Gravely L8 not starting

[2manyrocks]

I bought an old Gravely L8 earlier this year that was starting on the first or second pull until I put it in the barn about 3 months ago. Now it's not starting, and I'm wondering if the magneto assembly has been affected by moisture while sitting in the barn. It didn't start on starting fluid sprayed directly into the carb, either.

Although it would start pretty easily before I put it up, it cut out on me a couple of times when I tried to use it to till the garden. It had been running pretty hard for several minutes when it cut out.

Any guesses where to start trying to get it running right?

 

[oldmech]

Hi! First Remove spark plug and with spark plug wire near 3/16 in. to ground. spark would jump when starting. If not clean Remove carbon and polish contact of breaker point ( I use a small fine file) then adjust to .015 in. at TDC Piston.
Check wire end contact for corrosion. Good Luck ! Oldmech

 

[2manyrocks]

Spark plug was dead. I replaced it with a new one, but didn't check the timing. It fired up and ran well for 30-45 minutes and then died like it wasn't getting fuel, and the engine was very, very hot. I used it to till up the garden and ran it hard during this time.

This engine has the slanted spark plug in the cylinder head. Is there a simple method of checking TDC without pulling the cylinder head?

 

[2manyrocks]

Here is a picture after tilling today.

 

[Charlesaf3]

I was going to guess plugged carb nozzle? But that doesn't explain the 45 mins

 

[FlaDon]

Can't tell from your picture but it looks like there are no shrouds on the cylinder. That could cause your engine to run hot. Early models didn't have them and some people have been known to remove them. The engine can then run hot and have the exhaust valve stick. Does it crank back up when cool? Check your screen in the tank or the glass bowl filter and see if you have good flow to the carb. Check and make sure your cap vent is clear. If all that checks out, then your carb needs cleaning.

 

[2manyrocks]

The way it died this time, I thought it was out of gas, but there's plenty of gas in the tank. It also fired right back up after it cooled off.

There is a shroud on the back of the engine where the fan is located but there is no shroud on the front of it. Looks like there are some mounting holes where a shroud would have attached?

From what I can tell, this is a 1964 model.

 

[2manyrocks]

I will look silly here and answer my own post. The side air deflectors are missing, but just bought a new pair for $13 something each.

The paper air filter is dirty, but the local dealer says the paper air filter is no longer available. Any ideas or substitutes for it? I've got a couple of older machines with the oil bath filter, but I hate to rob one machine for another....

 

[FlaDon]

I will look silly here and answer my own post. The side air deflectors are missing, but just bought a new pair for $13 something each.

The paper air filter is dirty, but the local dealer says the paper air filter is no longer available. Any ideas or substitutes for it? I've got a couple of older machines with the oil bath filter, but I hate to rob one machine for another....

You can convert it over to the later model filter that mounts on the side. Side mount ones use a standard Kohler air filter and pre-cleaner. Or check e-bay for a used oil bath filter. Those are my prefered type as they pull dirt, bugs, and moisture out of the air flow. The Kohlers are a distant second place due to being outside the hood where they can get wet.

 

[2manyrocks]

I found a source for the paper air filter, but its about $20 including shipping.

Long term, the oil bath filter sounds more like the one to get.

Dealer also wanted $70 for points and condensor. Told him I'd look elsewhere. Looks to be about $30 elsewhere.

I was told by another guy yesterday that if you let a Gravely sit, the exhaust valve tends to stick. I've got an L1 that came not running from an equipment auction, and I'm wondering if that is what might be wrong with it as the engine is not easy to turn?