Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): Intek running issues after hot only, twin cylinder engine, hose clamps

Question
QUESTION: Hello Sir,
         Just wondering if you figured the issue out with that Intek you were having issues with after 45min of running. Having the same issue with mine(24hp) bogs down doesn't want to keep running, but after more than an hour of running. Did the same thing plugs, fuel pump and fuel filter. Please let me know thanks.    Scott B. Haggas

ANSWER: Hello Scott:

>>I Do Not Remember Receiving an Update about the Engine in Question.
>>If this is a Twin Cylinder Engine, have you Checked the Coils when the Engine Loses Power?
>>Sometimes a Twin Cylinder will Run on 1 Cylinder and Not show Signs of a Miss.
>>The Following is a Basic Instruction File I made for this. Any Input is Appreciated. I Usually Suggest you Check the Following in this Order for a Problem like yours.
>>1- Check the Gas Tank Cap and Ensure it is Venting the Tank. A Vacuum Builds in the Tank and the Gas Flow Stops or Slows (15 to 45 Minutes and if the Small Granular Sand is in the Tank it can Take Several Days of Constant Running to Bring All the Sand Particles to the Tank Outlet Port) to a Point it Shuts Off the Engine.
>>2- Operate the Equipment Until it Quits or Loses Power (15min to 1hr). Then Immediately Check for Fire at the Plug/s. If the Plug/s is/are Firing, then
>>3- Replace All the Spring Style Hose Clamps with Screw Style Hose Clamps on the Fuel System.
>>4- Check the Carburetor Solenoid. If the Carburetor Shut Off Solenoid has Current, then Remove the Carburetor Solenoid and Go to the Hardware Store. Purchase a Bolt of the Same Diameter and Threads. It Needs to be 3/4" Long. Put this Bolt in Place of the Solenoid. If this Corrects the Engine Problem, then Replace the Solenoid. ***NOTE: THIS IS FOR CHECKING THE SOLENOID ONLY I NEVER SUGGEST YOU OPERATE THE ENGINE WITH THE SOLENOID OUT OF THE CARBURETOR EXCEPT FOR TESTING PURPOSES*** Sometimes the Plunger is Moving, Just Not Far Enough to Allow the Gas to Enter the Jets.
>>5- Depending on the Model Mower, it can Also be the Pickup Tube in the Gas Tank.
>>If No Fire, then Remove the Shut Off Wire from the Coil and Check for Fire.
>>If Still No Fire, then the Ign Module or Coil is Bad. **Even if the Coil is New or Fairly New, it can Still be Bad.** On JD Mowers; Remove the Igniter/Module and the Coil and have the Local JD Dealer Test them.
>>If you Hit a Snag or this Does Not Correct the Problem,  I Hope to be Here if You Require More Assistance. Hope this Helps. Let me Know What Happens, Please. May the All Mighty Bless You and Yours. Be Safe and Happy. Thanks.

Good Luck

Respectfully

John

PS: I am Allowed to Answer 5 Questions a Day. If you See I am Maxxed Out, then Try Submitting your Question at or Just After 8pm EST (US). My New Day Starts then. Comments and Ratings are Greatly Appreciated. Thanks.

Respectfully

John


---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Hello Again sweet step by step you've came up with. its making me think maybe
gas cap because it's a craftsman type with just a pin hole in the center.the only problem is when i was check things with it running crapy i had the fuel cap off at one point for a bit. another bit of info is i can get it to run for a while longer with the choke on.   Thanks for any added thoughts.

Answer
Hello Again Scott:

>>If you can Keep the Engine Running by using the Choke, then
>>Either the Carburetor Fuel Pump is Losing Vacuum (changing the Spring Style Hose Clamps to Screw Style usually Corrects this Problem) and Not Pumping the Gas Correctly or
>>There is a Valve Problem and the Engine is Not Drawing Gas Correctly through the Carburetor due to the Valves Not Seating Correctly (usually Resetting the Valve Clearance Corrects this Problem).
>>A Test to Check the Fuel Pump is to Disconnect the Fuel Pump and Install a 2 to 4 PSI Electric Fuel Pump (Mr Gasket Part Number 12-S $30.00us) and Operate the Unit. If the Engine Continues to Run Correctly and you have No Problems with the Engine Stopping, then
>>The Vacuum Fuel Pump Requires Repairing or there is a Hose in the Fuel System that Requires Replacing.
>>It is Also Possible that the Valve Clearances may Require Setting.
>>I Failed to Ask for the Engine Model Numbers in my Last E-mail.
>>Send me the Model and Type or Spec Numbers Off the Engine, Please. With these I can Locate the Proper Manual and Better Assist you. The Model Numbers May be Stamped Into the Blower Housing (metal engine cover) Above the Spark Plug or the Muffler. Many horizontal shaft, overhead valve engines have these numbers stamped into the OHV rocker cover. However, on certain overhead valve powered generators, the equipment manufacturer installs a decorative chrome rocker cover OVER the Briggs cover. If your engine has a decorative cover, it may be necessary to remove it in order to locate the Model, Type, and Code. If this is a Briggs and Stratton  Engine, then you can Also Use this Site Addy; http://www.briggsandstratton.com/maint_repair/BS_modeltypecode.pdf for Assistance in Locating the Model, Type and Code Numbers of a Briggs and Stratton Engine.
>>As Always, If you Hit a Snag or this Does Not Correct the Problem,  I Hope to be Here if You Require More Assistance. Hope this Helps. Let me Know What Happens, Please. May the All Mighty Bless You and Yours. Be Safe and Happy. Thanks.

Good Luck

Respectfully

John

PS: I am Allowed to Answer 5 Questions a Day. If you See I am Maxxed Out, then Try Submitting your Question at or Just After 8pm EST (US). My New Day Starts then. Comments and Ratings are Greatly Appreciated. Thanks.

Respectfully

John