[jpmill]

I thought I had the problem fixed by rebuilding the carb. After running about 20 minutes it shuts off... like its running out of gas. It's not an abrupt shut off. Then a couple hours later it starts right up and runs great.

I was thinking it was the coil, so this is the 3rd coil on the tractor. Yesterday it wouldn't start and I checked for spark and there was none. So I put another (3rd) used coil on it. I have replaced the coil wire with a new one and replaced the spark plug. Also yesterday it was running rough so I made some adjustments on the carb and it smoothed out and ran great.
I'm really frustrated with this tractor!

The coil is the only thing I can think of that will get hot and shut off then when it cools down it runs again. I just don't want to shell out the money for a new one if that's not the problem. My Gravely repair budget is very small lol.

Any ideas guys?

John

 

[PA RedRider]

If you are confident the fuel line, filter and carb are clean, I'd say check the condition and gap of your points.

 

[Richard-tx]

If it is not running out of fuel, I would replace the condenser.

 

[jpmill]

I just spoke with a mechanic I know and he works at at Debnars and he said it sounds like its vapor locking. To check the breather hole on the gas cap to see if it's plugged up. He also said that when it vapor locks it builds up too much pressure and can flood the carb out. I had witnessed that (if you all remember) and thought it was the float sticking. The gas was running out of the carb at the butterfly valve for the choke. So I'm gonna take the gas cap off and tie a piece of cloth on the gas tank and go mow and see what happens. I'll let ya know what happens. I may have to end up taking it to Debnars

 

[Canary Al]

Is this a K301?

 

[jpmill]

I don't know.. I just assumed it was a k241 since its a 12 hp. How do I tell?
OK I mowed my back yard and no shut offs. I have it running outside my garage. All toll its been running for about a half hour. I fastened 2 paper towels over the gas filler hole so gas didn't go everywhere. oops I just heard it shut off.... CRAP


Will report more.

Is this a K301?

 

[jpmill]

well I don't think its vapor locking. This morning when I went into the garage I saw gas under the tractor. I didn't take off the air filter but I am assuming it came out the usual place... the butterfly valve.
I was letting it run and it stopped running, I looked at the butterfly valve and no gas was coming out so I got some either and I can make the tractor run with the either. So it is a fuel related problem. Something makes the tractor shut off then a couple hours later it starts up fine. I'm clueless.
Anybody wanna buy a cheap 812? lol

 

[Surfincr]

i've never been able to try this but i've heard having the fuel lines run too close to a heat source can cause the tractor to run lean as well since it vaporizes the fuel before it gets to the carb.

i keep meaning to check my tractor since i have lean problems when it warms up but havent gotten around to it

 

[jpmill]

well I replaced the tiny filter with a larger one and let the tractor idle for an hour and no shut off. I turned it off and it started back up. Below is a pic of the filter... I just hope that was the problem.

http://www.jpmill.us/gravely424/filter.jpg

 

[gravely1964]

I just spoke with a mechanic I know and he works at at Debnars and he said it sounds like its vapor locking. To check the breather hole on the gas cap to see if it's plugged up. He also said that when it vapor locks it builds up too much pressure and can flood the carb out. I had witnessed that (if you all remember) and thought it was the float sticking. The gas was running out of the carb at the butterfly valve for the choke. So I'm gonna take the gas cap off and tie a piece of cloth on the gas tank and go mow and see what happens. I'll let ya know what happens. I may have to end up taking it to Debnars

Must have talked to Dan or Travis. I was out in the field today getting the crews caught up :fing32: If you can't figure it out we'll give her a go.

My thought is fuel pump. If it runs and shuts off when warm. And carb spray into the carb will restart it. The check valves are probably out on the fuel pump. And not allowing fuel to flow when hot.

If vapor locking alot of times you'll see air bubbles pushed back into the fuel tank threw the filter when it shuts off. You can also take the gas cap off and shine a light down in there and see if so.

I think your fuel filter may have been an issue too. Those are only rated for like 8hp or something. And not clear so you can't tell if its plugged or not

Hope your good to go now :thThumbsU

 

[Canary Al]

Can you put up a pic of the new filter you used?

Also, When you say it leaks from the butterfly? Is that the butterfly holding the air filter cover on? If not. Perhaps a pic of the area you are referring to?

There should be a plate somewhere on the engine that will ID what engine it is.

 

[jpmill]

Steven Turcheck, I talked to Dan. If this doesn't fix it, and I have my doubts I'll be callin on you haha. Canary Al I will post pics tomorrow and yes I mean where the air filter connects to the carb.

 

[gravely1964]

Steven Turcheck, I talked to Dan. If this doesn't fix it, and I have my doubts I'll be callin on you haha. Canary Al I will post pics tomorrow and yes I mean where the air filter connects to the carb.

Dan is the man when im not there.

Gas dripping out sounds like your float level isn't right

 

[Canary Al]

Steven's the man regarding a problem like yours wherever he is.

 

[jpmill]

Well I got up in the middle of the night and my whole house smelled of gasoline, went down to the garage and sho nuff this piece of crap 812 is leaking gas out of the carb at the butterfly valve for the choke. I pushed it outside onto my driveway which has a decent uphill grade to it... the rear of the tractor is facing up hill and it's STILL leaking gas at 2:00 o'clock PM. I put the fuel shut off valve on it and let the tractor run out of gas. I am SERIOUSLY considering buying a Cadet from Tractor Supply and selling this POC gravely.

 

[gravely1964]

You have dirt in the carb, or a bad float. Take the carb back apart and see :fing32:

 

[Richard-tx]

I am SERIOUSLY considering buying a Cadet from Tractor Supply and selling this POC gravely.

Go for it. Craigslist is free and it works.