sluggo 40 #1 Posted June 16, 2014 I have a new to me 1993 310-8. I have run out of gas a couple of times while mowing, and after putting in new gas the tractor has been very difficult to start. I spent about an hour yesterday trying to restart, carb cleaner seems to help, and I was close several times to get it started. Finally, I got smart, listened to my wife and called the next door neighbor. He cranked the engine while i sprayed carb cleaner in the carb, and after about a minute the engine finally ran on its own. I suspect I needed to prime the carb, and i finally did that on this last attempt. What I am doing wrong other than letting the gas run out? What should I do differently? thanks Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
tunahead72 2,539 #2 Posted June 16, 2014 I suspect you're right about needing to prime the carb. I know you'll never run out of gas again, right? But if for example you decide to replace the fuel lines or filter on your tractor, you can disconnect the line just before the fuel pump, open the shutoff valve at the bottom of the gas tank and let fuel flow until the line is full up to the pump. Then reconnect the line to the pump and try to start it, should work fine. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
953 nut 59,670 #3 Posted June 16, 2014 The 1966 and earlier fuel pumps have a priming lever built in to the pump. I have put them on everything I own, even if they sit for a long time all that is needed is to operate the primer a couple of pumps and it will be primed. You can find them in ebay from time to time, they are easy to spot, just look at the photos and you will see the primer lever coming out the botom. Good luck. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
swarfeater 49 #4 Posted June 17, 2014 I take a deep breath, pop off the gas cap and pressurize the tank for 5 seconds or so. fires right up !!! 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Fordiesel69 271 #5 Posted June 17, 2014 I take a deep breath, pop off the gas cap and pressurize the tank for 5 seconds or so. fires right up !!! For real this will work great. But you may consider pulling the valve off the bottom of the tank and inspect for debris, and also consider replaced the worn out fuel pump. If these two items are good, the engine will start up failrly well if ran out of fuel. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
sluggo 40 #6 Posted July 1, 2014 Knock on wood, I haven't not had any issues since then. I bought a bottle of sta-bil, filled my tank and filled my gas can, so hopefully I won't need to pressurize the tank. I think I got into some really bad habit as kid regarding small engines. I had this Jacobsen lawn mower that started no matter what was done or not done to it as long as it had gas. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
oldredrider 2,553 #7 Posted July 2, 2014 Old habits are hard to break. Gas nowadays has a very short life; 30 days. I recommend you use Seafoam in your gas...RELIGIOUSLY. Prevents a multitude of problems including hard starting. Just my opionion, but it works for me. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
rick 255 #8 Posted July 4, 2014 Electronic fuel pump will cure the problem, I had issues with my 416H losing prime after setting a few days. I have electronic fuel pumps on two of my tractors. Bought one from NAPA, and one from David Kirk. I like the model sold by Kirk the best. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Wheel-N-It 2,976 #9 Posted July 6, 2014 Old habits are hard to break. Gas nowadays has a very short life; 30 days. I recommend you use Seafoam in your gas...RELIGIOUSLY. Prevents a multitude of problems including hard starting. Just my opionion, but it works for me. Yep, Seafoam is a good product. You'll find that alot of people here rely on it to keep their engines running properly. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
