'77 Liquifire Idle problem

[Cappy]

Hi folks, I am new to the forum but have just purchased a '77 Liquifire and an '80 Trailfire. I have been a fan of these sleds since I was a kid as my grandfather used to have these machines while I was growing up.
I am not overly familiar with the set up of them but have gone thru the preliminary checks. The Liquifire will fire up on the first or second pull each time but will not stay idling unless you mess with the choke which in turn will try and engage the clutch. I have checked for air leaks at the boots and the silencer box, checked the air idle screws for adjustment, replaced the lines and put in fresh fuel mix. I find that if I feather my hand on the snorkel coming out of the silencer box to restrict air it will idle fine. I am suspecting that there may be something inside the carbs that needs to be looked at? Choke plungers, floats or just a real good cleaning. I figured that if I posted on here first that mabey someone has experienced this and could offer some advice. I also did the spray test on the seals and intake area with no difference in the idle. The sleds are in pretty good condition considering their age and lack of restoration so if there are any ideas out there please say something. I am of the generation where carburetors were just going out and injection was introduced (automotive) so I don't have a tonne of experience in them.

[JDT]

Even tough you have checked the crank seals with spray I would still change them as you never know how they have held up over the years.

[Cappy]

Ok, I intend on replacing the seals in the engines of both machines. Do you think this is most likely the cause or would you be looking at fuel as well? Before I replace the seals I would like to eliminate the internals of the carbs. There is no residue around the crank seals from leakage but I do understand that they are old and most likely dried up so it is beneficial to replace them.

[lwb140]

im guessing you will find the pilot jets are plugged up tight . id reccommend a good carb cleaning to begin with wade

[Cappy]

Thanks for the input guys, I'll remove the carbs this weekend and give them a good going through. If I can solve the idle issue with a good cleaning I will then order the necessary seals for the engine just to make sure no melt down occurs.

[JD_Sledder68]

My 78 liquifire needed both idle jets cleaned when I got it. They were completely shut off. A small peice of nylon fishing line and an air compressor and they are good now.