78 spitfire carb problems

[Fletch076]

I have a 78 spitfire and i have the mikuni butterfly carb. It will idle fine and take off fast but only reaches about 25 MPH. if i take the air jet out, on the tob of the carb, it wont idle but will start and run fine in the higher rpm's, just dies when i stop unless i put the choke on then it idles high. what do i do?

[ChickenRat]

Take the carb off and 100% apart. Soak everything overnight in carb cleaner. Reassemble and adjust to factory specs then retry. By the way, you have a '79 Spitfire not a '78. The '78's had a Mikuni slide carb. Also get a manual if you don't already have one. If your engine is solid, this should help. Crank seals are more than something to be worried about.

Robb

[Fletch076]

ok thank you, i took the whole carb apart when i got it a month ago, but the guy i got it from didnt know anything about them so i didnt really know what i was getting into. Plus this is my first JD sled and i love it! I was playing around with it a few hours ago and the main jet needed leaned out, it runs great now. I have a complete overhaul kit on the way. Thanks for correcting me on the year

[SpitfireKing]

you picked a great sled to start with, probably the most basic sled you can get......if you ever have the chance to get a slide carb and cable for it I would do it, lot less heartache!