JD 74 300 Trouble

[OhBigDaddy]

I have had my 300 out of storage. Replaced fuel lines and plugs. It ran good until it was real warm then it died. After I got it home I took it out a few days later, when cold it started and ran well. This time as it was boggin and getting ready to die, I pulled the left plug wire and it didn't change anything. (COIL) was my thought.

I ordered and installed new coils, plug wires, points and condensers. I put plugs on the plug wires and turned the engine over and there was plenty of spark on each plug.
I reassembled and put the plugs in the head and carb on and it would not start. We changed the point settings a bit and it started but only ran on the left cylinder. When I pulled the plugs the right cylinder was wet with fuel. I blew out both sides and dried the plugs. I tried different point settings (gapped at .016) and the best I could get is the left side to run, but never the right cylinder. (But when I pull the plugs and attach to plug wires both sides fire with nice regular spark. Any help? I always thought spark and gas should run - even if timing settings are a bit off it should run (rough)

Also, I then changed my WDA-31 carb kit and the Walbro kit I got from DennisKirk.com (1738) fuel jet wouldn't work with the fuel jet holder that came with the kit. We tried to bend the holder and it didn't work. So we put the old jet in, but the old jet holder had already been bent. Does anyone know for sure the correct carb kit for the WDA-31, and where a guy can get one?

[SpitfireKing]

Taking a shot in the dark, but when you pulled the stator you pulled the housing off, did you change the crank seal and O-ring? If you put a gash in it on install you may have a massive air leak causing it not to fire....could be way off too.

I hope mine goes better...just got the stator back in tonight!

[Matt]

Try swapping coils around and see if the problem changes sides. It's possible it's strong enough to spark out of the cylinder, but not under compression.

Carb kits: I know you already spent the money, but the best option is the genuine Walbro kit, which is still available today. I see 1738 is the Parts Unlimited version, and their stuff often has fitment issues:
http://www.mfgsupply.com/m/c/07-499.html?mv_pc=Froogle

When you say jet holder, are you talking about the metering arm? It's a little black lever. Do you have instructions on how to set that?

[JDT]

Did you do a compression test on both cyclinders?

[JD600]

Did you by chance get your plug wires messed up? start with the simplest stuff first before tearing into the electrical sustem again.

DE

[OhBigDaddy]

Yes the metering arm is the black lever that is messed up. Do you know if the jet and metering arm that is in the 1738 kit from DennisKirk is the wrong size for this carb? And, how do you set the metering arm?

I have checked and rechecked. Switched coils. Good compression in both cylinders. I put a bulb primer on the fuel line. Is it possible to mess up the carb when you force fuel through it. I have used the bulb primer until I see fuel in the return line.

Does anyone know if the is a mechanic in the DesMoines IA area that could get this sled working. I know it isn't worth much, (2 days time messing with it and a couple hundred in parts) but my dad bought it new when I was 8 and I would like to get it running.

[JD600]

You may find this helpful. On the first page, it shows you how to set the metering level better than i could ever explain in words.

DE

http://vintagesnow.com/Carburetors_file ... enance.pdf