JDX4 Special Carb Spacer Question

[Red]

I've been working on my JDX4 Special lately and have always wondered why there is a hole in the bottom of the carb spacer. When I first start pulling the engine over with full choke, fuel drips out of this hole and collects on the tunnel below the carb. Is it ok to plug this hole? I'm not crazy about fuel just collecting under the carb. The carb is a NOS Bendix that I installed last year and is set at the specs on specified in accordance with the tech information on this site. Thanks.

Dennis

[JDT]

If the hole is for a primer barb it should be plugged.

[400brian]

I'm not sure of the exact function, but I've not seen one plugged yet.

[Red]

The carb itself has a primer fitting close to the intake manifold that came with a screw in it so I don't think its for a primer. There are actually two holes in the spacer; one in the bottom and one at the 2 o'clock position and neither is threaded for a fitting. I'm not sure if these are to let more air into the carb or what. It just bugs me when fuel is leaking anywhere. The JD part number is M64622. The 300 and JDX4 (Kohler powered) use a different spacer (M64167). The one pictured on JDParts shows the upper hole but not the bottom one. Also, tried flipping it over to put the hole on top, but because there is a flat side of the spacer that aligns with the air box, this cannot be done. I'll have to check it with the cowling off once its warmed up to see if its just to bleed of any excess fuel when cold and choked.

[400brian]

If I remember correctly, that spacer was only used on the piston port engines. The reed inducted models did not have it. As the reed engines tend to have little or no spit back, I assumed the function of the spacer was that of a drain, or an air bleed.

[Red]

Thank Brian...kinda what I figured...I may just put a piece of oil sorbent cloth under the carb and change out as needed.

Dennis (the Menace)