small engine problems

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When I fill my riding mower up with gas and leave it sitting overnight, the gas leaks down into the crankcase. Causes a big mess when I try to start it the next day. Would this be happening because the fuel bowl maybe sticking open? The only thing I can figure out is that the gas is traveling through the carb, through the intake, down through the piston rings, and finally settling in the crankcase.

-- Russell Hays (rhays@sstelco.com), May 21, 2001

Answers

You get an A+ Russell!

That's most likely what it is. The BEST fix is a new float(the problem) and a carb rebuild kit...which includes a new needle and seat(maybe the problem also). BUT......a quick and easy fix IF the mower has a remote fuel tank with a hose going to the carb...is a fuel shut-off valve....About three dollars at any mower shop and about five minutes to install. Just turn it off at night....no more leaking.

-- Jason (AJAMA5@netscape.net), May 21, 2001.


I think the latter is the best .install the valve and be done with it! just my opinion!

-- Jimmy Holiday (jholiday@charter.net), May 21, 2001.

Do both. If float/needle valve is bad, you will soon have other problems while starting/running such as poor performance and severe flooding with resultant fire danger. Fix it, and add a shutoff and use the shutoff when you are through using the mower for the day.

-- Hermit JOhn (hermit@hilltop_homestead.zzn.com), May 22, 2001.

That problem is cured by opening the float bowl ventilation port, located at the top inside of the float bowl chamber. The weight of the fuel compresses the air in the chamber until they are equal, this pressure then exits the chamber, via the jet into the intake ect. The float bowl ventilation port is very tiny, like a neddle point, stops up very easily; when its open there is no compressed air and the float works normal.

-- mitch hearn (moopups@aol.com), May 22, 2001.

It may have a fuel shut off solenoid on the bottom of the float bowl that is shot. Turn your ignition key on and off and listen for a click noise by the carb or turn the key on and unplug the wire at the bottom of the bowl to check. Pretty pricey to replace, about fourty bucks.

-- Dan T (Hoppingator321@yahoo.com), May 25, 2001.


Your problem may be a bad fuel shut off solenoid. Look on the bottom of the float bowl and see if there is a switch with a wire pluged into it. Turn on the ignition key and unplug the wire. Listen for a clicking noise to test also test for power at the wire. Pretty pricey to replace, about forty bucks. Hope this helps.

-- Dan T (Hoppingator321@yahoo.com), May 25, 2001.

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