Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): JD318 will not start, blown head gasket, carburetor body

Question
My JD318 ran ruff at full throttle so I replaced the fuel filter.  After replacing the fuel filter I can't get it to start.  Any suggestions?

Answer
Hello Daniel:

There are 2 Common Causes for the Problem you Described. The Old Air Filter was Acting as a Choke and hen you Changed it you Decreased the Amount of Gas the Engine was Pulling into the Cylinders. This is Usually Caused by the 2 Items that Follow: 1- The Carburetor Requires Cleaning. ** 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, Float Pin, Float 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. Install New Parts if Required.** 2- The Engine has a Blown Head Gasket. These are the Most Common Causes for your Problem. You can View a Breakdown/IPL of the Mower at this Site Addy, http://jdpc.deere.com/jdpc/servlet/com.deere.u90490.partscatalog.view.servlets.H... and Enter the Model Numbers and Click Find. Then Select the Sectional File. Then Select the Section of the Mower you Wish to View Online. If One of these is Not the Cause, then Let me know. Hope this Helps. I am Here if You Require More Assistance. Let me Know What Happens, Please. 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 9pm EST (US). My New Day Starts then. Thanks.

Respectfully

John