One of those things that should be obvious...

[dsholler 54]

I just acquired a 1987 414-8 tractor and a 48" mower deck. This is the first lawn tractor of any sort I have ever owned.

I did the basic maintenance (oil, plug, battery, air filter) and tried to start it with no luck. It occured to me that I had not seen (or read about in the copies of the operators manual I have found online) a fuel shutoff valve. I found a valve right where the fuel line connects to the tank (under the seat) but it is not labeled in any way, so I have no idea which way is open and closed... does anyone know?

Unfortunately, I wasn't able to start it either way, but I have a feeling that is because it has been sitting too long and the battery is run down, since I was not able to get it to turn over more than 2 or 3 times without letting it rest. (I know the machine has not been used in at least 6 months)

Also, the AC circuit appears to have been disconnected (I assume that is the 5 pin plug right behind the starter) I did not know if this needed to be plugged in to start the engine...

Any other suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

[can whlvr 994]

the valve on the rear tank shouls be turned counterclock wise all the way,i recommend that you change the fuel lines and put a new fuel filter,also it would be a good time to replace the gas tank valve,or at least pull it out of the gromet(which could be replaced also) and check the screen on it,they are known to get plugged up,with new fuel lines,filter,put fresh fuel in,turn the valve out(counterclock wise),and let fuel flow to the filter,then attach it to the fuel pump,i allways crank the engine over with the outlet of the fuel pump disconnected to see if the fuel pump is pumping,put the end of the hose in a container,if it pumps,which it should then hook up to the carb and try starting again,if that doesnt work then remove the carb and dismantle it to clean and check it for dirt and crud,i assume you have spark,but check that also,if you have spark you can put a small amount of fuel in the cylinder to get it to fire too,but i would do the afore mentioned items,first,a clean and fresh fuel system is a must,and by the way i have 2 414,s,a 87 and a89,great machines,probally my fav of what i own

[AMC RULES 37,196]

:WRS: :wwp:

[bowtiebutler956 650]

:WRS: Congratulations on your first Wheel Horse, they are awesome tractors! As soon as you have her up and running, post some pics please. :wwp:

[dsholler 54]

Weird, I tried to post a picture and it did not work.

[tunahead72 2,546]

Congratulations on your new addition, and

My first riding mower was also a Wheel Horse. That was close to 30 years ago, and so far ALL my riding mowers have been Wheel Horses. By the way, your 414-8 is officially a garden tractor.

I think Don has covered all the fuel system checks you should do, and make sure you're using fresh fuel, especially if like you say it's been sitting for 6 months.

Do you have a tester to check your battery voltage? If so, make sure the water levels are good and check to see what the voltage reading is before you try to start the engine. If you're not seeing around 12.6 volts or so, that could be part of your problem

Except for that, I can't begin to address other possible electrical problems, so somebody else will have to help out here, shouldn't be long... :)

[Hydro 131]

Warning Only one Wheel Horse is contagious!! :naughty:

[dsholler 54]

Well, I got it started...

Now the problem is I cannot get it to shut off. (at least, not without putting the throttle all the way down and opening the choke so it floods. ) It also appears that someone has fiddled with the wiring around the busbar that has all the warning lights. Also, the AC plug (at least, I think that is what it is.. the five pin thingy that is behind the starter) was disconnected. It looks like I will need to spend some time with the tester and the wiring diagram

BUt in the meantime, it does run.... now I need to clean the cutting deck and sharpen it up..

[Sparky-(Admin) 23,219]

Thats good news! Glad to hear its coming together.

Mike..........

[earlleecliffton 38]

welcome

[SAM58 30]

Hello and :WRS:

[ben06351 19]

:woohoo: Good luck. congrats on your first horse.

[SALTYWRIGHT 861]

WECOME FROM NORWALK, CT. YOU WILL LIKE YOUR WHEEL HORSE. RUSS

[Wheel-N-It 2,976]

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