Simp. 7117 won't run off the choke.

[sbussell]

Hi, I have a Simplicity 7117 (17 hp Kohler) and it has a problem running once it's hot. Usually starts right up, runs for 1 - 1.5 hours with no problem. Stalls and then will only stay running with full choke. I let it run and try to ease off the choke and it stalls. This is the first time I've started it in quite awhile. I removed all the old fuel and filled with fresh. Does it sound like carb issue or fuel pump? Any ideas are appreciated.

[hufhouse]

This is really strange. You would think that it would be fully hot after much less than an hour. This almost seems like some kind of a vapor lock issue or something. Has there been any modification to the gas line? I use the choke to start my 7117, and have to open it up IMMEDIATELY to keep it running. Man, I'm stumped. You've only posted here twice. These folks love to help. Somebody's got to have an idea.

[Ronald Hribar]

I've had fuel pump problems that sounds close to your problem. Have you changed engine oil lately, I've had fuel leak into motor also.Until I put fuel shutoff in line. Also the K17s run a lot better with a fully charged battery.

[sbussell]

Thanks guys. I have not changed the oil, but I will look for evidence of gas in the oil. I will fully charge the battery and see if that does anything. I did (stupidly) leave the key in the on position and drain the battery. I had to jump it to get it started initially. I appreciate the tips.

[hufhouse]

Hmmm...there's a thought. Once the engine compartment gets hot, it could cause some sort of an open ground. You might want to clean and tighten all the electrical stuff (battery terminals, ground on engine, terminal posts, etc.

[RayS]

This is interesting. I have a troybilt tiller that does this same thing hot or cold. I have to leave the choke open some or it will die. It is only a couple of years old and all came about one day when I had it in the back of the truck and I had to stop real quick and it tip forward and has done it that ever since. There is no fuel/air adjustment screws on this Briggs Intek engine.

[stevenj]

Each time you start it cold and run for 1-1.5 hours, do you start with a full tank of fuel? When it only runs on the choke, have you ever tried topping off the fuel tank and then seeing if it will run? If you let is sit overnight with a near empty fuel tank, will it start and run in the morning? It could be that the fuel pump is bad. I seem to remember posts saying that the fuel tank will gravity feed only down to about a half tank due to the relative position of the carb fuel bowl and the fuel tank.

[MikeES]

Is the fuel tank vented properly? Unscrew the cap and try it.

[sbussell]

Thanks for all the ideas. I'll check all the suggestions and report back on my findings.

[Mick14]

I had the same problem with my 64 broadmoor,it turned out to be a clog right where the gas leaves the tank-that little screen is long gone- i cleared that and no further problems.

[sbussell]

Tried a bunch of stuff this weekend and still have the same issue. Cleaned battery terminals and completely charge battery. Checked and tightened all electrical connections. Filled gas to 3/4 + full. I tried to clean the fuel screen. I did not have a piece of fuel line long enough to remove it. Problem seems to definately fuel pump related. I also open the fuel cap and it didn't seem to make any difference.

[maxtorman1234]

sometimes junk in the carb can do this.

[Morris]

My Simp 700 is doing this now. Can get it started but will die after awhile, and if I can get it cranked again it will only run with choke in 1/2 position. Open it, and it dies, close it and it dies. I suspect junk in the carb is getting in the way of the fuel flow and closing the choke is therefore increasing the suction on the fuel line, thus pulling enough in to keep running. Remember, a carb's purpose is the obtain the correct fuel/air ratio as well as mixing it for maximum vaporization, so if anything obstructs that flow you have problems. I'm getting ready to tear into mine if my house will give me a break and allow me two days without having to fix something. :(

[sbussell]

I'll try breaking down the carb first and see if I can clean it out and get it to run better. If that fails, I'll try the fuel pump. Thanks for the tips.

[Ronald Hribar]

For my 2 cents, I'd go after the fuel pump first