Won't keep running....

gerry100 · Jun 1, 2008

Just got a low usage Yardman(MTD) tractor/mower( 20 HP B&S).

Got it for free and still haven' t decided if it's worth it.

First time out. we mowed the property until it apparently ran out of gas.

Filled it up and now it won't keep running for more than a minute. The carb bowl under the air cleaner seems to fill up with fuel and flood th engine.

With time the bowl drains out and the engine will start and run for a minute.

Any inputs appreciated.

gerry100 · Jun 1, 2008

sorry , double post, ignore this one

keving · Jun 1, 2008

FWIW, it sounds like water in the fuel. the only way to fix that is to totally drain the tank and float bowl and fill with fresh fuel.

gerry100 · Jun 1, 2008

I thought that but figured it wouldn't run at all with water.

shot_gun · Jun 1, 2008

Not totaly true. but usually if it does run it isn't good. Puffs white smoke ect. You can take the gas out of the bowl into a clear container to see if you have any water in it. I would check the needle and seat on the float also. The blended gas is causing some problems with the rubber on the seats. This allows fuel to leak past the needle and seat filling the engine with gas.

gerry100 · Jun 1, 2008

KevinG was right, a lot of water at the bottom of hte tank and in the bowl.

After a lot of white smoke, it starts and runs smoothly.

BUT- after a few minutes it starts to bog and it's somehow related to the goofy handle for the PTO. Pulling on the handle as it'as bogging can get it started again.

This thing is designed to be so hard to tinker with that you toss it away and buy another one. 10 fasteners just to look at the engine!

Any inputs on the **** PTO interlock ( clevlelry hidden underneath the tractor) would be appreciated.

shot_gun · Jun 1, 2008

So when you push up on the lever it immediately dies? Like someone shut the key off? Look at the seat switch to see if it is working. Souns like it would be in that circuit or do you have to jump it to get it started? If you do replace the battery and check the charging system. Both could be possible causes if your sure you got the watter out.