ignition or carb ?

[John c 208]

This week I had occasion to work my little "8" 4speed a bit harder that just puttering around the yard. I noticed with actual load on the engine it would sputter and want to cut out. The load used was a 48" core aerator with 200# of lead and 240# of me, on level ground was fine, pulling up a grade it would act up, at first I thought it was low on fuel because that what it sounded like. Can an ignition issues cause this type of behavior ? 

[rmaynard 17,477]

Many probables here. I would check the fuel delivery system from the fuel cap vent, to the screen in the tank shutoff valve, to old deteriorating fuel lines to a weak fuel pump, to a dirty or maladjusted carburetor.  I would clean and re-gap the points, and replace the condenser. Replace the spark plug and ignition wire. It could be any of the above. I don't think that the weight would be the issue. I have pulled me (235lb) and trailers full of stone with an 8 hp. 

[ebinmaine 79,892]

13 minutes ago, rmaynard said:

Many probables here

 

Agreed.  

 

13 minutes ago, rmaynard said:

I don't think that the weight would be the issue. I have pulled me (235lb) and trailers full of stone with an 8 hp.

 

Certainly shouldn't be.  I've pulled a total pushing 1500 - 1800 lbs up outta our forest using an 8 HP.  

Almost all tilted. Couple wicked uphills. 

 

 

1 hour ago, John c said:

on level ground was fine, pulling up a grade it would act up,

 

The "up" there is a hint but could be because of the tilt back causing fuel starvation or because of the extra work being done temporarily.  

 

 

[John c 208]

My reason for listing weights was to give some indication of the load involved, not much I know, but more than a simple joy ride. EB I thought the same thing, low fuel, but there was plenty, I even added more to be sure. Hoses, filters, screens are all new, carb and pump have been cleaned and rebuilt, the fuel was clean, fresh, non E 90 octane. The ignition parts are all what the machine had in it when I got it. 

 

Does this behavior sound like something points, condenser wear would cause ? 

[8ntruck 9,126]

Not sure why, but my initial thought was the condenser.

[ebinmaine 79,892]

5 minutes ago, John c said:

Does this behavior sound like something points, condenser wear would cause ? 

 

1 minute ago, 8ntruck said:

Not sure why, but my initial thought was the condenser.

 

 

Possible.  

 

Can you CLEAN  the points? Then retry?

 

[John c 208]

Can you CLEAN  the points? Then retry?  

 

I can, I think I have a new condenser too, 

 

I'll report back on how it turns out, thanks guys

[sqrlgtr 3,497]

Those K181 8's punch way above their weight class and a well tuned one will surprise you at the amount of work they will do.

[ebinmaine 79,892]

2 minutes ago, sqrlgtr said:

Those K181 8's punch way above their weight class and a well tuned one will surprise you at the amount of work they will do.

 

 

My first Wheelhorse. 1974 B80. 

Tugging a tree.