QuestionQUESTION: I have a snapper 8HP riding lawnmower. I went to start it(pull cord) and raw gas flowed out the muffler. What would be the problem? Thanks
ANSWER: Simply said, it is VERY flooded. When that happens the cylinder fills with unburnt fuel. When it gets to such a level it passes out the exhaust valve, then into the muffler. Either it was flooded due to excessive attempts at starting, or the carburetor needle valve is stuck in the open position allowing fuel to just pour into the intake, and then into the cylinder. You must first identify the problem. If it is the carb it needs to be cleaned and rebuilt.....Tom
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QUESTION: Tom - Thank you very much for your answer. I did as you suggested and found carb was ok. But after further research I found that along with the gas coming out of the muffler there is also oil. Engine starts for a few seconds and cuts off. Good compression but looks like some gas in oil. Does this mean bad piston ring? Thanks again.
AnswerHow did you determine the carb is ok? Fuel is in the oil due to it being flooded so badly, and the fuel in the cylinder washed pass the rings and into the oil crankcase. It could have a bad set of rings also. But first things first, is that carb flooding? First thing you need to do is change that contaminated oil. Then pull a compression test to determine the condition of the rings. It should be between 90-120 at least......If the reading is low, add around 8 squirts of oil in the spark plug hole, and then reinstall the plug and try another reading, if it comes up considerably it is the rings, otherwise it would be in the head gasket of valves...Please take the time to rate these answers, it's appreciated..Tom
