jb4249 139 #1 Posted October 24, 2015 The engine on my 854 is the original K181. I restored the tractor about 5 years ago and use it around the yard to pull a trailer and for my grandson to drive around. it has run flawlessly\every time I start it. Now it doesn't want to start. When I first hi the key it fires for about 10 to 15 seconds and then quits and will not restart for several hours. it seams like it is getting a good spark, I used a spark tester, and I replaced the spark plug. I am guessing fuel. either a clog in the carb or in the fuel pump. Any other guesses would be appreciated.Thanks Tedjb4249 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
slammer302 2,156 #2 Posted October 24, 2015 probably just a stuck float give the carb a tap and you may get lucky 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
squonk 43,913 #3 Posted October 24, 2015 Try filling the gas tank to full. I had one do almost the same thing. Fuel pump was shot and it would quit and not restart when the fuel level dropped far enough so gravity wouldn't keep the carb bowl full 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
stevasaurus 23,291 #4 Posted October 24, 2015 With the 12 second run time, I tend to agree with Slammer here. Take off the air filter and spray some carb clean down the throat and then start...maybe do a few times. If Mike is right...take the line off between the fuel pump and the carb and crank the engine to see if fuel squirts out in spurts. Tapping the carb is always the 1st thing to do if it's the float or float valve. If you don't..... mix some SeaFoam in your gas can for the tractors...it really helps keep them clean, stable and moisture free. 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
rmaynard 16,343 #5 Posted October 24, 2015 An early K181 should have a pulse (vacuum) fuel pump. I'm putting my money on the diaphragm being bad, or one of the one-way valves is stuck. They are easy to take apart to clean and inspect, and if you need a new diaphragm, buckrancher has them. 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jb4249 139 #6 Posted October 25, 2015 It's the fuel pump. I'll order the kitThanksTed 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jb4249 139 #7 Posted October 25, 2015 I took the FP off and looked it over, I thought it was leaking. found it to be OK and it pumps. I put is back on and tried it again and it pumps pretty good. I was running out of things to try when I though I have a compression gauge and stuck it in the spark plug hole. I have almost 30 lbs of compression. I am thinking there is probably something stuck in the exhaust valve. I'll pull the head off and see what I can find. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
WHnoob 21 #8 Posted November 24, 2015 The K181 has the Automatic Compression Release (ACR) feature for easier starting, so a compression gauge won't give an accurate reading unless the engine is spun at higher RPM than the starter turns it. With the head off you can see it in action - the exhaust valve lifts slightly during the compression stroke. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
