GT2550 add a fuel shutoff valve

[Lead-Cons]

Hi all

Has anyone ever added a fuel shutoff valve to the GT2550 (or similar)? If so what did you use?

Thanks

Tom

 

[Iamblessed]

I actually was going to add one to my GT2542 which is basically same engine both have a mechanical fuel pump.I bought an inline mechanical valve and asked about this a good while back. Advise I got was not a good idea as might cause hard starting when you let the engine run out of fuel. I am still going to do it but I am going to put it between valve cover fuel pump and carburetor so the fuel line to pump will not be dry. I bought a good quality metal shut off valve and used it on another machine with an electric fuel pump. I hate having to clean carbs every year. I just cannot see how this would be a problem as the gasoline doesn't pump freely all the time. It shuts off when carb float valve closes. This is valve I bought New 1/4" FUEL GAS SHUTOFF CUTOFF VALVE Kohler Briggs & Stratton Steel Fittings but don't think I paid but 9.95. I am a little concerned about using a cheap plastic one close to engine heat. I have a lot of equipment and just haven't gotten around to ordering another.

 

[Lead-Cons]

I want to have one inline for times when I, for example, change out the gas filter. Or when I run the carb dry before storage (yes I do run the tank dry when I do that).

 

[tomplum]

There is more damage done by "running it dry". Running an engine until it stumbles and dies leaves fuel in the bowl and pump. The fuel via the bowl vent in the carb deteriorates and will gum the solenoid or main depending on which carb you have. The absolute best thing you can do is treat the fuel and run the equipment once a month for 5 minutes to cycle some fresh fuel through the pump and carb. If you don't go through the effort of actually drying the lines, gently drying the pump and removing the bowl to drain complete- you have done more harm than good.