MF 230 not getting fuel.

[jasperab]

Was taking the grandkids for a ride last year, and the old 230 died. Pulled it back up to the barn, and just went out to try to get it running. Replaced the starter switch and new battery, fuel filter, air filters, but it won't get fuel.
If I blow air in through fuel line it will pop off for a few seconds, then quit. Same with starter fluid.
Drained bowl on carb but no luck.
Sounds to me like fuel pump but it looks like a gravity system. Any suggestions?
It is gas, not diesel.

 

[sweettractors]

Sounds like Carb trouble. Ken Sweet

 

[Don87]

Was taking the grandkids for a ride last year, and the old 230 died. Pulled it back up to the barn, and just went out to try to get it running. Replaced the starter switch and new battery, fuel filter, air filters, but it won't get fuel.
If I blow air in through fuel line it will pop off for a few seconds, then quit. Same with starter fluid.
Drained bowl on carb but no luck.
Sounds to me like fuel pump but it looks like a gravity system. Any suggestions?
It is gas, not diesel.

The newer ethanol fuel is wreaking havoc on older fuel systems.

Sometimes the rubber fuel lines disintegrate(causing a line bloackage), sometimes it's internal in the carb, where it takes out O-rings and such. Newer rebuild kits normally have 'ethanol safe' o-rings and such.

But before going to all that............check for bugs that got into the fuel tank and clogged the fuel line..............been there, done that.(I had a large spider, that entered my gas tank......and blocked the fuel outlet on the tank).

I should also note that another TBN member purchased a 'rental' tractor, that someone had put some sort of 'epoxy' in the tank.........and it would also block the fuel flow.

 

[jasperab]

When I take the fuel line loose from the filter it flows freely. If I put an airhose into the base of the filter it blows fuel up into the carb and will start, but not keep running. I did notice that some air does leak out of the carb gasket when I do that, but no fuel leaks out when no air applied.
Sounds like I may have to pull the carb and rebuild.

 

[David-Davies]

Hello jasperab. When you put air pressure in the filter you allso put pressure in the carb, witch forced gas in to the engine. Your float is most likly stuck in the up position, or the neadle valve is stuck in the neadle valve seat. If the neadle valve is stuck in the seat, you may have to replace it. Look very closly and make sure that it isn't scored, or distorted.
David-Davies

 

[jasperab]

Sounds like my day is planned for tomorrow. Hope the rain holds off and stays to the south.

 

[BRB Hand]

The ONLY problem ive had with my 230 was the carb.........usually needle and seat stickiness. We had it for 25 yrs

 

[jasperab]

Pulled carb, float OK. needle Ok. Took it in to dealer to rebuild. Will see how it comes out.

 

[jasperab]

Dealer put a new carb on it last summer and was fine until this week. Started doing the same thing again.