4wd-n-archery 1 #1 Posted July 11, 2018 So, I just drove an hour and a half for a 520xi, with 48" deck, and plow. Supposedly runs perfect. I talked the guy down $100 prior to coming out. He couldn't get home in time, so his wife was there to show it. It was cold when I got there (engine). I tried to start it. It took a perfect balance of throttle and choke, but it started and ran flawlessly. For 15 seconds. Then abruptly quit..... It was low on gas. And battery at this point. So we put it on the charger, and I went to the gas station. We tried to start it again No go. Starter fluid fired it up instantly. But when that runs out, kaput... Any suggestions on a process of elimination to diagnose? Dirty carb? Fuel pump? Oh yeah. I offered him $500 for everything. Hope it is worth it. 779 hours I will post pictures when I get a chance Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
953 nut 51,721 #2 Posted July 11, 2018 My first thought is that the previous owner may have closed the outlet valve on the fuel tank and his wife didn't know that. If he has been using gas with ethanol in it that could be the problem. It has ruined many a small engine's fuel system. Drain the fuel system and replace the fuel lines and filter. Fill the tank with ethanol free gas with some Seafoam added. https://www.pure-gas.org/ Remove the line from the fuel pump to carburetor to be sure fuel is being delivered that far. 1 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Kurt-NEPA 755 #3 Posted July 11, 2018 (edited) Sounds like its not getting fuel to carb to me. Several possibilities. I would pull the inlet side hose off the gas filter and hold it down. Gas should run out easily. Make sure gas is getting that far. Edited July 11, 2018 by Kurt-NEPA 1 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites