Pushing or towing a 425

[Clumber]

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.

 

[cqaigy2]

You may even want to remove the carb and give it a good cleaning and if it has a fuel shut off solenoid then it's not and i like your idea of a fuel shut off valve.

 

[Clumber]

Thanks for the reply. So, if I understand this correctly we want to install a bypass between each of the two fittings (item #7) located on each of the tram manifolds (item #4 on the drawing) ... it would seem to me that this could be a permanent installation if it had a small valve in the line to open or to close the bypass. If one could conveniently locate the valve it would make pushing or pulling the machine much more convenient. (of course only short distances).

The bypass hose that I received with my tractor only has a fitting on one end. The other end is just a cut off hose.

After I move the machine I'll need to tackle the gas leak. It appears that it is the fuel pump. I'll remove it later and look it over.

thanks again.[/QUOTE

Hopefully, it is very rare that you would have to tow the tractor and not worth a permanent tow valve installation. Also, by short distance I should have said a few feet, for example, to move it onto a trailer for moving it.

By 2010 when I purchased my tractor, PT wised-up as my hose came with fittings on both ends.

 

[J_J]

My tow valve is really simple.

There is a slot under a cover plate that when turned 45 degrees, opens two relief valves and lets the fluid cross over from input to output. Only used for short distance and slow.

 

[JD-Beach]

You guys nailed it. Seems that the carburetor was allowing an infinite amount of fuel to drip into the engine ... probably the result of a stuck or saturated float. Also the fuel shut off solenoid was very slow and weak to open and close (perhaps not closing at all when needed most). I called Powertrac who sent me to Robin who sent me to Continental Engines in Greenville, SC and after pricing the parts, (solenoid, floats, needle valve) it made sense to replace the carb for 50 bucks more. Sooooo, I have a new carb and a new manual fuel shut-off valve on the way and a very capable mechanic standing by to make it all work. Hopefully I can report good news in a few days.
Thanks all,
JD

 

[JD-Beach]

Great news! ... My friend Roy installed the new carb, new plugs, new oil and filter, and a new battery ... started it up ... runs like new. All is good. I ordered a new fuel shut off valve ... hope to install it next weekend.

thanks,
JD

 

[cqaigy2]

Sweet! :thumbsup: