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A couple of 318 issues

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Discussion starter · #21 ·
Squirting extra fuel in the carb doesn't seem to help. Actually, it doesn't want to fire on full choke, the plate needs to be slightly open before it tries to start. But open a little past that point and it won't fire. Fuel will spit up out of the carb on full choke, so fuel doesn't seem to be the problem.
 
#22 ·
That cap comes off the mixture to give you more than that 1/4 turn. It's just there for a quick "seasonal" adjustment after you get it pretty well dialed in. Its 23 here today- mine hasn't started in 3 days now. Cranked three times and fired immediately.
 
#24 ·
No it'll still idle fine. Mine would idle fine when I first brought it home- but it would backfire on start up. Turns out the mixture screw was about 3 full turns out TOO FAR for my altitude (granted he used to live at over 6500' in MT). Now that the screw is at a much more reasonable setting- I think I'm at 1.75 or so now- it starts great; and still idles fine.
 
#26 ·
I recently bought my 318 and had some issues with starting, and then the motor surging real bad. :banghead3 Turns out the carb had dried up at one time and got all full of varnish and was plugging jets and etc.... Cleaned the carb thoroughly, and found out default or stock fuel/air mixture screw setting is 1 and one quarter turn out.. I bet it hasn't ran as great as it does now in years!!! 26 degrees today, burp the choke one time with throttle at 1/4 while cranking, took rite off and didn't skip a beat. No choke neede as I let it warm up. :thThumbsU
 
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#28 ·
I realize that. But it could very well still be your fuel/air mixture. I'd go after that 1st as thats an easy thing to tackle.
 
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#30 ·
All these motors need to run isair, gas and spark,you are no getting fire I would say
 
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#31 ·
shafferl, have you replaced your plug wires or are they the originals? When my 318 was having problems starting I "inadvertently" tested the wire and found it leaked spark into my hand! Replaced the wires (with some cheap ones from Tractor supply) and it started perfectly afterwards.
 
#32 ·
Orange jd,check you pm.PA 318,I think you are right,these wires are almost 30 yrs old and after I replace mine all is well.
 
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#33 ·
Thats probably a good idea; but I really would play with the mixture. My 316 is a '91 with 1060 hours and it's totally original. Runs perfect. I'm not saying anyone above is wrong by any means, but why spend money if you can exhaust free options first?
 
#34 ·
I agree with David316, try the free stuff first. Also if you take the tractor into your garage at night and turn out all the lights and lift the hood you might be able to see if there is any spark leaking anywhere! I've done this before with cars having electrical issues and have found spark jumping all over.
 
Discussion starter · #36 ·
A couple of new properly gapped spark plugs seems to have alleviated the problem. With a 1/4 throttle and and a full choke, turn the key, and when it begins to fire, push the choke all the way in, and away it goes!
 
#38 ·
Good to hear you got it fixed,the Onan really sounds nice when it spot on.
 
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David316
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