tntatro 181 #1 Posted June 17, 2020 Hello, I have an 8hp 8 speed that runs good but when I drive down my bumpy gravel driveway it will keep bogging down and looses power totally but only momentarily, then it recovers when the ground is smooth again. It drives fine over relatively smooth ground, it's just when I drive down my long driveway. The engine is a K181 that I rebuilt. According to the tachometer I used, the high speed was between 3,450 and 3600. Anyone know what can cause that to happen? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
WHX?? 51,745 #2 Posted June 17, 2020 That's odd it only does it on rough ground. Loose ignition wire somewhere? 4 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
tntatro 181 #3 Posted June 17, 2020 24 minutes ago, WHX24 said: That's odd it only does it on rough ground. Loose ignition wire somewhere? Actually there was a terminal on the ignition that corroded off and the wire was touching another and caused some melting. I shoved the connector into the wider part of the terminal but it still bogs down. Maybe I should take another look or even replace the switch. I originally thought that maybe the bumps were causing abrupt loads on the engine and causing it to bog down but my 10hp goes over the same area without any problems at all. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
bottjernat1 2,194 #4 Posted June 17, 2020 Check all your wire connections! If that doesn't do it maybe some dirt in the carb bouncing around. Id lean towards a wiring issue tho. 1 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Ed Kennell 41,974 #5 Posted June 17, 2020 Carb float may not be set correctly. 5 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
WHX?? 51,745 #6 Posted June 17, 2020 No baffle in the bowl? 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
tntatro 181 #7 Posted June 17, 2020 I don't know about the carburetor, it's a cheap aftermarket and I haven't had it apart yet. I have a couple old carburetors that I finally put bushings in the throttle shaft so I can try one of those. I might have time to mess with it tomorrow. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
varosd 1,185 #8 Posted June 17, 2020 Seat switch if so equipped? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
tntatro 181 #9 Posted June 17, 2020 4 minutes ago, varosd said: Seat switch if so equipped? No seat switch on this one. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
953 nut 59,995 #10 Posted June 17, 2020 3 hours ago, tntatro said: I should take another look or even replace the switch. Looks like you solved your own problem. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
tntatro 181 #11 Posted June 17, 2020 2 minutes ago, 953 nut said: Looks like you solved your own problem. When I fixed the switch before it was because the switch wouldn't work and if I jumped it the engine would run but sputter real bad. After fixing it I thought it might fix the bogging problem but it didn't. I'll try putting a new switch in and check out the wires. If that doesn't fix it then I'll try a different carburetor. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
wfrpalm 218 #12 Posted June 17, 2020 2 hours ago, Ed Kennell said: Carb float may not be set correctly. Check this before you change carbs. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
953 nut 59,995 #13 Posted June 18, 2020 12 hours ago, tntatro said: new switch in and check out the wires New switch and replace the connectors, they don't cost much and will make a better connection. You can get them at any good auto parts store. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
tntatro 181 #14 Posted June 18, 2020 This morning I checked out the carburetor and the float appeared to be fine. There is no tab for adjusting how far it opens and it was set perfectly for where it closes. I put a different carburetor on and the problem went away. I could not get it to bog down on the driveway with a different carb although it took me a while to get this one to stop hunting. I finally got it pretty decent. The ignition switch connections appear to be pretty good so I'll replace the switch later. Thanks for the help everyone. 1 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
bottjernat1 2,194 #15 Posted June 18, 2020 35 minutes ago, tntatro said: I put a different carburetor on and the problem went away. Keep the old carb they are rebuildable. I rebuild them all the time. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Ed Kennell 41,974 #16 Posted June 18, 2020 Was there a baffle in the bowl? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
tntatro 181 #17 Posted June 18, 2020 1 hour ago, Ed Kennell said: Was there a baffle in the bowl? I don't know, what does the baffle look like? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
tntatro 181 #18 Posted June 18, 2020 (edited) Looking at the parts diagram for the carburetor, it does have the baffle. Edited June 18, 2020 by tntatro Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
