[The_Geologist]

Hi All,

I have a White Outdoor LT524G tractor that I am suddenly having issues with. I went to mow the lawn yesterday, and could not get the tractor to stay running for more than 4 - 5 seconds before it would die. The battery needed charging, so I went and trickle charged it overnight. I went to start the tractor again this evening, and it started a lot more easily, but still would not run for more than a few seconds.

When it starts, it sounds normal, but then dies like something is grounding out the engine (very similar to what happens if I shift into reverse while the blades are engaged). I am guessing I should look at the safety interlocks and see if there is one that is malfunctioning, but am wondering if anyone out there has more insight - or perhaps can point me in a more likely direction towards the source of my problem.

Here are the specs:

Tractor model #: 13A2771G790 (March 2006 mgf date)
Engine model #: OV490EA (Tecumseh) -- It's an 18 hp engine.

Thanks for any help you can provide.

 

[VTXRider]

Could be any number of things. Does it restart immediately?

Look at the back side of the key switch, the plug may be loose. The fuel pump may have failed or the pulse hose has come loose or cracked. There may be crap in the float bowl of the carb and the needle valve is not working.

 

[The_Geologist]

It will restart immediately.

I'll start looking at the various items you suggested and will see what happens.

:thanku:

 

[VTXRider]

Looked at the exploded parts view and could not find a low oil sensor but check your oil level to be sure. The connector at the carb for the fuel shutoff may be loose. The fuel shutoff solenoid in the bottom of the float bowl may also be failing.

 

[The_Geologist]

I went ahead and drained the fuel tank this morning and pulled the carb bowl. There wasn't any gunk in the bowl, but I blew carb cleaner through everywhere I could anyway.

Removed the fuel solenoid from the carb bowl and reattached the wires so I could test it with the key. The pin did retract when 12V were applied and extended back out when the key was turned off, so I figured that was ok.

Checked the fuel lines and fuel filter and found them to be ok.

Put everything back together and tried turning it over, and nothing doing. It would turn over, but not start.

Came back five or ten minutes later and tried it again, and the engine came to life. I went ahead and mowed the lawn this morning to see if all was fine, and it ran the same as it always has.

So, I'm not quite sure what, if anything, I did to fix the issue, but at least it's running again... Much easier on me to use the riding mower than to push mow all the lawn with all the heavy smoke we have here from the various fires in the Northwest.

I'm thinking some intermittent electrical issue (maybe the fuel solenoid is not working all the time?) is at hand.

 

[VTXRider]

It very well could be the seat switch or one of the other safety switches is failing or needs adjustment.

Glad you got it going.

 

[The_Geologist]

Well, I need to revisit this thread once again as the problem still rears its ugly head periodically.

I had thought it was the fuel solenoid for some time, as I was able to twist the solenoid body a few degrees and it would run just fine. However, I just installed a new fuel solenoid and it did not fix the problem.

I am not able to easily find the correct wiring diagram for this model (info listed in original post). Can anyone point me in the right direction? raying:

I am going back to the safety switch malfunction idea, but need to know how things are connected in the electrical system. I work better from technical diagrams.

I also want to follow the two wires that go into the fuel solenoid to wherever they may go, as I am also suspicious there might be something else along the way giving me trouble. By the color of the wiring (green) one looks like a ground wire. The other red one I don't really know yet.

I don't currently mind push mowing the lawn as I am trying to get more exercise, but this issue with my rider is getting a bit annoying, especially when I thought I had it fixed. :banghead3

Thank you!

 

[VTXRider]

I looked at the parts lists and the owners manual and cannot find a diagram either.

 

[The_Geologist]

I have a bit more insight to this issue, I think...:dunno: It may not be an electrical issue after all.

The last time the engine faltered, I moved the throttle to choke and I was able to catch the engine in time to keep it from dying. More testing has revealed that it appears the engine is surging drastically when it first runs, then settles down over time. If I cycle the throttle, I can keep the engine running. I can force the governor to quit cycling by hand, but I am guessing I need to check at least the carburetor...maybe it needs a cleaning? Today, the engine was surging periodically even when I was mowing, so something definitely needs to be addressed...

Can anyone suggest any other course of action I may wish to do in addition to a carb cleaning?

:thanku:

 

[VTXRider]

I use non-alcohol (RV) gas in any machine that is sitting unused for more than a month. Also no gasohol ever in any of my 2 strokes or older engines. My old engines use lead additive and a stabilizer. The slime produced from alcohol in the gas will start to clog filters and carbs in a relatively short time, six months or so. Winter storage, I either empty the tanks that are plastic or fill the metal tanks with RV gas and use stabilizer.

My local sales/repair shop also gives these suggestions to customers. Fuel related issues are their main repairs.

 

[The_Geologist]

So...it's been a couple of years since I posted in this thread, but I wanted to follow up with how I finally fixed the problem.

I ended up purchasing an aftermarket carburetor. It is an exact replica of the original carb, and bolted on with no issues.

I've mowed the lawn twice now since I did the replacement, and have not run into the issue yet... I will follow up if it rears its ugly head again.

In the hope that this will help anyone else with a similar problem, I ordered this carb, also pictured below.