Gas in exhaust when starting

[davidmoll 60]

Guys, I have a 6216 tracor with a 16HP Briggs engine.  When I went to start the tractor last night a good amount of gas came out the exhaust (enough to make a stain on the garage floor about the size of basket ball hoop.  The tractor started and ran fine after.  Also I smelled a gas smell by the tractor all this week but see no apparent leaks.  Any ideas or help.  Hope it starts today as we are getting 6 plus inches of ssnow.

Thanks Dave

[Mike_H 92]

Sounds like it might be flooding...like the needle isn't sealing in the carb anymore.  Do you have a fuel shutoff installed?  

[davidmoll 60]

Thanks Mike, I do not have a fuel shutoff installed.  Sounds like a good idea.

[720nut 4,225]

check crankcase for gas in oil, I'm with Mike you need a fuel shutoff.

[davidmoll 60]

Will check for gas in oil.  I'll use a vise grip for today for fuel shut off where I intend to cut the fuel hose to install later.  Does tractor supply or local lawn repair place sell them or need to order from Jack's?  

[goatfarmer 817]

Should be able to find one local. Hardware store, or places like Lowes, lawn and garden dept.

[jlasater 285]

The fuel valves are common under the Briggs name. Most hardware stores have them. Add a fuel filter while you're at it.

[fishnwiz 3,290]

You need to change your oil after you add a fuel shutoff valve and fuel filter.You most likely have gas in your crankcase and your oil will be thinned out with gas in it.

 The valves are also at most auto parts stores and NAPA or any hardware store and are inexpensive.

Edited December 17, 2016 by fishnwiz

[davidmoll 60]

Thanks guys.  Thought I'd follow up on this problem.  Bought a shut off valve but haven't installed it.  No fuel in crankcase.  Tractor started right up the next day without any fuel coming out the exhaust and tractor does not smell of gas anymore.  Here is my theory which may be debunked.  I had a dead battery before switching it out and the first time I started I had the gas problem.  Is it possible that with no battery power to the fuel pump it would let gas flood the carburetor?? Or do you think I got lucky that the needle did re-seat in the carburetor bowl like its supposed to??  Also should I install the fuel shut off valve between the fuel pump and carburetor or before the fuel pump?

 

What do you think?  Big nor-easter coming tomorrow night.  Will let you know how it tractor starts up.

 

[Hick 2,229]

Most likely the needle seat stuck open for a bit.  If you had that much fuel in the cylinder, you DO have fuel in the oil. I'd change it just to be sure; 2 qts of oil is cheaper than an engine! Run a bit of Sea Foam in the next couple of tanks to clean things out.
Filter is a good idea, too, if there isn't one on it.

[davidmoll 60]

Thanks Hick, will change oil.  Tractor started right up with no gas in exhaust.

 

Thanks Dave

[davidmoll 60]

Installed shut off and changed oil and you were spot on with gas in the oil.  I couldn't believe how much gas was in there and how thin the oil was and looked.  Tractor running much better now.  Thanks for saving my engine!!

 

Dave

 

 

[720nut 4,225]

Glad ya got it straightened out