QuestionI have a 15 year old Toro Wheelhorse that has been working great!! I inherited it with the home I bought 4 years ago and I haven't maintained it properly (oil/plugs/etc)...
A couple of weeks ago I was mowing just fine and had finished hal f of our 3/4 acre. I noticed the engine start missing and after another 10 minutes or so, it shut off with a lot of white smoke from the exhaust. I went ahead and changed oil and filter, fuel filter, spark plug, and air filter. Notice that there was fuel in the oil. Started quick and ran for another 15 minutes and started doing the same thing.
Replaced ignition coil - no help... and again, found fuel in the oil.
decided to check into carburator. Removed air filter to be able to see in the carb (from a distance)... started the engine and before I could get around to carb side, gas/oil mixture was shooting from the breather tube. (DANGER)
I had just changed the fuel filter so I verified install and that fuel would come through the filter when disconnected and turned down - it did. Blew through all hoses to the carb - ok.
removed fuel bowl and checked float and needle. Visually looked ok.
I have ordered a fuel pump and carb rebuild kit with new float and needle valve.
Anything else I should look at? I'm in Washington state and this time of year the grass grows an inch a day... it's been 14 days!
Thank you,
Josh
AnswerHello Josh:
Install a Manual Cut Off Valve and Install it in the Gas Line. Turn Off the Gas Flow to the Carburetor when the Engine is Not in Use. This is a Common Problem with the Newer Carburetors. While you are Waiting for the Carburetor Kit, I Suggest you 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.** Clean the Crankcase Breather. 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
