viewto ... ?f=5&t=368

[spudnut]

Thanks for the info. Second question. I have always tried to run original carbs on vintage sleds, when at all possible. I personally have not had much problem with Walbor or Tilly carbs, but know others have. Did the Walbor carb work decent on this model? And what would be the chances in finding the original carb through the classifieds? Thanks

[400brian]

I have no problem with Walbro carbs.

As far as I'm concerned, the Walbro worked fine on these.

I believe the '72 used a WD.

Not just any Walbro will work, you need the provision for the choke bracket.

A carb off a newer 440 Deere ought to work. You will also be able to use the factory airbox with the Walbro. WDA-32, 34 WRA-31

[Sprailfire340]

Must be your lucky day...an original '72 500 carb just hit ebay.
WD8-5

[guitardude081]

The reason a lot of people have been having Walbro/Tillotson problems lately is because most aftermarket rebuild kits come from Winderosa. The gaskets seem to turn to jelly after a year or two. Walbro still makes a kit for the WR/WD carbs. If you decide to switch to Walbro and want a genuine kit, let me know.
~Jack

[400brian]

I agree Jack.

The genuine Walbro kits seem to be the way to go.

A few of us have been talking about putting dual Walbros on something just to drive some of the guys nuts!

[S_Kyle]

I have only seen dual walbro's once, and I have to say it is the stupidest setup I have come across. Luckily it is on a parts sled and probably will never see the light of day again. I have had really good luck with walbro's on some of my non Deere's.

[Matt]

I agree Jack.

The genuine Walbro kits seem to be the way to go.

A few of us have been talking about putting dual Walbros on something just to drive some of the guys nuts!

I never even thought of that. That's it, dual Walbros are going on the JDX8.

[spudnut]

WD8-5 carb on ebay? I see some Walbro carbs there but not that one. Did I miss it? If I do not find one on ebay I will try the JD classifieds.

[400brian]

Try this:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/1972-Joh ... ccessories

[spudnut]

Go it , thanks 400brian.