JD D170 Fuel Issues

[wolf865]

Went to get the D170 out today after sitting under the house for about 2 months. Tank was full with Sea Foam in the gas as a preservative. Use it throughout the season whenever we add gas. The engine cranked fine but the engine wouldn't start so the battery is good?. Normally it'll start right up after only about 5 seconds no matter how long it has set. Removed the gas cap, still wouldn't start. Removed air filter and sprayed some carb cleaner into it and it fired right up but only ran for about 8-10 seconds. Disconnected the fuel line on the engine side of the fuel filter and blew into the tank and got a good strong squirt out of that part of the hose. Blew back the other way and you could hear the gas bubbling in the tank so I think I'm good on that section. Never has seemed to have a lot of gas in the transparent filter though? Removed the fuel solenoid from the carburetor bowl and tested it. The rod moved freely and retracted when the switch was turned on. What concerned me though was when I removed the solenoid, not a drop of gas came out of the bowl opening. Disconnected what appeared to be the line that would lead over to the carb that's attached to the flat black box and blew into it. Didn't really get any air flow through it even when I turned on the ignition to retract the solenoid rod. I've had such good luck with my old Scotts 1642 for 20+ years and this used D170 (272 hours) for the past 3 years that I've pretty much forgotten everything I knew about small engine repair. So... where do I go from here? Appreciate any expertise you can offer to get her going again as the weeds have already taken over.. Thx!

 

[Tiger Small Engine]

Went to get the D170 out today after sitting under the house for about 2 months. Tank was full with Sea Foam in the gas as a preservative. Use it throughout the season whenever we add gas. The engine cranked fine but the engine wouldn't start so the battery is good?. Normally it'll start right up after only about 5 seconds no matter how long it has set. Removed the gas cap, still wouldn't start. Removed air filter and sprayed some carb cleaner into it and it fired right up but only ran for about 8-10 seconds. Disconnected the fuel line on the engine side of the fuel filter and blew into the tank and got a good strong squirt out of that part of the hose. Blew back the other way and you could hear the gas bubbling in the tank so I think I'm good on that section. Never has seemed to have a lot of gas in the transparent filter though? Removed the fuel solenoid from the carburetor bowl and tested it. The rod moved freely and retracted when the switch was turned on. What concerned me though was when I removed the solenoid, not a drop of gas came out of the bowl opening. Disconnected what appeared to be the line that would lead over to the carb that's attached to the flat black box and blew into it. Didn't really get any air flow through it even when I turned on the ignition to retract the solenoid rod. I've had such good luck with my old Scotts 1642 for 20+ years and this used D170 (272 hours) for the past 3 years that I've pretty much forgotten everything I knew about small engine repair. So... where do I go from here? Appreciate any expertise you can offer to get her going again as the weeds have already taken over.. Thx!

No fuel in carburetor bowl, you answered your own question. Check fuel flow is strong and consistent. Test fuel pump if equipped.

 

[wolf865]

Came across a pretty decent Youtube before I went to bed so that's the next step for todays troubleshooting. Hopefully it's that simple?
Put the fuel solenoid back on and unhooked the hose that leads to the carb. Absolutely nothing came out that side of the fuel pump when I cranked it so I guess I'll get one on order from AMZ!

 

[slomo]

Tank was full with Sea Foam in the gas as a preservative. Use it throughout the season whenever we add gas.

Last I heard, Seafoam was not a stabilizer. Several test videos on youtube showing how poor it really is. It was invented for 2 stroke engines originally. Use what you want.

The engine cranked fine but the engine wouldn't start so the battery is good?

Most likely the battery will need a full charging after sitting outside in the weather. Unless you are in sunny Florida?? If she cranks she is good enough at THAT time.

Removed air filter and sprayed some carb cleaner into it and it fired right up but only ran for about 8-10 seconds.

What do you think this tells you? Going with dirty carb or lack of fuel delivery. You verified it's not a tank "venting" issue by cracking the fuel tank cap off.

Disconnected the fuel line on the engine side of the fuel filter and blew into the tank and got a good strong squirt out of that part of the hose. Blew back the other way and you could hear the gas bubbling in the tank so I think I'm good on that section.

Still could have trash, debris, grass, leaves, bugs, water and such inside the tank. Leads me to the next comment. What type of fuel can spout do you have? An open top or a new style spout that is essentially sealed with o-rings and springs? If you have an open top and love E-10, water and trash probably sit in the bottom of your fuel can. So every fill up you pass all that trash to the carb tipping the can upside down.

Never has seemed to have a lot of gas in the transparent filter though?

Don't lose sleep over it. As long as you can remove the fuel line AT the carb inlet and she pours out in a solid stream, you are good.

What concerned me though was when I removed the solenoid, not a drop of gas came out of the bowl opening.

Possible no fuel in the carb bowl. Now it's time to drop the fuel bowl from the carb. Should have gas in there. If not you are not getting it from the fuel line or carb inlet is plugged up with trash. Should pour out from the solenoid threads.

Disconnected what appeared to be the line that would lead over to the carb that's attached to the flat black box and blew into it.

Are you talking about a carb vent hose that goes to the air filter box? If so, maybe your carb needs vented? Pull the hose off at the airbox end. Should be clear inside to the carb. Blow into it and see. Send us a picture of what you are talking about.

 

[wolf865]

Fortunately it turned out to be the fuel pump which is probably one of the simplest repairs you can do. Three hoses and two screws. Found one on AMZ with overnight delivery for only $8.29.
As for the comment about the SeaFoam, it is also marketed as a fuel stabilizer supposedly good for up to 2 years. We've routinely added about 2 ounces to the tank every time we refuel. Got over 20 years out of our Scotts 1642 before we upgraded to the JD D170. Very few issues over those 20+ years on the Scotts mower. The D170 was definitely the best birthday present a man could get for his wife. Cut an hour off her mowing time for our one acre lot. : ) Though I think she's out shopping for a smaller lawn as we speak?

 

[slomo]

Fortunately it turned out to be the fuel pump which is probably one of the simplest repairs you can do. Three hoses and two screws. Found one on AMZ with overnight delivery for only $8.29.

Nice job. So it was lack of fuel delivery. Thanks for letting us know. Most people check out never to be seen again.