Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): Snapper Lawn Tractor, twin cylinder engines, snapper lawn tractor

Question
QUESTION: I have a LAWN TRACTOR MANUAL CLUTCH SERIES 1 HYDRO DRIVE(1991 1/2) I was mowing and the engine quit I does that some times so I will restart it again well this time it didn't start. It backfired a few times put gas in carb and started it went to accelerate and it died. Not it won't fire at all there is spark and fuel to the carb any ideas, sir???

ANSWER: Hello Mark:

Does the Carburetor have a Fuel Shut Off Solenoid in the Bottom of the Bowl? When was the Last Time the Carburetor was Cleaned and Rebuilt? Send me the Model Numbers Off the Mower and Engine, Please. With these I can Locate the Proper Manuals and Better Assist you. Hope this Helps. I am Here if You Require More Assistance. Let me Know What Happens, Please. Thanks.

Good Luck

Respectfully

John

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Hi john,
         The gas line goes right into the bowl of carb so no solenoid. Model # LT140H411KV. I put a new Spark Plug and took carb off and cleaned it with carb cleaner no luck. Now I did notice the foot pedal switch one of the wires is frayed but not broken could that be a problem???
The motor is a Kohler Command 14 Hydro Drive around 1991.

         Thanks Mark
ANSWER: Hello Mark:

You can View a Breakdown/IPL at this Site Addy, http://www.emerichsales.com/home.asp and Select Shop Online Parts Look Up. Now Select the Model Tab. Then Select the OEM (Snapper). Then Enter the Model Numbers (LT140H411KV). Now Double Click on your Model from the 2 Results. If the Engine has Fire to the Plug, then the Brake/Clutch Safety Switch is Not the Cause the Problem. Look at the Bowl of the Carburetor. Is there a Solenoid in the Bottom of the Carburetor? This Engine Came With and Without the Solenoid. This is the Fuel Shut Off Solenoid. If there is No Solenoid, then Check the Valve Settings. I Do Not Use the Setting Called for by the OEMs. I have Found that the Following Works Best. Remove the Valve Cover (on the Dead Cylinder for Twin Cylinder Engines). Set the Cylinder you are Setting the Valves on to Top Dead Center When Setting the Valve Clearance. Now Loosen the Valve Adjuster Locks and Set the Intake Valve Clearance to .003in -.005in and the Exhaust to .008in - .010in. I have had Better Performance Out of the Mowers and Less Burnt Valves Using these Settings. If the Valve Settings are Close, then  Remove, Disassemble and Soak 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 Accidential Spillage. Then Blow Out the Passages with Compressed Air. Install New Parts if Required. Hope this Helps. I am Here if You Require More Assistance. Let me Know What Happens, Please. Thanks.

Good Luck

Respectfully

John

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Hi John,
       That site is great but it does'nt show motor specs but I found it already. Someone told me to get sand paper and clean the top of the motor cause my spark on my spark plug is weak so they told me to clean that and the contacts that are under the shroud cover let me know what you think.

Answer
Hello Again Mark:

You can Clean the Rust Off the Flywheel Magnets and the Coil and Reset the Coil to Flywheel Clearance to .020in. Usually if the Plug is Firing, then the Coil is Not the Problem. My Breakdown/IPL Does Not Show a Point Set for this Engine. The Coil is the Ignition Module. If the Valves are Good and the Carburetor Solenoid and Carburetor are Good, then I Would Check the Compression. Again, as Long as the Plug is Firing, Check All Else First. Hope this Helps. I am Here if You Require More Assistance. Let me Know What Happens, Please. Thanks.

Good Luck

Respectfully

John