c175inMA 8 #1 Posted June 14, 2011 Hi all. About a week ago i was finishing up mowing my lawn when i ran out of gas. I refilled the tank and the tractor refused to start. It would only half run at about half the speed of idle with black smock coming out of the exhaust. I took off my air filter and noticed that the base plate was loose and that 3 of the bolts were missing and that the other one was loose. so i took off the carb to see if i could find the missing bolts but i found nothing So i replaced the fuel filter, fuel line and spark plugs. It has spark and you can see gas in the fuel filter so i think that the pump works. So i'm stumped. If you have any ideas please Thanks in advance. One thing i forgot to mention. now when i crank it is sounds like a steady hum and is not pulsating. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
boovuc 1,090 #2 Posted June 15, 2011 Since it ran out of gas and didn't start afterwards, I would think that the issue is fuel related. First check the shutoff valve at the tank bottom and make sure fuel is passing through it with no obstruction. Next I think you need to see if the fuel pump is actually pumping gasoline. The best way is to disconnect the fuel line from the fuel pump outlet or the fuel line from the carb inlet and observe if fuel pumps when you turn the motor over. (It should pulse with decent pressure if it's working properly). The gas in the fuel filter isn't always indicative of the fuel pump working. Let us know. BooVuc Mill Hall, PA Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
bigd 0 #3 Posted June 15, 2011 spray some carb cleaner in the carb and see if it will run on that.i'm confused did it run after you filled the tank and blow black smoke or did it blow black smoke before it ran out of gas Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
c175inMA 8 #4 Posted June 15, 2011 Since it ran out of gas and didn't start afterwards, I would think that the issue is fuel related. First check the shutoff valve at the tank bottom and make sure fuel is passing through it with no obstruction. Next I think you need to see if the fuel pump is actually pumping gasoline. The best way is to disconnect the fuel line from the fuel pump outlet or the fuel line from the carb inlet and observe if fuel pumps when you turn the motor over. (It should pulse with decent pressure if it's working properly). The gas in the fuel filter isn't always indicative of the fuel pump working. Let us know. BooVuc Mill Hall, PA It isn't the shut off valve because when i removed the fuel line i ripped the bushing on the bottom of the tank. So after i installed the new fuel line i just tried to start it with the fuel line emerged in a gas can. I will try your suggestion Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
c175inMA 8 #5 Posted June 15, 2011 spray some carb cleaner in the carb and see if it will run on that.i'm confused did it run after you filled the tank and blow black smoke or did it blow black smoke before it ran out of gas After i ran out of fuel and refilled. when i tried to start it it would only run at about half the speed of idle and it would blow black smoke. I had the throttle all the way full and the choke about halfway. i tried running it on carb cleaner and it did the same thing. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
b-80boz 0 #6 Posted June 15, 2011 mine did that and it ended up being one of the screws that were holding on the breather got sucked down the manifold and got stuck in a valve if you take off the manifold you can look into were the valves are and you will probably find your missing bolts and one is probably in a valve. you will have to pull the head to retrieve the bolts... :hide: Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
bigd 0 #7 Posted June 15, 2011 that would be my guess find the missing bolts Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
c175inMA 8 #8 Posted June 16, 2011 Well i took your advice and took off the manifold and there they were the 3 screw. I pulled the screws out, put the manifold back on and started it up. I runs good for all your help Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
pfrederi 18,707 #9 Posted June 16, 2011 That is good news but 3 screws in the manifold would not keep it from starting. I guess taking everything apart and reinstalling fixed something...wonder what? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
b-80boz 0 #10 Posted June 17, 2011 glad it worked for ya... :hide: Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
c175inMA 8 #11 Posted June 17, 2011 That is good news but 3 screws in the manifold would not keep it from starting. I guess taking everything apart and reinstalling fixed something...wonder what? They weren't in the manifold they were under the valve stem. i had to turn the engine so the valve would move. i think they were holding the valves open a little bit. that would explain why it sounded like a steady hum not pulsating when i was cranking it :hide: Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
boovuc 1,090 #12 Posted June 17, 2011 I was going gas all the way since it stopped after you ran out and wouldn't start after that. Glad you found the issue(s) and there was no damage to the top end of your KT. I had my throttle plate off last year. I think I might look at those screws this weekend and see if mine are lossening up. BooVuc Mill Hall, PA Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
