Fixing A Troy-Bilt Mower That Starts But Stops After A Few Minutes
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 9 ก.ย. 2024
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Thanks for watching. This mower's would start but only run for a few minutes before stopping.
This video is meant as entertainment, always practice safety.
Thanks for posting. That was good analysis and troubleshooting. About 7 years ago, I had a Troy-Bilt walk behind that would start/run great, then die after a few minutes. It would re-start and run after a couple minutes. When it died, it didn't stutter like your mower. It just 100% quit. I couldn't fix it, so I took it to a mechanic. He said he immediately knew the problem. He changed the spark plug. Period. I was NOT happy. The original plug looked like a text-book example of a properly running engine. It was clean and properly gapped. He explained, he once spent a week diagnosing a similar issue. The problem was the cheap Chinese spark plugs would get hot and the inner conductor would open up. Thus, killing the ignition. The mower is still running fine.
thank you and no problem
The fuel line !!!!!! Pulled mine off and same thing !!! You sir are my god damn hero !! I tried everything and nothing then your video saved the day
thank you very much
Goes to show why you should always run premium gas in your small engine machines. I have had carbs so bad I had to use a drill bit to clean them. Great informational video for the DIY man out there. Another solid option is to put a fuel shut off on your mower. For storing the mower I find it works great and keeps your carb cleaner. Looking forward to the next vid, thanks.
very true thank you!
Sadly, in Canada at least, all gas now contains ethanol, premium or not.
@@bl9531 they say there are still spots to get it without ethanol. I know shell was advertising 0 ethanol in their premium fuel.
Thanks for posting this one, and especially showing the cutaway views of a typical fuel tank and these fuel lines and filter. Seeing this was very educational. I have installed fuel filters where there is space for them, like on my old single stage snow blower, which has a long, looping fuel line, which is easy to cut in the middle and sip a filter in. I look forward to the next installment.
thank you, it'll be out soon
This is why I appreciate this channel so much. He shows why and how.
My mower has a fuel filter. I would install them. They are worth it. I'm glad we don't have ethanol fuel in my area.
Where do you live! Im moving there.
@@aik88 I live in South Australia. Our fuels sold here are E10 unleaded, 91 unleaded, 95 unleaded, 98 unleaded, diesel, & LPG.
I have never seen a fuel line get that bad right there til now watching this, mind blowing right there.
I know right
Unusual problem that you don't see very often. Glad you were able to quickly identify it and get it corrected with no outlay of cash other than a new fuel filter. I love and swear by my ultrasonic cleaner. Using the Gunk Carb Cleaner that comes in a gallon can, it has always done the job the first time for me.
thank you I'm always looking for a new recipe to try out and see how it works.
I am glad you took my advice from the last video of trying something different and now you are seeing what worked and didn't. Great video and good job!
Self promotion ? where were you get the advice from ?
@@hermanchow1405 Too many years of working on mechanical machines and engines.
thank you
Nice fix on this unit. Those fuel line were packed with gunk. It’s always fun to do our detective work and solve the issues. 😎🛠
You got that right!
That’s great work. Yes on the fuel filter, but needs to be accessible. It’s hard to get non ethanol gas these days. I use the appropriate amount of Stabil fuel additive for winter months, it works for my situation.
thank you!
I’m going to install a fuel filter tomorrow on my push mower. Great video 👍🙏👍🙏
very good choice
Agreed, I use PNE gas in everything two or four cycle. Premium non- ethanol gas is more expensive but does not harm these engines.
nice choice
Th
Your dissection and of the fuel filter proved that the filter is performing as designed. So yes, using a fuel filter is a good practice.
agreed!
FYI regarding replacement mower engines (Predator) that you thought haven’t been seen in stores for years.. Harbor Freight has plenty of them for 179.99 for inside track members. Perfect for that previous Honda blown motor.
Nice glad to see them come back!
Good to see this mower back up and running. I have 2 of the older Briggs and Stratton engines with the tank under the carb and a primer bulb. In some ways you can't beat simplicity.
So far I've had no trouble with ethanol causing issues in the mower but I have had problems with splitting primer bulbs on my line trimmer. So for that reason I make sure I run straight unleaded fuel in those. That rubber hose breaking down was more than I expected. I thought there might be small bits of crud getting back to the bowl not a huge slug of mush coming down the line.
the line degradation was surprising to me too.
Good video and good catch, on the fuel problem. One thing to keep in mind is that some filters are for gravity feed, and others are designed for pressure systems. I used to have a brass hose barb [1/4", double ended] with a clear piece of hose. I would install this into fuel line, drain the tank into a 1 gallon pickle jar [glass] so I could see how fast it flowed, if the tank was venting properly, see what debris came out of tank.
well said and great idea.
Great video! I loved the cross-section of the gas tank. Even though I knew they were something like that (the lowest part is not easily visible from the outside), it was cool to see it. It's clever that even if your mower is not on level terrain, the sloshing around will ensure the tank is completely empty if you run it dry. Crazy that the rubber disintegrated like that! (Again, I have no access to ethanol-free gas 😒). The in-line fuel filter is a great idea!
you are absolutely correct
Have had that issue before. I started using Tygon fuel lines, with one of those red filters. The Tygon survives better with ethanol fuel, plus you can see through it for any debris that may get in the lines. It is a bit pricey, but works for me.
you make a great point
Yes I would Install one of those filters This way iF can stop anything that's good Thank you for the video
You bet and thank you!
That's a lot of good info in one video.
Glad you think so!
Wow, that was an interesting result, surprised of the damage from ethanol in the fuel.😊
I know right!
I thought it was a needle valve seat partially blocked but I had a piece of a fuel nozzle stop the tank up on an Ex-mark 4-footer once. Yes, I'd put a filter in the line but with the tank drain on the pressure washer there'll be a 'T' fitting for the drain between the tank and carb and a low place for stuff to settle out. That ought to take care of odds and ends floating around. And thanks to you I know what was wrong with my old 2.5K Onan loading up. I need a new needle valve seat.
Thanks, happy weekend and Blessings
I like that idea of the T fitting, i'l have to consider one.
@@HomeGaragechannel The drain valve is on the tube on the bottom of the 'T'. That way you drain all the tank and most of the line to the carb out into a container depending on how long the drain hose is off the drain valve. Good for water, it being heavier.
Few years back a guy brought a kids snowmobile over . Carburetor needle valve seeping had the red filter. There was a fiber from glove or something wouldn't let it seal. I think it would pass through red filter screen so I put a filter with a paper element on it. And a shutoff valve where it can be accessible.
that works too.
I would install that external fuel filter. Good video
thank you !
i have been using inline fuel filters since my first mower always considered it extra insurance also the fuel stations in my area are all over 50 years old and still have the original steel tanks i always see small rust particles in the bottom of my fuel cans i also replace the filters every time i change the oil
well said and yes extra insurance is great to have.
Oh damn, I thought it was just a little bit of gunk, but it turned out to be a lot.
I know right!
I love those Quantum engines, they are the best motors ever dropped on a deck.
I don't put filters in them for one reason, the fuel line really, really short.
you are correct!
Similar thing happened to my string trimmer a few years ago. I used a clothes hanger to push though the fuel lines and something that looked like "plastic boogers" came out. Ethanol is awful.
yes you are correct
I haven't replace a fuel line but once in all the years I've repaired mowers so yeh rare ! Some great trouble shooting on this one pays to have a second opinion 👍
thank you I appreciate it.
when covid fist hit, my parents couldn't get to their lake house so the boat sat with fuel in it for nearly 5 months. the fuel completely wrecked the entire system. fuel pick up, fuel lines. primer bulb, connector. pump and carbs. all crystized ethanol.
Just a question what did Covid have to do with them not going to their lake house ?
@@dougbaker9473 they are older and were worried about leaving and such.
that's sucks
they were worried about any outside contact
I put fuel filters on my mowers. It's just an extra layer of protection to help. The cost of them is so cheap it doesn't hurt to add.
great advice!
I would like to see a video on what kinds of cleaners you tried and the results in your ultrasonic cleaner. I kind of see 3 criteria. Cost, how well it works, and ease of dealing with the cleaner. I go dish soap and water so I’m going easy and cheap but I’d be interested to see if I could be doing better.
I like this idea, I'll work it thanks for the idea.
I am skeptical that ethanol did all the damage to the hoses. I don’t doubt it contributed but suspect the owner may have added some kind of chemical to alleviate the poor engine performance.
I'm curious what kind of chemical that could be.
Iowa boy here. We had gasohol starting back in the 1970’s. Today 46% of the Iowa corn crop goes to ethanol production. Well into the 1980’s ethanol was wreaking havoc with auto hoses and especially gaskets. The auto manufacturers figured it out and there was enough non ethanol around it could be managed by most motorists. Small engines have continued with problems but the nature of their use is a big contributor. Even though you and your small gas engine repair compatriots regularly preach maintenance the operators bear the responsibility for most fuel related issues.I have seen enough of yours and other vids to know operators do some strange things and while either by accident or on purpose put liquids into gas tanks they should not. Any caustic or solvent are candidates to do damage to the fuel system especially when they can left for long periods of time. Never underestimate the American consumer when it comes to finding a quick fix. You just have to watch a few episodes of “Customer states or Just Rolled in” to see what I mean. Don’t forget we have even had people suggest injecting bleach to treat Covid 😏
Keep up the good work, your vids are outstanding.@@HomeGaragechannel
I don’t usually put it in a bag but definitely will still work somewhat from my personal experience
that's what I thought too.
The Honda's are indestructable. Run it to it don't go no more.
agreed
Great video! That is a weird one, you don’t usually find the fuel system clogged like that. I have heard of it happening on engines with those charcoal canister type emission systems but I don’t think I’ve ever seen one. It seems the media in the canister breaks down and falls into the tank causing a blockage, I guess that’s what this was. Seems a little overboard for a small lawn mower gas tank, I wonder if they were only sold in California?
don't know, might have to ask someone from there.
With an electric starter you have to put at lease have a half tank of gas so it could get into the carb bowl., or tilt the machine up & to the right.
I've never had to do that before, typically the lowest part of tanks is still above the hight of carb.
Good video!
Thanks!
Awesome 😎
Thanks 🤗
No problem😎👍
I have and I would. Problem is now is that they have a 3" piece of fuel line from gas tank to carb..
yes when it's that short It's almost impossible to put a filter on it.
For filters, think often to add one like you showed to double protect the carb BUT considering another possible trouble place to inspect/replace and get more flow restriction cuz it wasn't designed for it, I always choose to let it be like OEM design and not add them,,, We'll clean all the carb anyways so why add another piece to crap !?!
I know right!
Hey bro what's up? I personally think that it makes sense installing the fuel filter on your lawn mower.
thanks it certainly helped to some degree on this mower
Good video. Not sure I agree with your assumption that ethanol (yuck) is the culprit here. Something reacted with that hose and something inside that tank which clogged the filter but if it were ethanol there would likely be more widespread incidences. I've heard of STA-BIL and similar products doing that after extended periods. Also, I know of an incidence where someone used a styrofoam cup for gas which created a gooey mess
Ans to your question: never added a filter; nor removed one. Never been an issue for me. I try to always look into my fuel container to be sure it's not contaminated.
I agree with your conclusion as well, It was brought up by another commenter that something else had to have been put into the tank. But without any other information, "bad" fuel has to be only thing someone would put into it. most don't have the nerve to put, Heet, or some other additive to their gas tank.
I have only had one mower not run because of gooey fuel line. I don't add filters to push mowers.
nice thank you for letting us know
I would not install a filter. You create 2 more spots for fuel leaks by cutting the line but moreso the tank has a screen that is about the same size as the filter so it is redundant IMO.
you make a good point
Yes I would install an inline fuel filter if my lawnmower didn't have the choke o Matic carburettor fitted !
good choice
Fuel tank vent seen on California only engines.
interesting and it makes sense
I always install inline filters when I can. Also some carbs have hidden fuel screens in them. If I can remember the brand, I will let you know later.
Which one do you recommend for a Honda GCV 160 engine and where do you buy them? I have been using 100% gasoline and filter it with a small funnel with a conical style paper coffee filter that fits.
I believe you're referring to the carbs that are on some Kohler engines.
thanks
the red on in the video is fine and you can get them on amazon
@@SA-iw4ci As far as I can remember you might be correct.
I install a top hat filter and shut off switch on all four cycle engines if they do not have one. Cheap insurance.
it's cheap insurance but most never use the valve.
I am working on riding mower right now that has been sitting for several years, All of the fuel lines are completely collapsed internally. Nothing will go through them. Ethanol sucks.
yes, I've seen that too.. Ethanol is not good for these engines
Old fuel hose becomes narrower over time, and in-tank screen varnishes. Restricted fuel flow means poor engine performance. These issues are so common they are common practice where I don't give the process any thought or diagnosis.
nice way of think, I'll have to adjust mine from now on.
I have a toro weed eater that's been sitting for years and I started it and It worked fine but after a hour or so the head stopped spinning I have no clue what's wrong with it
Maybe the clutch broke seen that a few times.
do me a favor and turn the head, while looking at the front of the plastic area on the engine and see if the clutch bell is spinning too.
Is necessary to use them when you have that screen in the tank built in and the only filter that I have is on my big mower because it does not have a screen in the tech and no other than that. I would not use it on my push mower.
makes sense
I have seen this happen many many times.
I wonder why I haven't?
@@HomeGaragechannel Well, it has already started, you will see it more and more and more. Where I live we have horrible gas, always filled with water, ethanol fuel, cold climate... It really ruins rubber quickly.
👍👍👍👍
thank you
my neighbor , "king of water in the gas" , once left his mower at his church for a few days , and it wouldn't start when he went to get it . when i couldn't get any fuel to it , i removed fuel line to find it packed with ladybugs . did someone sabotage it ? was the gas can (as far as i know it never had a cap) that he always carried in back of his truck , full of bugs when he filled the mower ? was the can full of bugs when he filled it with gas ? life's mysteries .
wow what a mystery
hey, for some reason when i tilt my strimmer to edge, it starts slowing down and eventually cutting out, but if i flip it the other way round, it idles faster, what should i do to stop it from stalling when on it's side???
Should i add more fuel so that when idling, it's about to stall, then increase idle speed so that fuel delivery is stronger on it's side, and that it idles normally?
would that be it?
since I don't which strimmer you have I can only guess it was only designed to deliver fuel to the carb in only one direction. Some can do both, but others, and only do one way.
@@HomeGaragechannel i have the JCB LT26 from 2011.
And not to worry i did some fuel adjustments with it, and it doesn't cut out anymore as adjusted it to a stronger fuel delivery.
Have you had any luck finding one for a vid?
I didn’t realize how bad ethanol gas was. It’s all I have around my area😢
when they made ethanol gasoline it was never meant for small engines, despite what the manual says, it was for automobiles.
That little red filter isn’t exactly a proper filter, it only uses a simple screen that only keeps larger pieces of debris out. So its not going to keep out the finer stuff.
correct
There should be a filter in the gas tank that might be clogged up
yes it was clogged
@@HomeGaragechannel thanks for the update on this one
no problem
Another bad design from B&S
true