Craftsman 18 HP Sputters and quits.

[MerlinJerry]

18 HP Sears Craftsman, Starts and runs good and then suddenly starts sputtering and eventually dies. Can sometimes keep it running by choking. After awhile it will start again and run good and then sputtering starts again. It may run good for several mowings but eventually sputtering and stoping occurs. Have replaced gas filter but doesn't help.

 

[Heywood Jannockitov]

Vented gas cap might be plugged

 

[tcartwri]

Your valve guides may be failing. Does the engine have a regular tick when it idles? tic tic tic ......

 

[Jim Thompson]

Try changing the fuel filter and adding 2-3 ozs of sea foam to fuel tank.:thumbsup:

Jim

 

[MerlinJerry]

Thanks for the responses. I have cleaned the fuel cap vents previously as well as changed the fuel filter. Where would I locate sea foam? Are the symptoms indicative of a bad or failing fuel celinoid? I never knew there was any thing for the fuel until I heard that it might be an intermittent failure of the celinoid.

 

[MerlinJerry]

There are no indications of a tick or missing sound. The engine runs very smooth and strong except for this occassional sputter and die problem.

 

[Jim Thompson]

Sea Foam is available at Walmart and most if not all auto parts stores. It is your friend for all gasoline powered equipment, especially small 2 cycle engines. It is a regular additive to the fuel of all my equip. Be sure to read the label to learn all of its uses.:thumbsup:

Jim

 

[MerlinJerry]

Thanks Jim. I have learned to spell solenoid, now if only I can remember it. Does anyone understand the function of a solenoid in the fuel system?

 

[Jim Thompson]

Solenoid is basically an electromagnet that is used to actuate something- sometimes a starter, fuel shut off on diesel engs and in your case to stop the flow of fuel thru your carb. It is called an anti-backfire solenoid and works by allowing a plunger with a beveled end to plug the main jet/ fuel nozzle preventing further fuel from entering the combustion chamber. This is necessary because for about the last 15 years or so, small air cooled engines have been designed to run leaner thus hotter and this heat will ignite the residual fuel that remains when you turn the ignition off. The solenoid in your case is spring loaded closed and if you listed closely, you can hear a click when the ignition is switched on.
Hope this helps.

Jim

 

[MerlinJerry]

Thanks Jim. Sorry I didn't respond sooner but got busy. If I understand your post corrctly it sounds like the solenoid could be bad intermittently, if an intermittent failure is possible. Thanks again for your time and response.