Craftsman Garden Tractor Motor Surging

Horse Fork Farm · #1 04/28/11, 10:19 PM

About a year before my Dad passed away he bought a new small tractor.. The only modification he did to it was to add an inline fuel filter. He mowed with it maybe 3 times and the next time he started it the motor started surging. Long story short, we brought it to the farm but the way hubby is working he doesn't have time to tear into it.

I thought of you guys and all the stuff I've learned by just reading your posts. Thinking someone might have some ideas of where the problem is. By the way, this tractor has been parked since the surging motor started. Probably has about 5 miles on it total. Any ideas are appreciated! And thank you, Kathy

Alice In TX/MO · #2 04/28/11, 10:27 PM

Is it still under warranty or have a service contract on it?

Horse Fork Farm · #3 04/28/11, 10:41 PM

Alice, not sure but the paperwork is at my mothers and we need to go get it. I don't think the warranty is still on it but will double check. Thanks for the idea!

farminghandyman · #4 04/28/11, 11:24 PM

my guess is gunk in the carberator or the governer needs a small adjsutment on one of the springs, (but I can not tell what or how ( I can do it but not explane it),

http://www.smallenginesuppliers.com/...djustment.html

http://www.doityourself.com/forum/ou...e-hunting.html

http://www.briggsandstratton.com/eng...and%20surging/

salmonslayer · #5 04/29/11, 12:23 AM

It could also be an air leak in the fuel system somewhere. The fact that he added a fuel filter should be a first thought in tracking things down.

Harry Chickpea · #6 04/29/11, 01:17 AM

After changing the gas and checking the carb bowl, I'd be looking at the linkage to the governor.

Ken Scharabok · #7 04/29/11, 07:21 AM

Did he used gasoline with Ethenol in it? Eltenol is praised by small motor repair places which thrive on the extra business to replace fuel lines and overhaul carborators.

Beeman · #8 04/29/11, 07:38 AM

Drain fuel tank and carb and refill with fresh gas, preferrably pure gasoline with no ethanol. Start and see how it runs. Look at carb for adjustment screws. Usually high speed adjustment has some dirt causing a lean mixture. Adjust accordingly.

Ken Scharabok · #9 04/29/11, 07:54 AM

When draining fuel tank look where the line is on the bottom. If centered OK. If to one side run the tractor up on say a 4" x 4" block for both wheel so the outlet is at the lowest point of tank. This will help get all of the fuel out of the tank. On fuel drained, it shouldn't hurt to put it in a large tank, such as on an auto or truck.

buffalocreek · #10 04/29/11, 09:19 AM

Add some Sea Foam to fresh gas. Sometimes that gets rid of gunk.

TNHermit · #11 04/29/11, 09:36 AM

IF it was bought in the last 5years there may be nothing you can do about it. Thanks to our freinds at the EPA they are putting non adjustable carbs on these things. I know I have one. THe adjustment screws are plugged. Some have plugs you can dig out and there are screws underneath and some you can't. How does it work under load. It may even out. Unless it was abused I doubt there is a problem with the gas or gunk. Unless its way old

Two Cents Worth · #12 04/29/11, 01:49 PM

Depending upon the mowing conditions when it was used it might be something as simply as a dirty air cleaner. That would actually be my first guess.

Horse Fork Farm · #13 04/29/11, 09:51 PM

Passing the ideas to my hubby when he gets home from work. Just to recap-- tractors over a yr old but has only been run like 3-4 times. Dad was really to sick to even mow so hard to tell what he overlooked. He babied all tools and equipment and was scrupulous about keeping them clean. Fuel has already been replaced once BUT... probably has ethanol in it. New air cleaner. Carb already cleaned (was like new). Thanks for your help! If you have more ideas we appreciate those too.

am1too · #14 04/29/11, 10:08 PM

If it has a 21 horse Briggs - SELL IT NOW!! Sounds like the governor is gone. Mine was under warranty and they refused to fix it. Not Craftsman or Sears. I will not buy anything with a briggs ever again. I now have hondas with no problems like briggs. They start without a problem first pull even after setting for months.

poppy · #15 04/29/11, 10:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by am1too

If it has a 21 horse Briggs - SELL IT NOW!! Sounds like the governor is gone. Mine was under warranty and they refused to fix it. Not Craftsman or Sears. I will not buy anything with a briggs ever again. I now have hondas with no problems like briggs. They start without a problem first pull even after setting for months.

I'm with you. I want no more Briggs engines.

**clovis** · #16 04/30/11, 12:35 AM

As dumb as this sounds, check for anything that might allow the engine to be sucking air.

It probably isn't your problem, but it would only take a few minutes, and would be free to do.

BTW, Is the engine getting constant spark from the plug?

Horse Fork Farm · #17 04/30/11, 08:58 AM

clovis, he put new plug in it first thing. Sure wish he'd get this... its my job to mow!!