QuestionQUESTION: hi i have a craftsman lawn tractor model #917.270810 if i spray starting fluid in the carb it will run for a few seconds and than stall. I took the carb apart and cleaned it and checked the fuel hose and filter still no luck. after i get done cranking it, if i pull the fuel hose off the carb there is no sign of gas, yet if i put the hose down to the floor the gas comes flowing out. not sure what the problem is, also the mower has a briggs and stratton model number 42e707 thanks for your help
ANSWER: Hello Mark:
This Engine has a Vacuum Operated Fuel Pump. If the Vacuum Hose from the Engine to the Fuel Pump has the Spring Style Clamps, then Replace them with Screw Style Clamps. The Spring Style Hose Clamps Tend to Lose Tension. This Prevents the Hose from Holding a Vacuum when Applied to the Fuel Pump. Once you have Replaced the Hose Clamps; have Some One Operate the Ign Switch and Turn the Engine while you watch the Fuel Hose. Hold the Hose at the Same Height as the Carburetor Inlet Port (the End of the Hose should be in a Container to Catch the Gas) while the Engine is Turning. If No Gas is Present while he Engine is Turning, then the Fuel Pump is Not Getting a vacuum to Operate the Pump or the Pump is Bad. If you do have Gas while Turning the Engine, then **Check for Current/Voltage (10.5 VDC Minimum) to the Carburetor Shut Off Solenoid. If the Carburetor Shut Off Solenoid has Current, then On Some Solenoids you can Remove the Needle and Replace the Solenoid to Test them. ****PLEASE DO NOT OPERATE THE MOWER WITH THE SOLENOID BYPASSED IN THIS MANNER. THIS IS "ONLY" FOR TESTING.**** For Others, Remove the Carburetor Solenoid and Go to the Hardware Store. Purchase a Bolt of the Same Diameter and Threads.It Needs to be 1/2" to 3/4" Long for the Horizontal Mount Solenoids and 1/4" Long for the Vertical Mount Solenoids. 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 Jet.** If the Engine Does Not get Gas to Start with the Solenoid Bypassed for Testing and the Fuel Pump is Operating, then the Carburetor Require Cleaning. The Following is the Carburetor Cleaning Instruction File. *Even though the Carburetor Looks Clean, the Internal Passages May be Restricted with Varnish that Gas Causes to Build Up over Time.* I Suggest you Make Sure the Gas is Free Flowing to the Carburetor Inlet Port. If the Gas is Free Flowing to the Inlet Port, then **Remove, Disassemble and Soak the Carburetor Overnight in Carburetor Cleaner (I Use Gunk). I have Found that Most People can Use a Breakdown/IPL and Disassemble the Carburetor Enough for Proper Cleaning. You Only have to Remove the Bowl (if Applicable), Float Pin (if Applicable), Float (if Applicable) and Needle Valve and Any Adjustment Screws that Go Into the Carburetor Body. The Welch Plugs Do Not have to be Removed. Then Soak the Carburetor Body and Parts in a 1 Gallon Can of Gunk Carburetor Cleaner Overnight. The Can has a Parts Tray Inside it for the Small Parts. Once the Carburetor and Parts are in the Cleaner, you can Replace the Lid for Safety and to Prevent Accidental Spillage. Then Blow Out the Passages with Compressed Air. ***(Do Not Use High Pressure Air for the Zama Carburetors, they have Check Valves for the Primer and these are Usually Blown Out of the Carburetor if Not Careful. Allow the Zama Carburetor to Set on a Drip Pan and Dry).*** Install New Parts if Required.** You can View a Breakdown/IPL of this Engine at this Site Addy, http://www.outdoordistributors.com/ and Select the B. Then Select Briggs and Stratton. Then Select Don't have Part Numbers. Now Select the File #42. Then Select the 42E700 Engine File and Download the File for Online Viewing. If you Hit a Snag or this Does Not Correct the Problem, I am Here if You Require More Assistance. Hope this Helps. Let me Know What Happens, Please. May the All Mighty Bless You and Yours. Thanks.
Good Luck
Respectfully
John
PS: I am Allowed to Answer 10 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. Thanks.
Respectfully
John
---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------
QUESTION: John thanks for your help. I put the hose clamps on the vacumn hose and now I have gas but the problem now is that the gas leaks everwhere. I thought it was coming from the pump cause I had taken it apart numerous times and thought I had pinched the gasket or something, but today when I tried to start it I had the air filter off and I realized that the gas was spraying up from the big hole in the center of the carb, enough to create a puddle in the air filter tray. The engine runs until it floods out. What do you think would cause this... Also I diden't have a chance to pick up the gunk to soak the carb but I did take it all apart and cleaned it with the spray cleaner I will soak it when I get the gunk... Thanks for all your help John
AnswerHello Again Mark:
The Carburetor Needle Valve is Sticking and Cleaning the Carburetor with Spray Cleaners is Not Going to Affect the Varnish Much. Soaking the Carburetor will Remove the Varnish and Allow the New Needle Valve to Move and Operate Properly. This will Stop the Carburetor Flooding Problem. I Suggest you Check the Crankcase Oil for Gas Contamination also. If you Hit a Snag or this Does Not Correct the Problem, I am Here if You Require More Assistance. Hope this Helps. Let me Know What Happens, Please. May the All Mighty Bless You and Yours. Thanks.
Good Luck
Respectfully
John
PS: I am Allowed to Answer 10 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. Thanks.
Respectfully
John
