10518 spraying fuel from gas cap

[steve c]

I have a 10518 that I bought used 20+ years ago die on me last fall, it also started leaking gas onto the deck at the same time. Took it to a repair shop this spring and when I got it back, it still leaked. Took it back again. Leak was fixed (new shut off valve), but now it sprayed gas out the cap. Took it back again and they said ports were plugged (weird-didn't spray before). Paid them $30+ to clean, still sprays! Won't go back there again. Any thoughts on cause and cure?
Thanks

 

[mechanic mark]

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[Rivets]

I would replace the gas cap, simple as that.

 

[steve c]

I would replace the gas cap, simple as that.

Already switched it with one from a different L-B, didn't help.

 

[Rivets]

There is no reason gas should spray out if the cap is good. That unit takes a cap which has three parts, cap, gasket and foam insert. The vent in your cap is not working. You also need a new repair shop, as there are no ports to clean. I would demand my money back, as you got taken. Which part of Wisconsin are you in, as I would like to report this shop, if it is in the northwest.

 

[steve c]

There is no reason gas should spray out if the cap is good. That unit takes a cap which has three parts, cap, gasket and foam insert. The vent in your cap is not working. You also need a new repair shop, as there are no ports to clean. I would demand my money back, as you got taken. Which part of Wisconsin are you in, as I would like to report this shop, if it is in the northwest.

Thanks, Rivets!
I already have decided not to use this shop anymore, but exhaust port cleaning is routine maintenance on this mower (page 21 of my owners manual shows 3 ports needing cleaning with a 3/8" wooden dowel. The caps work fine on my other 10518 and my 10515, so I doubt that the caps (plural) are defective. I'm in La Crosse. Have other issues with this shop, too.

 

[Phototone]

I have had gas spit out the gas cap vent hole on Lawnboy mowers from time to time. Generally this is due to over-filling the gas tank (not leaving any air space above the fuel), and mowing on an incline with the gas cap side of the mower much lower than the other side.

It is "possible" that you have a vibration issue (such as could be caused by a bent crankshaft, or very unbalanced blade) that could be the cause of gas squirting out.

 

[steve c]

I have had gas spit out the gas cap vent hole on Lawnboy mowers from time to time. Generally this is due to over-filling the gas tank (not leaving any air space above the fuel), and mowing on an incline with the gas cap side of the mower much lower than the other side.

It is "possible" that you have a vibration issue (such as could be caused by a bent crankshaft, or very unbalanced blade) that could be the cause of gas squirting out.

This is very possibly the cause. I noticed when I got the mower back from the shop that the engine wobbled (it didn't before) and went back and asked
what was up with that? He replied that this is common with Lawn-Boys. I know how to check blade for balance. How do I check for bent crank? I have used this mower for over 10 years on the same slopes with the same fill levels without the spraying, so that doesn't seem like the cause.

 

[Rivets]

The 10518 was one of the smoothest running LB of it's day, another line of BS. Check to see if the blade is mounted correctly, is the blade adapter, with two projects, which should be in the two holes in the blade. If not installed properly and tight, the blade will wobble causing your vibration. Another reason to confront the owner and demand your money back. This guy and/or his mechanics are screwing people and don't know what they are doing. Being in the business, this really ticks me off, as they are the reason people on this forum don't trust repair shops. Got one in our area who we tell people to post their complaints on business sites who ask for reviews in the area. You wouldn't believe the responses this guy answers. One time he posted a response that the customer was too old to operate the piece of equipment, he's 67 and it was an electric trimmer.

 

[steve c]

The 10518 was one of the smoothest running LB of it's day, another line of BS. Check to see if the blade is mounted correctly, is the blade adapter, with two projects, which should be in the two holes in the blade. If not installed properly and tight, the blade will wobble causing your vibration. Another reason to confront the owner and demand your money back. This guy and/or his mechanics are screwing people and don't know what they are doing. Being in the business, this really ticks me off, as they are the reason people on this forum don't trust repair shops. Got one in our area who we tell people to post their complaints on business sites who ask for reviews in the area. You wouldn't believe the responses this guy answers. One time he posted a response that the customer was too old to operate the piece of equipment, he's 67 and it was an electric trimmer.

Thanks, Rivets!
I never thought to check under the deck. I'll definitely look at this. I really do not trust this shop, or any other here. That's why I am on this forum. Had a guy service (and sell me rebuilt L_B's) for 20 years who worked out of his garage-honest as the day is long, sure miss doing business with him!