Any advice to get my 83 work horse gt-1142 started?

[Brian T 2]

hey all:

 

a relatively non-handy homeowner here with a 1983 work horse, and trying to get it started. 

 

hasn't run in a few years, and was stored in a shed with empty gas tank

 

changed the spark plug, cleaned off the carb filter, and jumped the battery. Put in gas too

 

when I turn the key, it cranks and the cycle in the engine turns.

 

however, it doesn't start. There is a clear container on the gas line that is getting gas in it. I have to adjust the choke manually, and have tried the range of options to get it going.

 

any advice is appreciated

 

[JackC 617]

It needs fuel and spark to run.  Some basic checks for spark are as follows. You can take the plug out and ground it while cranking to observe spark.  Also be sure the breaker points are clean by running a small flat file on the point surfaces.  Make sure all the electrical connections are good.  For fuel checks, just because fuel is getting into the carb does not mean it is getting into the engine.   The float needle could be stuck or the carb could be plugged with ethanol remains.  If you have spark you can put small amounts of fuel directly down the throat of the carb to see if the engine will fire.

[Brian T 2]

Thanks Jack - will give it a shot now.  I didn;t really play with the carb too much so will take a look.  Are the breaker points just the little circut breakers that i see near the steering column?

[Brian T 2]

Thanks again.

 

So, i found one fuse (number 15) near the steering section and pulled it out, cleaned it, and put it back in. 

 

Opened the carb and it looks clean inside.  Before i go pouring gas in there, wondering how much and if this is the right place.  And if you think it looks good.  Here is a pic

[Brian T 2]

and  have confirmed (the hard way) that there is a spark/  Got the shock first.  Then held by the rubber and saw the spark

[kaiser 100]

you can try started fluid, it's a spray and you spray it into the carb. if it runs on that small amount, it should if you have spark, then you know it's the carb that's the issue and it needs to be cleaned and rebuilt.

 

a carb may "look" clean, but trust me it's not. it's got varnish in there that must be cleaned out. you should be able to get a carb rebuild kit for it.

lay down a white towel and start to take apart the carb. lay out the parts in the order they were removed. clean the parts with spray carb and choke cleaner, then blow them off with air.

once all the peices are clean, re assemble using new gaskets/orings from the rebuild kit. reinstall and you should be good to go.

 

storing anything with an empty gas tank is a good idea but it doesn't mean that all the fuel has left the carb, it dries and turns to varnish.

[Brian T 2]

thanks - think pep boys has a kit like that? Or a garden center?

[Brian T 2]

ok i am going to show my ignorance here.  What parts are the carb?

 

Is it all three zones i noted here?  So I am taking all 3 apart and cleaning them? Or is it just the red, green or orange?

[6wheeler 668]

You are on the right track there Brian. You had your Wheel Horse jumps start for the day   . Now that you have spark, on to step 2. Remove the air cleaner cover and filter. You will be able to see the throat of the carb. Open the choke , and put some gas directly into the throat. Use a funnel of some sort to make it easier. You won't need much. Maybe a teaspoon full ( I always say that. But, I always end up with more). Once you have done that try to start it. If it fires you  are on the right track and the carb probably needs a good cleaning. ( which it probably does anyway) Good luck To Ya.

[6wheeler 668]

Red=air filter. Green= air intake. Orange= carb.  remove the air filter and put a little gas in that inlet. 

[Rock farmer 41]

Brian,

The red is your air filter. The green is the throttle body. And the orange is your carb.

Go easy on the gas. Better too little than too much. Don't use starter fluid. Carburetor cleaner would be better.

Carburetor cleaner can be had at any auto parts store. A carburetor rebuild kit for that would be a small engine part.

Joe

[Brian T 2]

Boom!!!! it started with the gas in there and idled till i shut it off. 

 

However, it also leaked a ton from what looks like the bottom of the carb picture attached.

 

So, a good cleaning?

[Brian T 2]

PS that picture turned when i uploaded it - obviously that leak is at the bottom.

 

So a few questions:

1. I need a carb rebuilt kit still?

2. Do i need a specific B&S one?  If so my local store wont get it till Wed.  Or can i go to pep bys and buy a generic small engine one?

 

Thanks guys - this really got me excited. 

[Brian T 2]

here's a better shot of where the gas leaked

[gwest_ca-(File Mod) 11,396]

Before you remove the screws holding the two carb castings together you need to remove the nozzle that is above the high speed mixture screw. If you don't you will bend or break the nozzle. They can be hard to remove without the proper tool often ending with damage to the threads in the carb body.

 

This manual has a cutaway illustration of the carb. Older manual but the carb is basically the same.

 

Garry

[6wheeler 668]

Yep, Carb kit needed. I get mine from Napa. Give them the model # of the engine and they should be able to get the kit. Not all parts stores handle small engine parts but Napa does. Just call around and see if you have one that does. Or maybe a small engine shop or mower dealer. (not a sears or lowes or box store) But, like a JD or Toro dealer. You can also order kits online. Garry is correct on that. Remove that nozzle. Don't ask me how I know

[Don1977 604]

First before taking the carburetor apart try poring some Sta-Bil, SeaFoam, or StarTron (either one will work)directly into the carburetor,at least a table spoon full and add gas to fill the carburetor and let it sit for 15 minuets or so before trying to start the engine. I have had good luck using this method on 4 cycle and 2 cycle engines. It will smoke like an old steam train for 4 or 5 minuets after starting. If it doesn't start it may loosen nozzle.

[Brian T 2]

Don thanks.  Pardon the dumb question: when you say directly in, do you mean in pipe under the air filter?Or somewhere else?

[Don1977 604]

Don thanks.  Pardon the dumb question: when you say directly in, do you mean in pipe under the air filter?Or somewhere else?

Yes

[Brian T 2]

Hey guys many thanks - i am pleased to report that I got it running, and took it for a spin around the neighborhood.  U used seafoam in the air intake, and on the advice of the guy at pep boys i added it to the gas as well so it would clear the carb.

 

Now, i just need new front tires and a battery and i am golden.

 

Really appreciate you guys helping me out.

 

PS: I ordered a carb rebuild kit and may do that at some point too.

 

Thanks again,

 

Brian

[CRE1992 135]

Hey guys many thanks - i am pleased to report that I got it running, and took it for a spin around the neighborhood.  U used seafoam in the air intake, and on the advice of the guy at pep boys i added it to the gas as well so it would clear the carb.

 

Now, i just need new front tires and a battery and i am golden.

 

Really appreciate you guys helping me out.

 

PS: I ordered a carb rebuild kit and may do that at some point too.

 

Thanks again,

 

Brian

 

So are you keeping it now, and did you buy it at Potters in Middletown? I live nearby in Manalapan.

[Brian T 2]

Hey CRE you have asked me the million dollar question. And yes it was sold at potters originally (to someone else - i inherited this with my house)

 

I really want to keep it, as i have had some fun getting into this.

 

That said, i work about 60- hours a week and have a relatively large yard (maybe 1/2 of an acre is grasses, lots of hills), so while i romanticize about cutting my lawn, i am concerned that  the reality will prove hard to manage with 2 young kids, job etc.

 

So, i am debating:

1. Outsource the lawn fully, Piss off the wife and just keep it. Maybe buy a snow blower attachment?  I need one anyway

2. Insource fully. But have some moments where i deeply regret it

3. Partial outsource?

wondering if i have a lawn service just for the growing season?

 

or maybe i have them cut the front only and i cut the back?

 

decisions, decisions.

[kaiser 100]

what sized deck does the tractor have? 1/2 acre shouldn't take long to mow.

where's holmdel? if it's central to southern jersey you should be able to get bye with just a plow for it intstead of a blower.

 

get a little cart to tow behind, the kids can ride while you mow. my son loves to ride in the cart( he's almost 4 now) , he begs for rides anytime i go near my horse. good "bonding time".

[Brian T 2]

a last question: one of the front tires has a leak. I presume it is best to buy a new inner tube instead of a whole new tire? Surprised how expensive tires are

[JackC 617]

Pumping up leaky tires gets to be a pain.  Inner tubes are the way to go.  They do not leak.  If you do not have the tools or the experience pay a shop to do it.       

When you reach the advanced level you will be able to do it yourself.  The smaller the tire the harder they are to tube.  There are many how to videos on the net.