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Posted by: swampyjunior
You have probably checked this already but, I have to ask anyway. Sometimes on certain engine types if the engine oil is overfilled just a little bit, then the crankcase vent sucks some of the extra fuel up and into the intake. Since most crankcase vents attach tot he intake between the airfilter and the carb. Then the oil is burnt which fouls the plug.
So I would check the oil level, probably been done but... Then change the plug (making sure the plug is the correct plug type). Try it again. If the problem persists then its either a fuel or a spark issue.
Hope this helps.
SJ
Posted by: swampyjunior
I usually always check for gas, spark, and air. Engine doesn't have a chance to run if all 3 are not present. If all 3 are present then you can look at getting them to the correct ratio to make it run better.
Spark- spark plugs are cheap, check the tag on the side of the engine and it will either tell you what plug type to use or give you serial number or part number to use as a reference to get a new plug. As a rule when working on someone elses engine, I do not assume they have the correct plug type. Plus spark plugs are cheap $3 or so. No spark leads me to check the ignition system including all the safety features that may be keeping the engine from running (like a broken wire on the emergency engine stop brake).
Gas - With the old plug in place if you pull the start rope or hit the start button a bunch of times, then pull the spark plug it should be wet or you should be able to smell gas in the cylinder. I have even gone as far as pulling the plug and sticking a long handled lighter in to ignite the fuel in the cylinder. No fuel means plugged jets by dirt and such or possibly a plugged fuel filter. You may even have oxydation inside the bowl that is plugging the jets. Any water inthe fuel can rust up the needle jet if it sits for alength of time.
Air - Several things to check here. Choke, depending on what style it has is it working properly. Plugged airfilter and even a stuck or sticking reed valve (on a 2 stroke engine) or valve clearances that are off by too much on a 4 stoke engine and don't allow the compression to build up properly.
You having to put gas under the filter to get it started and keep it running for a little while indicates some sort of fuel or choke problem. Since most moderm chokes are an enrichment system and allow an extra shot of fuel in to start the engine. If the place you took it doesn't realize that this could be your problem then I would take it some place else and NEVER go back. Then again since they are the ones who suggested you putting fuel under the filter should be a sign that they either do not want to fix it or do not know how.
Hope this helps you get your mower running so you can get your mowing done. Still got snow on the the ground here so I don't have to worry about that myself for about another 2 months.
SJ
Posted by: tencubed
I have a Swisher pull behind rough cut and anytime I have had a problem with adjustment or any question I have called the folks at Swisher and gotten excellent help. My machine has the Briggs engine and in the past have called them with problems and found them to be most helpful as well.
That being said my mower is equipped with a fuel pump that is driven by vacuum from the engine. Sometimes these pumps will get a bit of dirt or other foreign matter in them and not function correctly. It may be a coincidence that the problems started when you had the oil changed but if they tipped the mower up on it's side to drain the oil faster it could have dislodged some dirt in the fuel system. Doubt if this is the case due to the size of the machine.
Posted by: tencubed
Put in a new plug and clean out the carburetor. If you also drain the fuel tank and blow the lines clear you may eliminate future problems if the gas is contaminated.
If you don't do your own work most any good small engine shop will be able to help you.
Posted by: sandpit
How does it sound when you put fuel directly into the card?(under the air filter)If it runs smooth for a few seconds,then chances are it's the fuel pump.If it runs rough from the getgo,then it could be as simple as a piece of dirt.Does it have a plastic or metal gas tank?
Posted by: Q101
Hello,
Got a problem and not sure where to go with the question. BR>
I have a swisher pull-behind mower. Has worked great and then I took it in for a treat: an extra oil and lube. It has not run right since. I have taken it back in twice and neither time has it come back where it will run and stay running.
They had me put gas just under the air filter and that worked to start it a couple times but it would not stay running.
Any thoughts on what could be causing it?...I am not much with small engines but have done small things with spark plugs, belts, that sort of thing...in other words, I would like to see if it might be something I could fix as I would really like my little mower back and for whatever reason, the shop is not fixing it.
Thank you all for any suggestions or direction you may have!
--Q
Posted by: Q101
At this point, it is not starting/running at all. Initially, I think it was running pretty good while it ran. But I could not keep it going.
I would have thought it was the spark plug except I have checked it and it seems to be fine.
The gas tank is plastic.
How would I go about clearing it out if were dirt lodged in there?
Thank you all for your comments and suggestions...I am really open to ideas.
- Q
Posted by: Q101
Thank you all for these wonderful suggestions. ...Got some work to do! <grin>
swampyjunior - We were located in the Fairbanks area for 20+ years...we truly relate!
- Q
Posted by: Q101
Hello all!
Just wanted to thank you again for all your helpful suggestions!!
Wanted to also follow-up on what was found.
The seal on the carborator was leaking (hence no fuel) and the starter needed to be fixed.
Thank you again!
--Kendra
