POOR FUEL DELIVERY

[illinilefttackle 399]

:WRS: I'm not satisfied with the fuel delivery from the tank to the filter on my C-125. If you are snow plowing,where only short bursts of govenor engagment is needed-it works fine. But every year as I transition from winter tasks to summer mowing I have to re-tune my carb. It seems that the Hydro & the deck being engaged at the same time drain the carb of fuel and stall the engine.

I've watched it happen-when the Engine is off the fuel filter(a large clear one) is 1/3 full. After you start the engine, it slowly goes down to gas being barely visible in the filter-if you then apply the Hydro & the PTO-deck- it will run out of gas.

I replaced the fuel pump a month ago during Snow plowing-it seemed to help.

Today it died on me as I was starting to mow-clearly out of fuel-I then richened up the High Speed jet to find a spot where it will continue to run under load- I did, and it did-but not Full power in my opinion.

Question: Shouldn't the filter stay filled during operation?

There is no restriction from the tank to the filter. Can I add an elec pump to push the fuel from the tank to the filter? I know it should be low pressure.

Any ideas Guys? Will this help do you think?

It's running now and mowing but not with full power-AL :whistle:

[Kelly 1,033]

make sure the cap is venting properly, and no the filter will not be full about half would be good.

[WheelHorse_of_course 99]

If it is "running out of fuel" no adjustment of the mixture would fix it.

I agree about checking the vent hole in the cap.

You might replace the hose between the pump and the card with clear hose which will allow you to get a better idea what is going on.

[TT-(Moderator) 1,162]

Take the hose off at the shut-off under the tank, hold a can under the outlet, turn it on and see if you have a good flow of gas. The screen inside the tank might be partially plugged.

(if you want to cheat a little, pull the line off "behind" the filter and blow air back through to the tank. (with the shut-off open, of course) If your problem goes away, the shut-off and/or screen was partially blocked.

(Look for a pinched hose too -- you may have kinked it, etc. when you installed the lift cable. )

[illinilefttackle 399]

Thanks Guys- I did check the vent hole in the cap-even took it off and tried it.

I blew air back thru the tank,from ahead of the filter when I replaced the filter(a month ago when I did the fuel pump) . Maybe it has gradualy plugged up again-

My filter is never more than 1/10th full-when under load you can't even see gas in there-just a tiny bit-I really feel the problem is between the tank and the fuel filter .I noticed the fuel line travels down from the tank, then back UP into the center frame section, then UP again to a clip on the frame above the steering fan-then down to the filter-seems like that is a lot of UP. Too much for gravity feed -my tank is 1/2 full of gas.

Maybe I should blow back thru it again?-AL

[KyBlue 655]

I had this problem, my screen was clogged up, it would let air pass, but took ALOT of pressure, as your blowing in the tank, I'd look to see how much air is coming up thru. I ended up removing the screen, works great now.

[illinilefttackle 399]

How do you remove it?-AL

[TT-(Moderator) 1,162]

Drain the fuel tank (or remove it from the tractor - which is a pain in the butt) and carefully twist and pull on the shut-off valve. It should pull out of the rubber bushing. (I advise having a new bushing on had just in case it tears. )

Rip the screen out of the shut-off valve with pliers, clean out all of the dirt, and reinstall the shut-off in the bushing.

[KyBlue 655]

I just reached down in the tank with a very long curved pick tool. Couldnt figure out how to remove the shutoff valve. I need to replace mine, it doesnt work anymore.

[WheelHorse_of_course 99]

This is NOT gravity feed since there is a fuel pump.

Ups and downs don't matter much since you have suction from the pump and on top of that you have the siphon action once flow starts.

Possibly the fuel valve is not fully open?

[illinilefttackle 399]

I used to have a WH dealer right down town-but they haven't answered the phone the last 3 times I called them- Are the fuel shutoffs and tank bushings ok that they sell on Ebay? They look the same and list the right Part #-$7 something plus $2.95 shipping.- AL :whistle:

[TT-(Moderator) 1,162]

They're fine, Al.

My local shop carries the Stens aftermarket line of parts and I haven't had an issue with the quality of anything. (knock on wood. )

Any "competent" lawn mower shop should be able to get them for you. (unless you don't mind paying the shipping.) That bushing and shut-off is actually a Kohler part too, and is used a lot on the plastic tanks of the Magnum engines.

If you are very careful, you can push a jewelers screwdriver between the bushing and the shut-off valve while applying some liquid soap in the area. Once you get the valve loose in the bushing, it will pull right out.

The problem you will find (with the age of your tractor) is that the bushing will probably be stiff and/or brittle. That's why I recommend having a new bushing on hand -- in case your old one comes out in pieces.