QuestionI have a HT3813 Lawn Tractor which I purchased new in 1987 - Model GB1013 Engine No 1008511. The tractor has been serviced each year and runs well. At the end of last season, the following problem developed: Tractor starts and runs OK from a cold start. After the engine has been running for a while, if you turn it off, it won't start again until completely cold. When you turn the key, the starter motor begins to turn the engine over and quickly stops. Although the symptoms sound like the battery is low, the battery is only 18 mos old and in good condition.
Any help you can give me in tracking this intermittent problem down would be greatly appreciated. I really don't know where to begin. Thanks.
AnswerHello Dick:
>>Sorry for the Delay. This Question was Located in the Question Pool and I can Only Answer Questions from the Question Pool when I am Not Answering Questions here or at the Other Site I Answer Questions at.
>> 1- Operate the Engine as Usual. When you go to Restart it and the Engine Suddenly Stops when Cranking, then
>>Remove the Spark Plugs and Try to Crank the Engine Again ****Make Sure there is No One or Nothing in Front of the Engine.**** What if Anything comes Out of the Spark Plug Holes.
>>You may get Oil, Gas or Water.
>> 1- If Water, then
>> The Head Gasket is Starting Blow and Leaking water into the Cylinder and Forming a Hydraulic Lock in the Cylinder when you go to Restart the Engine. This causes the Sudden Stop while Cranking the Engine.
>> 2- If Gas, then
>>The Carburetor Float Needle Valve is Sticking and Allowing the Engine to Flood with Gas causing a Hydraulic Lock in the Cylinder when you Crank the Engine.
>>3- If Oil, then
>>Check the Oil for being Over Filled and having a Gas Smell.
>>Change the Oil, Soak and Clean the Carburetor. The Problem is the Carburetor Float Needle Valve is Sticking and Flooding the Cylinder with Gas.
>>If the Engine Turns and Nothing Comes Out of the Cylinder, then
>>Replace the Spark Plug, but Leave the Plug Lead Unattached.
>>Remove the Flywheel and Inspect the Flywheel Key. If the is Slightly Damaged it can Allow the Engine Timing to Start and Run, but Once Hot the Engine will Crank as if it is Out of Time. The "Sudden Stop" you Described Happens.
>>If the Engine Still will Not Turn (Spark Plugs in) or Turns and Suddenly Stops, then
>> Check the Valve Clearances. If the Clearances are Not Correct, you can have the Problem you Described.
>>You can View a Breakdown/IPL at this Site Addy,
http://www.emerichsales.com/ and Select Honda in the Drop Down Under "Parts Look up" at the Left of the Page. Now Fill Out the Quick Parts Look Up Section.
>>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
