L120 Fuel Problem and Technical Manual

[Glessed]

Any chance you might have a photo or two that indicates where I might locate: "The nut inside the fuel float assembly that holds the fuel shutoff soleniod (bolt) in place has a small jet in the side of the nut as well as a jet in the middle of the nut. The side jet was an area that could not be reached with the carburator spray tube (spray can). I removed the fuel soleniod and cleaned both of the jets, then reassembled."
Thank you very much a picture would help me greatly.

Here's the correct picture

 

[jinman]

Glessed, I went through all these steps you are going through and came up with many "reasons" for the problems on my mower, but it turned out to be the lightweight plastic needle valve shown below. This is a KNOWN B&S problem. When I was first posting about this problem, another poster told me about the float problem, but I just didn't pay attention. Only when I ordered a carb rebuild kit did I notice the needle valve in the kit was brass instead of lightweight plastic. Replacing the needle valve took care of the problem permanently.

Like you, I would remove and clean the carb and it would work for a week or two and then quit again about 20 seconds after starting. I'd disassemble the carb and it would all be good again. After doing this three or four times, I figured out it was the float needle valve and started using compressed air (very low pressure) on the carb fuel inlet hose to blow open the needle valve. Finally, this practice became tiresome. I took apart the carb for one last time and replaced the needle valve. END OF PROBLEM!

So please, if you have a lightweight plastic needle valve like in the photo below, replace it with a brass needle valve. I think you'll be amazed at how quickly this problem disappears.

 

[Glessed]

Glessed, I went through all these steps you are going through and came up with many "reasons" for the problems on my mower, but it turned out to be the lightweight plastic needle valve shown below. This is a KNOWN B&S problem. When I was first posting about this problem, another poster told me about the float problem, but I just didn't pay attention. Only when I ordered a carb rebuild kit did I notice the needle valve in the kit was brass instead of lightweight plastic. Replacing the needle valve took care of the problem permanently.

Like you, I would remove and clean the carb and it would work for a week or two and then quit again about 20 seconds after starting. I'd disassemble the carb and it would all be good again. After doing this three or four times, I figured out it was the float needle valve and started using compressed air (very low pressure) on the carb fuel inlet hose to blow open the needle valve. Finally, this practice became tiresome. I took apart the carb for one last time and replaced the needle valve. END OF PROBLEM!

So please, if you have a lightweight plastic needle valve like in the photo below, replace it with a brass needle valve. I think you'll be amazed at how quickly this problem disappears.

It appears that we have discussed this topic very thoroughly. We should all be proud! BTW, I will also replace the needle valve. Thanks for all the inputs including your successes and pictures.

 

[mlebied]

unbelievable! I was mowing the lawn for the last time this season, and halfway through the job, the tractor quit. I could hear it starting to run rough, like it does when the fuel is empty. Looked down and confirmed the tank was almost full. Fiddled around with a few things before determining the engine wasn't getting fuel. The nice design of the JD fuel filters allow me to easier determine fuel flow. After awhile I resorted to the best troubleshooting tool - the internet - and found this post. Surely it couldn't be ~that~ simple. But sure enough, cleaned out the fuel cap vent with a toothpick - and WOW! I saw the fuel start flowing through the filter and it started right up. Still can't believe it was that simple - but glad it was! really did not want to have to take the tractor apart in the cold, windy weather today! Thanks for the tip BATTY54!

 

[BATTY54]

Your very welcome, I picked up that info while I was at a JD dealer, just picking up parts. A guy pulled in with a L118 on a trailer. A service tech went out wth a small piece of wire and cleaned the vent in the fuel cap then sent the customer on his way. He later told me they were doing a few a week when the L series first came out.