Help starting

[OutbackL130]

I parked my 420 in the garage and then went to start it the next day. It started just long enough for the tractor to move 6 feet then died out. Now I cant get it to restart at all. It is trying to start but wont catch.

I tried pouring gas directly into the carb and the engine will fire for a second. Also as long as I am turning the key the engine actually sounds like its firing but wont stay running after I let off. I tested both plug wires for spark so I know the engine is getting spark.

What else should I try?

 

[OutbackL130]

Ok just an update the engine will keep running as long as I squirt a spray bottle of gas right into the carb. I pulled the fuel line off the carb to verify it is pumping gas.

Does this mean its the carb? The day before when I drove the tractor it was surging at idle unless I pulled the choke out. Somebody please help.

 

[OutbackL130]

Just got it to run on its own and went for a 5 minute drive then it died out. I'm guessing the carb needs cleaning.

Im curious is the black knob on the carb toward the front of the tractor the idle mixture screw?

 

[jenkinsph]

If you can get it to run try adding SeaFoam to the tank and see if that helps. If you can't get it to run I would pull and clean the carb.

 

[OutbackL130]

The engine didnt want to run again, so I pulled the intake manifold and carb. The 2 carb bolts were loose holding it onto the intake manifold. Also the top carb gaskets were torn and the intake manifold gaskets were in bad shape.

I dismantled the carb and found nothing blocking any of the orfices. Everything was clean and not gummed up. I went ahead and blew out all the passages and ran a piece of .030 mig wire through them just to make sure any possible debris was removed.

Since the gaskets were in bad shape I'm going to have to order a carb kit. Before I reassemble everything, how would you give the carb a real good cleaning other than what I've done so far?

 

[OutbackL130]

Also I've heard there is supposed to be a little ball and spring in the top of the carb that you dont want to lose. I dont see it in my carb. Where should it be?

 

[OutbackL130]

The carb rebuild kit for this engine is rediculously over priced from john deere. Part # HE146-0356.

Do I need all the parts that come in the rebuild kit or just the gaskets??

My goal was to clean the carb and replace the broken gaskets. Shouldnt cost any more than $20. For the price they want for the rebuild kit which does not include all the gaskets I need, might as well just buy a brand new carb from onan!

 

[jenkinsph]

.

The 2 carb bolts were loose holding it onto the intake manifold.

That could easily be your problem. Hard to get a carb to work if you are sucking air around it into the manifold. Amounts to too lean a mixture and would make it appear to act as if the gas was not getting through. My other thought is that it might indicate the prior owner was having problems and took it apart without rebuilding it.

I use carb cleaner or laquer thinner to clean the parts in most cases. Not familiar with your particular carb though. I would change the gasket for sure and give it a go after making sure it is tightened up properly. Might be all you need to do.

 

[OutbackL130]

Thanks! Finding the exact gasket kit is being very difficult.

I know through research the part number I am looking for is miu10638 which includes the carb gaskets. Anybody know why this part # wont show up in the jd catalog? I just want to verify its the right set to order.

 

[jenkinsph]

Thanks! Finding the exact gasket kit is being very difficult.

I know through research the part number I am looking for is miu10638 which includes the carb gaskets. Anybody know why this part # wont show up in the jd catalog? I just want to verify its the right set to order.

Easy way to do this is take the model and s/n into the dealer and order from the parts counter.