Bull 34 #1 Posted September 2, 2022 Hello Everyone, My 417A with the Kohler 17 engine started running really rough and I started to look at the possible causes such as fuel and ignition problems. I checked the points and saw that the plastic piece that holds the upper metal piece seemed to be out of alignment, almost like the metal piece became loose. I went ahead and replaced the points, condenser and fuel filter. I restarted it and it ran great for 10 minutes and I shut it down feeling pretty good that the issue was resolved. So today I started it and drove it around for about 10 minutes and it was running really nice. I hitched my empty dump cart up to it and pulled it over to the wood pile and it died on me. I restarted it but once again it died on me. I have half a tank of fuel and all my fins are clean so I am at wits end about what to do next. Could the coil or starter switch be defective? All the wiring seems intact. Any suggestions would be appreciated! Regards, Bob Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
pfrederi 18,707 #2 Posted September 2, 2022 Spray some carb cleaner into the carb intake. Then crank...If she pops you have a fuel supply problem no pop means spark issue.. Check for 12v at the small + terminal on the coil. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
peter lena 9,299 #3 Posted September 2, 2022 @Bull is there anything else you did , after starting it ? turn on lights? any switches ? how about bumpy , ground issues ? just looking for a possible movement related wiring short issue . just the fact that it has done this shortly after starting , could lead you to your fault spot. if you try a carb cleaner , while it running , use your hand to choke the carb so you can suck in the cleaner , alternate to throttle , to see if that helps . @pfrederi also has a good check spot , fuse corrosion ? think its close , pete 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Ed Kennell 42,111 #4 Posted September 2, 2022 Loosen the fuel tank cap. My 417A would run for an hour then die and wouldn't start for an hour. I drilled a hole in the cap...problem gone. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Bull 34 #5 Posted September 5, 2022 Thanks Paul, Pete, and Ed for your suggestions. I replaced the fuel filter, made sure the gas cap wasn't plugged, and ran some air through the fuel lines to check to make sure they were okay. I also checked the coil and wiring to the plugs and they were getting voltage. I pulled the front panel and inspected the wiring and redid some connectors while I was at it. I went to restart it and no luck. I gave up for the night and this morning sprayed some carb cleaner in the carb and she started right up. I ran it round the yard for a half hour and it seems fine. I did notice that the fuel filter is only a 1/4 full and was wondering if the fuel pump is getting old. Bob Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
pfrederi 18,707 #6 Posted September 5, 2022 Fuel pump weakness is very possible. When you are cranking the engine the rpm is pretty low so the pump isin't getting a lot of strokes. Run for a bit on carb cleaner many more strokes. That can overcome a tired pump. Takes a lot of stroke4s to suck fuel all the way from the rear tank. Check valve near the carb may help Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Ed Kennell 42,111 #7 Posted September 5, 2022 1 hour ago, pfrederi said: Takes a lot of stroke4s to suck fuel all the way from the rear tank. I put an electric pump on mine......one crank start now. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
pfrederi 18,707 #8 Posted September 5, 2022 I would add some depends on useage If she sits for a few weeks at time a check valve may solve your problem. If it sits for months (snow horse over the summer) then the electric pump is better as the gas has probably evaporated out of the carb bowl Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Ed Kennell 42,111 #9 Posted September 5, 2022 I had a primer bulb on mine that also worked fine until the rubber started to crack. So instead of replacing the primer bulb, I went with the electric pump. The price was about the same and it eliminates one device in the fuel supply line. tank----epump----filter------carb Share this post Link to post Share on other sites