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B&S 18.5 intek won't stay running

#1

M

minyan

I have a craftsman DLT 3000 riding mower . more importantly leaf picker upper. Anyway the tractor ran fine until this past weekend. It was very hard starting even with a jump. I adjusted the valves as per B&S instructions. It ran fine for an entire weekend .I went out today and the tractor starts ,runs for about 30-45 seconds then dies. Again its a B&S 18.5 intek .Any ideas ?


#2

T

Tinkerer200

Well to start with, you should post the model number so we know just what engine we are talking about. You might start by listening for a click from the carb solenoid when you turn the key on. IF so, does it have spark at the plug. Dribble a few drops of gasoline down the carb and see if it runs for a little bit. Does the starter run and turn over normal? Lots of things here you can check. What if you disconnect the "Kill" wire? If you try these and no luck finding the problem, let us know and we will get down to serious stuff. Might just remove the valve cover and see if push rods are in place and appear to be working OK also.

Walt Conner


#3

M

minyan

Tinkerer200 said:
Well to start with, you should post the model number so we know just what engine we are talking about. You might start by listening for a click from the carb solenoid when you turn the key on. IF so, does it have spark at the plug. Dribble a few drops of gasoline down the carb and see if it runs for a little bit. Does the starter run and turn over normal? Lots of things here you can check. What if you disconnect the "Kill" wire? If you try these and no luck finding the problem, let us know and we will get down to serious stuff. Might just remove the valve cover and see if push rods are in place and appear to be working OK also.

Walt Conner
Click to expand...

thanks, tried everything except the kill wire. The engine does have spark,the pushrods are ok ,and the electrical side seems to be fine. checked all the safety switches ,all ok. The model is a 31P777 18.5 intek 0296E1. Adjusting the valve clearance seems to change the length of time the engine will run. It is set at .005 on compression side and .007 on exhaust side. still it will not stay running more then a minute.


#4

S

sidemouse

Well...

One hates to think about jumping straight into the top of the engine not having checked...

Does it have a tank full of gasoline?
Is it getting gasoline to the carburetor?
Have you checked the air filter, is it clean?
You said it's getting spark...

Usually "very hard starting" is a sign of spark plug gaps grown wide...
Gap .030

Another possibility could be a bad carburetor, might check the oil for fuel contamination.


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