GT2544 Engine Problem

[BigBlue]

Recently my Wife had been mowing our lawn and the tractor just died on her. I wasn't home so she called and asked what to do. She said it would start and within a few seconds it would die again. I told her to check for low oil, but that wasn't the problem. When I got home I checked and the oil level was right on the money so I thought maybe the fuel filter was clogged. I changed it out and still have the same problem. It will start over and over again, only to stall out after a few seconds running. It runs very strong while it's running and after several attempts to start even has the engine warmed up, but every time it stalls out a few seconds after starting. Any suggestions on what this problem may be?
Thanks,
Don

 

[savageactor7]

hummm, dies after a few seconds running?

Notice any connection with it stalling and releasing of the clutch/brake pedal? Could be a safety switch there that needs some tweaking?

From there I would suspect the fuel pump.

 

[BigBlue]

I took the took the mechanical fuel pump apart and it appears to be in good shape. Didn't know how it worked, but do now. I tried starting it with the brake lock on and same deal, starts up, runs a few seconds and then dies out. It does seem like a fuel problem, but it's odd that it does run a few seconds each time I try it.
Thanks,
Don

 

[OldMachinist]

You can verify it's a fuel problem by having someone spray starting fluid in the carb after you start it. If it will stay running on the ether then its a fuel problem. If not then then its electrical. Could be a bad ignition switch.

 

[BigBlue]

I'll sure give the starting fluid a try in the morning.
Thanks,
Don

 

[BigBlue]

The starting fluid worked, so it's definitely a gas problem. I'll have to get a piece of gas line hose and attach to the outlet on the fuel pump to see if I have fuel coming through there.
Thanks,
Don

 

[rcbe]

also ck to see if tte afterfire solenoid is energizing (and retracting) at engine start - it's located at carb bottom - has 12v wire running to it. These solenoids sometime fail or stick, cutting off fuel to the high speed power circuit.

 

[BigBlue]

I checked the fuel flow at the fuel pump outlet and plenty of fuel there, so that leads me to the carburetor and I'll have to get further into that tomorrow. I'll check that solenoid at the carb bottom also. Thanks for the tip!
Thanks,
Don

 

[JTKub]

also ck to see if tte afterfire solenoid is energizing (and retracting) at engine start - it's located at carb bottom - has 12v wire running to it. These solenoids sometime fail or stick, cutting off fuel to the high speed power circuit.

+1 to this. You could be getting plenty of fuel flow into the carb bowl, but it wont go from the bowl into the carb if the fuel cut-off solenoid is stuck closed. There should be an obvious *CLICK* from this solenoid when the ignition is turned on.

Joel

 

[BigBlue]

I checked the fuel cut off solenoid and it is working as intended. I removed it and put 12VDC to the wire and grounded the solenoid and it clicks in and out with the power turned on and off.
My grass is getting longer and I still can't figure this one out. :confused2:
Don