Suburban 400

[Racinbob 11,989]

I posted a 'what's in my mirror' shot yesterday and here it is. A super nice 400. No, it doesn't belong to me. I met up with @stvski80085 a few weeks ago in Crawfordville when he latched on to my tub cart. He mentioned he wanted a mid engine oldie. There's a place a few miles south of here called Random Crap. Everything is behind the house. Sheds, trailers, etc. filled with......random crap and constantly changing. I had been wanting to stop by but every time I passed it I didn't have the time or they were closed. Their open hours seem to be......random. A few weeks ago the stars aligned and I pulled in. I'm thinking I got a grin when I saw 4 red tractors lined up. A Lawn Ranger, a mid 60's round hood, a B-80 and this Suburban 400. Of course I had to look them over and the conversation was lengthy. Steve came to mind so I told him about it. It wasn't long before he became the new owner. He lives in Missouri so I'll babysit until we can get together.

 

Paperwork came with it including the original receipt from 1960. Cool!

 

 

The original (supposedly) engine was included. Somebody apparently rebuilt it but screwed it up. It was replaced with a NOS K-91 with almost no hours. Along with a box of parts. 

 

 

Fresh snow/dirt blade and mower deck. 7 new blade tips are in the parts box. All the guards are in place. Note the tires, shower cap muffler and rear hitch. 

 

Is this a Fairbanks?

 

 

I couldn't resist taking it to my personal favorite picture setting at the north end of our property. You guys have seen this setting many times. 

 

 

I'm thinking Steve will be happy with it. 

 

[wallfish 18,239]

VERY nice find. It has ALL of the goodies with it.

Yes, that's a Fairbanks recoil

[stvski80085 244]

It looks awesome.  Big thanks for picking it up and checking it over for me.  It wouldn't have happened without you.  I will give you a call soon to setup a day to come grab it and check out your collection.

Steve

[Racinbob 11,989]

Ya can't make this stuff up!! The NOS K-91 didn't like starting cold. Something isn't right. I also found out that there was a pretty serious fuel leak from the carb. Find that issue and chances are the starting problem will be fixed. The carb did not come with the engine Apparently it was one the seller had on the shelf. I got the go ahead from @stvski80085 to have at it. After finally getting the carb off I removed the bowl.

 

I found this:

 

 

That ain't nothing! Further inspection found this:

 

 

Proof positive old Kohlers just want to run. Never have I ever. 

 

I thunk I found the problem. 

[Easton Rich 649]

Simple fix at least.

[wallfish 18,239]

Upside down float valve would sure cause a hard start! LOL

[Bill D 2,277]

Upside down needle!  Wow.!

[Racinbob 11,989]

The crazy thing is how well it ran. 

[wallfish 18,239]

1 hour ago, Racinbob said:

The crazy thing is how well it ran. 

How did it not flood out?  I might have to flip the valve over on one of those chinese flooder carbs now just to see what happens! LOL

[Racinbob 11,989]

28 minutes ago, wallfish said:

How did it not flood out?  I might have to flip the valve over on one of those chinese flooder carbs now just to see what happens! LOL

I have no clue. I'm amazed it even started. I never would have chanced driving to the north end of our property to take those pictures had I known it was like this. It purred like a kitten. 

[stvski80085 244]

I’m glad Bob is working the kinks out for me.  It might have taken me longer and cost me more to figure it out.  Lol   I would never turn down help from someone who knows more than me.  I appreciate you digging into it.

steve