Clumber
Gold Member
So after much research about gas in the oil (in the crank case) it seems that the carburetor may be the culprit. It appears that they sometime stick in an open position after the engine is turned off. One more case for a fuel shut-off valve. Interesting, as I was reading the Robin instruction manual I found a statement that said a fuel valve MUST BE installed when the fuel tank is mounted above the carburetor. The folks at Powertrac must have missed that page.
I had originally thought that the gas leaked thru the fuel pump into the crankcase ... but now I don't believe that. Does anyone have experience with these little fuel pumps? A cheap little plastic thing ... doesn't look very robust. Should I repace it?
My neighbor, the retired mechanic, said it was probably was the sticking carburetor float. I installed a fuel shutoff valve. Note: install the valve in a place so you can easily and safely turn it off even when the engine compartment and cover is very hot. I was burned a couple of times. The valve needs to be relocated. Also, leave the engine cover up to remind you to open the valve before attempting to start the tractor...:duh: I used carburetor cleaner and fiddled with float, and now use ethanol treatment in the gas.