Gas Leak

[tfrazier]

I have a AC 716 and I keep it parked in the garage when not in use. Over the last couple of days my garage has had a very strong smell of gas (way more than normal). At first I didn't pay much attention to it because the tractor has been getting plenty of use with all of the snow we have had and I have been starting it in the garage. I have an in-line shut off valve and sometimes I forget to close it when I get done using it so verified it was closed. I noticed a spot (not huge but consistant with a constant two-day drip) of gas on the floor right below the carb and could see that the carb was slowly dripping gas. I am not a mechanic and don't know the first thing about these carbs. I was told that leaking carbs are common and that is why the previous owner installed the in-line shut off. Is it possible that the shut of valve has failed or should I be looking for something bigger? One other thing I noticed when I looked at the carb was little white spots, which I took to be ice build up. However, I'm not sure and wonder if anyone has any ideas on this one as well. Tony

[Brian313]

Tony, I have found that if you shut the valve off before you shut the tractor off and let it run out of gas that problem is less likley to happen,^ unless the 2 dollar shut off valve is bad.:(

[BroadmoorMan]

To me it just sounds like a couple of things are worn in the carb. The needle and the float valve. This happened to my 707. Left it sit and came out and the muffler was full of gas. Got a carb kit and a shut-off valve and worked fine. If the problem is the carb then you'll probably need a carb rebuild kit. It will set you back about $50.

[tfrazier]

I started tinkering and am pretty sure the shut off valve is at least part of the problem. I took the gas line off at the valve (off position). Gas continued to drip at a fairly steady rate. I'll start with replacing the valve. If that doesn't eliminate the drip, I will look for a rebuild kit for the carb. If I have to rebuild the carb, are there instructions with the kit or can anyone point me in the right direction where I can get my hands on them. Tony

[ehertzfeld]

Go get your self a good book on older Briggs engines. I get most of my rebuild kits from Napa. I think they will come with some instructions.

[Bunky]

I think you will find the problem to be the valve there pretty cheap build and I agree Brian313 if you shut off the valve and run the gas out of the carb you have even less worry about this.. Just remember to turn it on for a second before starting it...