Quiz time again, but this is an easy one

[MrSteele 495]

I have a Landlord, 64 0r 5ish, has been repowered to a 16 HP Briggs, 78 model, I think. The tractor runs, or, ran, great, started easily, usually on the first grunt or so of the starter/generator, rarely having to grind the starter. I can cut most yard grasses up to about 8" tall in 3rd gear with no strain. Until the last weekend. I had been cutting for an hour or so, when the engine died, as if someone had cut the switch off. It would start again, easily, maybe run for a few minutes, maybe just start. But, each time it died, it started right back up. I have repaired it, tonight, and used it again. What did I do?

[ambler 0]

I bet you put running boards on it.

[MrSteele 495]

hmmmm, I thought about doing that, but, as I didn't have enough scrap iron.. Even thought about painting it, or airing up the tires, replacing the seat, and putting a lift kit on it.

[B-16_IC 1,029]

I bet the lift kit would have done it!!&:) Would it happen to have been the ignition switch or the wire to it? Had that happen on my old Dodge truck, die going down the road but would always restart.

[D-17_Dave 12]

Removed the gas restriction.

[UCD 14]

Replaced bad spark plug.

[OldFarmTractor 5]

Either replaced the condenser or the fuel filter.

[Ketchamized 2]

Replaced switch on the seat? Seat was bouncing up and down and the switch was loose?

[Juggler2 0]

Sounds like a fuel restriction to me. Cleaned the carb?

[MPH 12]

Rplaced fuel filter or gas tank cap

[firefoxz1 4]

Ignition cut-off switch wire chaffed and shorting.

[HubbardRA 19]

Re-filled the tank with gas.:D Been there, done that!:O

[dads707 0]

I'm with Rod, you put gas in it..

[firefoxz1 4]

Yeah Rod, a certain S/F parade comes to mind.}:)}:):D:D

[goatfarmer 817]

Condenser, although the empty gas tank trick has caught me a time or two.....:O

[SMC17 0]

Coil had come loose and was shorting on the hood.

[jrichason 0]

I'm going with fuel filter, although I've had the same problem caused by a loose nut behind the wheel.

[tractormike 0]

I'll quess that the shut off valve in the bottom of the gas tank had vibrated and turned untill it was just about closed all the way.

[skunkhome 0]

The wire you were using to attach the muffler grounded out the spark plug? I told you to use duck tape!

[MrSteele 495]

It was a fuel problem. The point on the needle valve in the carb was worn so badly, that the needle was sticking in the seat. A new needle, and a perfect running engine again. I do wonder why most folks think a spark plug or ignition is the answer to most woes?

[acfarmer 1]

A little Marvel Mystery Oil in the fuel will help keep deposits out of fuel system and lube valves

[UCD 14]

quote:

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Originally posted by MrSteele
I do wonder why most folks think a spark plug or ignition is the answer to most woes?

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Because I have had the same problem same symptoms. Engine running great then all of a sudden it quits, starts right back up runs a few min and quits starts right back up but when mower was engaged would stall. Had fuel and spark, checked carb and float ok checked spark by pulling wire off from plug and seeing if spark would jump gap, it did. Engine still would not rev up with out stalling. Held plug wire just of from plug and it would run. With added gap it made a hotter spark. Replaced plug with new one and ran fine. Old plug would fire but would not fire under load. Rule of thumb with these small engines is if it acts like fuel most likely it is spark. If it acts like spark most likely it will be fuel

[firefoxz1 4]

quote:

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Originally posted by UCD
Rule of thumb with these small engines is if it acts like fuel most likely it is spark. If it acts like spark most likely it will be fuel

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:O:(!:D:D

[GWGAllisfan 159]

I've got a 10HP doing almost the same thing. I can keep it running sometimes if i squeeze the fuel line. I wonder if the Ebay carb on it was meant for a fuel pump..more pressure, equals flow. More likely just sticking needle.

[MrSteele 495]

Most likely, just a sticking needle, yes, and a very easy fix. Parts are easily available, too. IN fact, I used a new needle that I bought for an 11 HP I/C engine, aroun\d an 89 model or so. Works just fine.