Stepney 2,354 #1 Posted July 13, 2013 Hello all, I've been away awhile... I don't know where to post this, (Engine or Transmission subject) I had the old Electro 12 out again today. While doing a few things around the house, maybe running 20 minutes or so, I started to loose power in the rear end. First I lost reverse, then it get real sluggish in forward. By then I was headed for the shed, quick as I could! I wasn't running it too fast, maybe half throttle, or less. Then it started to miss, then it would fire hard a few times, this went on another 20 feet or so, and then the engine just coasted to a stop. I tried to restart it, nothing. Checked I was getting spark, gas, compression, etc. Tried another good plug, nothing. Tried another coil and condenser, nothing. I finally pushed it to the shed, can't figure out what's wrong with it now... Call me crazy, I think it's upset... I had just gotten a Cub 125, and used it to tow the E12 to the shed... All kidding aside, I have no clue whats wrong with it now... You have any ideas? The rear wasn't too hot, and wasn't low on fluid either. And, no water in the gas. Thanks, Spenser. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Rock farmer 41 #2 Posted July 13, 2013 It sounds to me like you may have blown a head gasket. Joe Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
boovuc 1,090 #3 Posted July 13, 2013 Hi Spenser, You said you had spark, compression and it was delivering fuel and you changed the plug, condenser and coil out. Did you check the points? Make sure they are opening and closing as they should and make sure they didn't become loose and throw the gap way out. Look at the points first. Second thing I would do is a compression test and check for leak down if the points check out OK. Good Luck! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Wheel-N-It 2,976 #4 Posted July 13, 2013 As the engine began running poorly did you pull the choke lever out to engage the choke to try to get more fuel in the engine? I'm thinking you have a fuel problem. Is your spark plug wet with fuel??? I know you said you were getting gas but you did not say the plug was wet with fuel. If your plug is dry, give a small shot of starting fluid straight into the carb. If the engine starts then its time to perform a fuel system check. I know you said there is no water in the gas, but you can have a fuel tank full of gasoline and still no fuel in the combustion chamber. Boo and rock Farmer have good suggestions too, and either one may be correct. I'm trying to help you zero in on the problem from a different angle. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
546cowboy 302 #5 Posted July 14, 2013 Seems like no one thought much about the first part of your post. You started by saying the hydro wouldn't go backwards and then it started messing up going forward. Everyone jumped to the engine. Obviously it needs to be running to see if the hydro has a problem but was the load from the hydro causing the engine to overheat? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Wheel-N-It 2,976 #6 Posted July 14, 2013 Ummmm, Spenser??? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Electro12WH 50 #7 Posted July 14, 2013 My Electro doesn't have points. It has a breakerless ignition. Is yours converted? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Stepney 2,354 #8 Posted July 15, 2013 Sorry I took so long, was busy with a neighbors Murray today... So, in answer.... Firstly, what exactly IS a leak-down test? I've heard of it, but never did that one before. Secondly, it wasn't loading or overheating the motor, it simply died. I did check the points, and they operate properly, and in lieu of that, the motor block appears to be out of a Ford or something. (Has a red shrouding, but the block has faded blue paint). I was getting gas at the head, I fiddled with it today for awhile. It would sputter, but I never managed to run it. (Starter let out again!!!) The head gasket is new, and doesn't leak. As for the hydro, it wasn't loading up at all, and it wasn't slipping. (Belt wise). I've been getting ready to rebuild the motor, this was one of it's last planned runs.... Now it decides to act up! I'm going to try it later tomorrow, and see if anything else will work. What I've found over the last four years, is that it seems to 'short' plugs... Otherwise stated, it'll start to hit hard, miss, and die. I'd change the plug and it'd come right back to life for another week or so. Sometimes more, some less. May tamper a little more tonight if I can get the other starter working... Thanks for all the ideas! Spenser. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Rock farmer 41 #9 Posted July 15, 2013 Getting gas at the head? I would check the torque on the head bolts. Also, if someone else replaced the engine, I would check the ground strap that grounds the block to the frame. Joe Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Stepney 2,354 #10 Posted July 16, 2013 Well, I got it started toady, I still don't really know what happened. I had been trying for a few hours, and I was just giving up, I shut off the ignition, and the motor snapped over by itself, and I quickly snapped it back on, and it took off running! Wont kick off the starter, though... It run great, but the hydro is still very weak. I guess I spent too much time with hit and miss engines, I only can get it started by "Bump Starting" it... Then the tire blew out, so It'll be awhile till I work on it again. Thanks for all you're help so far! Spenser. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Jrblanke 918 #11 Posted July 17, 2013 Possibly a electrical ground problem? Did you see any pinched or dry rotted wires? I'm new and not familiar with these tractors but the wiring and connections may need to be checked. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Stepney 2,354 #12 Posted November 18, 2013 Well, I finally have gotten it running well again, It's been a long while... The drive isn't as bad, it has gotten better over time. I still, though now around every hour of running, have stalling issues. This engine burns oil, bad. I think the excess oil is fouling the plugs, so I just change them whenever it dies and, it'll run fine for a while more... I guess it was a freak of the moment thing... The points were tight, I checked that. I don't run it much in the winter too much now, (Too worried it'll die, no less,) And it's at another shed now, so I couldn't get it out anyway. So, it's pretty much figured out now. Thanks for all of the ideas, I should have replied earlier, Spenser. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
