Various problems with MTD Yard Machine

5063 Views 6 Replies 4 Participants Last post by sml5105, Jul 21, 2015

sml5105

Discussion Starter · Jul 20, 2015

Hey everyone,

I've been working on getting an MTD Yard Machine up and running after it had been sitting idle for over 5 years. Needless to say, I've been facing a number of issues with the machine.

I'll start off by giving the model information on the tractor

Make: MTD Yard Machine 42" Cut
Model Number: 13AM675G062
Engine: 14.5 HP Briggs & Stratton OHV Engine; model number: 287707-1224E1

I essentially began with a machine that wouldn't turn over (because of the dead battery). I changed the battery out and decided I'd take it from there. After replacing the battery I had an engine that would turn over--occasionally, but wouldn't fire at all. I replaced the spark plug to start, trying to get the cheap and easy potential fixes out of the way first. That didn't repair the problem.

After doing this I decided that I was most likely having carb issues. So I removed and cleaned the carburetor hoping that would allow the engine to fire. Unfortunately that didn't take care of the problem. I was able to get the engine to fire a couple times, but it only ran for a few seconds each time.

I then read online about adjusting the valves. I went ahead and adjusted the valves to .004 hoping that would be my fix. My engine now turns over very well and fires almost every time. Unfortunately, it only runs for 30 seconds to a minute before stalling out. I replaced the fuel filter hoping it would just be a simple fix, that did not fix my engine.

I've noticed that the engine does seem to run longer after sitting cold for a long period of time. After the engine fires the first time the length of time the engine runs gets less and less each subsequent time.

I'm officially out of ideas and looking for advice! Any help you guys have for me would be greatly appreciated! :thanku:

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VTXRider

· #2 · Jul 20, 2015 (Edited)

Welcome to the forum. If it runs for a short time then you are most of the way there to getting it running well.

Sounds like a fuel feed issue. Start with the gas tank and make sure it is clean inside. Water or other material may have gotten in while setting. The fuel hose from the tank to the engine may need attention. Remove the hose from the pulse fuel pump and put the end lower than the tank to check for flow through the filter. The hose may have collapsed internally somewhere or started to break down. I would replace the fuel hose anyway to eliminate any future issues.

The fuel pump is next. The vacuum hose may be leaking, check for cracks. You may have to clean the carb bowl again. Check carb needle valve and bowl float. The float may be leaking and need replacement.

Your engine manuals can be DL here.
Find Your Briggs & Stratton Manual: Small Engines

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38racing

· #3 · Jul 20, 2015

I assume that the bottom of carb has an anti backfire solenoid. Make sure that it is being activated when key is moved to run.

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sml5105

Discussion Starter · #4 · Jul 20, 2015

Ok I had a little bit of time to work on this morning. I went out to look at it this morning and found a pool of gasoline dripping from the muffler on the front. This surprised me. This immediately made me think possible carburetor issues. The engine acted as though it was locked up (hydraulically). I removed the spark plug and fuel gushed out of the plug opening when turning the engine over. The engine turned over much better without the spark plug--as to be expected. I believe I got most if not all of the fuel out of the engine by doing this.

I double checked the solenoid valve to make sure it was operating properly and it was. I removed the float bowl again and gave it a thorough cleaning. I put everything back together and gave the engine a crank.

To my surprise the engine fired and stayed running for over 35 minutes until I shut it down on my own. I'm happy that the engine ran on it's own--and sounded good as well, but I'm curious to see if I will look at it tomorrow morning and see another pool of gasoline on the ground. Will have to take it from there I suppose.

I'm anticipating having issues with the belts once I have the engine fully operable. Won't know that until I have the engine figured out totally though. Thanks for all the responses!

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Whirly

· #5 · Jul 20, 2015

sml5105 said:
Ok I had a little bit of time to work on this morning. I went out to look at it this morning and found a pool of gasoline dripping from the muffler on the front. This surprised me. This immediately made me think possible carburetor issues. The engine acted as though it was locked up (hydraulically). I removed the spark plug and fuel gushed out of the plug opening when turning the engine over. The engine turned over much better without the spark plug--as to be expected. I believe I got most if not all of the fuel out of the engine by doing this.

I double checked the solenoid valve to make sure it was operating properly and it was. I removed the float bowl again and gave it a thorough cleaning. I put everything back together and gave the engine a crank.

To my surprise the engine fired and stayed running for over 35 minutes until I shut it down on my own. I'm happy that the engine ran on it's own--and sounded good as well, but I'm curious to see if I will look at it tomorrow morning and see another pool of gasoline on the ground. Will have to take it from there I suppose.

I'm anticipating having issues with the belts once I have the engine fully operable. Won't know that until I have the engine figured out totally though. Thanks for all the responses!

when the carb leaks by a lotta of that gas will get into ur crank case .. runnin the engine is a sure death for it.. it will dilute the oil.. smell ur dipstick.. if it smells like gas check the leval too.. overfull will also mean gas is in the oil..

drain & refill with new oil & install a fuel shut off valve on the gas line..

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VTXRider

· #6 · Jul 20, 2015

Many owners put a shutoff valve in the fuel line, me included. Makes it easier to work on fuel related issues.
[ame]http://www.amazon.com/Briggs-Stratton-698183-Shut-Off-Selected/dp/B0038U3JKM[/ame]

I would say the needle/seat need attention or the float level is set incorrectly. Probably debris from upstream.

Definitely check the oil in the crank case. More that likely it is diluted with gas and must be changed.

:thThumbsU Sorry, duplicated Whirly's post.

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sml5105

Discussion Starter · #7 · Jul 21, 2015

Thanks for the tips guys. I smelled my dipstick and noticed a faint gasoline odor--I'll be changing the oil before I do anything else. I'm happy the engine was able to run for a long period of time on its own today, have to think that's progress. Will be interested to see if I have any fuel leaking when I take a look at it tomorrow.

Since I think I'm somewhat close to figuring out the engine it's going to be time to address the other issues that the mower most likely has regarding the gears and belts. I'm not able to move the mower around at all freely when it is in neutral. It appears to be locked up. Any shots in the dark on what could be a cause for this?

Thanks guys!

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