K532 runs on one cylinder at startup

[BMW1 44]

I have not spent a lot of time investigating this yet and am wondering if anyone else has had a similar issue.

 

When I start the D200(K532), it starts and runs on right cylinder for about 5-10 seconds and then the left one starts to run(it cuts in and out for about 3 seconds) and then they both continue to run normally after that.  The spark plugs were changed last summer and everything was running fine when I parked for winter.  I've had this tractor for about 1 year - only use it to move my 6X12 trailer around so it does not get much use.

 

This spring when I started it, it would only run on right cylinder.  I shut it off and looked and discovered one of the top head bolts was out about 1/2"???? Not sure how this happened as I have never taken the heads off of it,  I was concerned it snapped but I was able to tighten and torque.  I checked re-torqued other head bolts - they were all fine.

 

Ever since then when I start it, it starts and runs on right cylinder and then the left one kicks in.  After that the tractor is fine,  When the engine is warm and it's started, it starts and runs on both cylinders right away.

 

The engine does not smoke at all.

 

Any ideas?

 

Thanks.

 

 

[pfrederi 18,670]

 Simple test first  put a spark plug tester on the intermittent cylinder then try starting it do you get consistent spark??  Could be one half of your coil is acting up, though usually it is when it gets hot it fails.

 

If you have spark then i would look at compression on the bad cylinder...sticky valve perhaps???

[ebinmaine 72,672]

I agree with Paul on the spark plug tester.

Maybe switch wires and see if the problem switches to the other cylinder?

 

I was kind of wondering if you have a head gasket with a slight leakage and it is warming up and then sealing properly...

 

Spark test definitely needs to be done first.

 

 

[BMW1 44]

Due to the loose head bolt, I decided to replace the head gasket.  I cleaned carbon from head, cleaned head bolt holes with a tap, replaced the head gasket, torqued head to 35 ft/lbs in correct sequence, put new spark plugs in, started it up, ran fine, drove it around for a short time, seemed to be working great.  Parked for two weeks, now having difficulty starting and when it does start, does not run smooth but is running on both cylinders.  Used it to pull my small trailer out, parked and shut off, it backfired - it never did that before, and could not get it restarted.  opened tow valve and pulled to garage.

 

I could smell gas the minute I lifted the hood, but did not see any puddles by fuel pump. Looking at the spark plugs, the one on the left side is sooty and black, while the other has a tan color.  Since I smelled gas right away,  checked dipstick, it's overfull, seems thin, and has a gas smell to it.

 

If I ever get it started again, I will switch the plug wires to see if the problem moves to the other side.

 

I know I need to replace the oil, but would like to determine why there is gas in oil first.

 

Where should I start? 

 

[lynnmor 7,817]

Fix the carburetor.

[ebinmaine 72,672]

I'm not at all sure why only one cylinder is acting up.... But the carb is a first concern.

Seems that if gas is getting in the oil.... Maybe.... The carb needle and seat is leaking by?

 

Do you use ethanol laced fuel?

 

They're a fairly simple carb to clean up and rebuild.

[pfrederi 18,670]

Pulse fuel pumps can suck gas into crankcase also but carb is first suspect...

[Bill D 2,248]

Change the fuel pump.  If it's a pulse style fuel pump they are fairly cheap and easy to change.  Buy a quality name brand pump like a Briggs or Kohler pump.

[BMW1 44]

UPDATE - Removed carb and cleaned, put new fuel pump on.  There was a bunch of sediment in the carb bowl.  Seems to be running well now - Thanks for the help.