Jump to content
MAWHguy2019

312-8 Will Not Start...

Recommended Posts

MAWHguy2019

Hi fellow WH fans,

So, I have a 1989 312-8. Got busy this year with projects and have not used it much (but have used it) since last winter. Started getting everything ready for winter 22/23 plowing and went to start it up. Starter motor was engaging but engine would not turn over. Checked oil/spark plug/changed battery, still the same. Electrically, all seems to be working properly.

 

Notice that the fuel filter is only 1/4 full of fuel. Gas tank about 1/2 full. 

 

Thoughts? Thinking it may be the fuel pump. If so, are these still sold? 

 

Thanks everyone for your help. 

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites
 
BESTDOGEVER

Quickest way to check for fuel issues is spray some carb cleaner in the carb if it fires up start looking at fuel related problems. If that's a no go check coil or module depending on specific engine. If spark related start with new plug. Also fuel filters being half full probably indicates that the pump is working 

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites
 
8ntruck

"The starter motor engages, but engine will not turn over."  To me, that says the starter is not cranking the engine over.  If this is the case, you need to start looking at the heavy wiring in the starter circuit.

 

If you have 'engine cranks but no fire', you need to start chasing through the fuel and ignition systems.  I will agree that a shot of carb cleaner in the carb is a quick way to see if you have spark or not.  Another quick fix trick is pulling a dollar bill through the points when they are closed a couple times to polish crud off of them.

 

Good luck.

  • Like 2

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites
 
Pullstart

Is this a Magnum or K series engine?  Either way, it would be a great idea to inspect the electrical… especially the ground wires.  The lugs should be clean and have a bare ground to give the starter the juice it needs.

  • Like 2

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites
 
 
MAWHguy2019

Thank you everyone for the feedback and suggestions. I will keep you posted.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites
 
Heatingman

Will the engine rotate by hand? 
 

 

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites
 
Sparky

  Where was the 312 sitting? Could critters have filled the motor with acorns? I’ve seen it first hand where a Kohler wouldn’t spin because under the engine tins it was packed with acorns and other stuff. 

  • Like 2

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites
 
953 nut
19 hours ago, MAWHguy2019 said:

 

Notice that the fuel filter is only 1/4 full of fuel. Gas tank about 1/2 full. 

 

Thoughts? Thinking it may be the fuel pump. If so, are these still sold?

I am presuming the fuel tank had some fuel in it while the tractor was dormant. If you have been using gas with ethanol your fuel system probably needs to be serviced. Ethanol will kill any small engine fuel system, to find ethanol free gas use this web site, https://www.pure-gas.org/

Begin by draining the fuel tank then replace the rubber fuel line and filter. Remove the fuel line from the fuel pump to the carburetor. Now ad some fresh non-ethanol gas to the tank, jack up the rear of the tractor so the fuel tank is higher than the fuel pump, remove the spark plug and turn the engine over to see if the fuel pump is capable of pumping fuel. It is important to elevate the gas tank because the fuel pump is good at pushing fuel but lousy at pulling it up hill. If the fuel pump isn.t working I would suggest replacing it with an electric fuel pump. The older metal fuel pumps can be rebuilt but the plastic ones are junk.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites
 

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now

×
×
  • Create New...