Garden
Experienced gardeners share their insights in answering this question :
Blown head gasket possibly. Stuck piston rings due to lack of oil.
How to Identify and Fix Common Gardening Problems ?
We provide a variety of viewpoints on how to identify and fix common gardening problems. Our sources include academic articles, blog posts, and personal essays from experienced gardeners :
Common Causes of Afterfire:
Small engine muffler type and manufacture. Carburetor adjustment may not be properly set for correct engine performance. Anti-afterfire solenoid may not be working properly.
Carburetor leaks can be caused by bad gaskets, an sticking float and other defects. If fuel is leaking from the bottom of the carburetor, the float bowl gasket might be dried out or missing. Check the connections to the fuel filter and to the filter housing. If any of the fuel lines are dry or cracked, replace them.
If you pull the cord and hear your engine turn over, but your mower is not starting, the most common reasons for this are low fuel, a broken gas valve, or a bad choke fault. A broker spark plug could also be the culprit. You may also have to change the fuel pump if it does not get fuel to the ignition system.
Another possible cause of your backfire is a spark plug refusing to “spark” when the exhaust valve opens. If the air/fuel mixture has become too rich, unburned fuel is left in the exhaust system. The misfired spark plug ignites the rich air/fuel mixture, causing a loud “bang” in the tail pipe.
Backfires
Touching back on air to fuel ratios, a vacuum leak will likely make your engine run “lean” (too much air.) This means the engine cannot efficiently ignite fuel in the combustion chamber. When fuel builds up in the cylinders and combustion occurs, it will expel a backfire.
One of the more common questions we get concerns either the overwhelming smell of gas coming from the carburetor or fuel leaking out of the bowl or overflow. Both conditions are typically caused by a stuck or worn float needle valve.
If a mower is hard to start, it may be the result of a dirty carburetor and/or a clogged air filter. Use a screwdriver to remove the carburetor and clean any dirt out of it with a rag. Clean the air filter or replace it if it`s disposable.
Use Carburetor Cleaner
Fortunately, you can generally do this without even taking the carburetor out of the engine. Start by purchasing some commercial lawnmower carburetor cleanerOpens a new window, which comes in a simple spray can and will make it easy to clean the inside and outside of the carb.
Common signs of a faulty PCV valve include excessive oil consumption, oil leaking, a blocked breather filter, and reduction in overall performance.
If engine wear causes too much crankcase pressure it will overwhelm the PCV system and lead to excessive oil leaks. Excess crankcase pressure may also occur if the PCV system vacuum supply becomes restricted.
Too little fuel in the cylinder and an excess amount of air can cause your bike to backfire. The combustion can be suppressed if too much air is present. Again, this issue can be fixed by making sure your carburetor jets are clean.
If you only hear popping when accelerating, it`s likely due to an issue with your fuel mixture or ignition timing. If your car is running too lean (not enough fuel), it can cause knocking and popping sounds. If your ignition timing is off, it can also cause these sounds.
Backfiring or overheating
Engine backfiring and overheating are other common symptoms of a potential problem with the carburetor. If the carburetor has any sort of issue that results in it delivering a lean mixture, a mixture that does not have enough fuel, it may result in engine backfiring or overheating.
Discover Relevant Questions and Answers for Your Specific Issue
the most relevant questions and answers related to your specific issue
Cub Cadet zero turn:Engine starts and runs about 5 seconds before blowing 20 amp fuse.
ANSWER : You may have a faulty voltage regualtor that is blowing fuse. Have you tried a fuse that is 5 more amps?
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My zero turn burns pto switch’s repeatedly without blowing
fuses. Can you please help!
fuses. Can you please help!
ANSWER : Go to a smaller fuse, but it sounds like the PTO is shorted somewhere:http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&cd=4&ved=0CCoQFjAD&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.mymowerparts.com%2Fpdf%2FCub_Cadet%2FCub_Cadet_Service_and_Repair_Manuals%2FCub_Cadet_RZT_Series_Zero_Turn_Service_Repair_Manual.pdf&rct=j&q=Cub%20Cadet%20RZT%20mower%20manual%20pdf&ei=sWbITayPEoSbtweSvqmSBA&usg=AFQjCNEAreyaCVOyDN0SaP-6A0cxzha8bA&cad=rja
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Exmark 44 Mower bogs down going forward
ANSWER : When you say ‘going forwaed’, is that while mowing or does it do it without the blades engaged or ‘not mowing’?
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I have a hard time getting the gas cap to go back on once I have filled the tank. I have tried lining up the notches before turning, I have tried to push it into place before turning the cap. It doesn’t go on straight and is hard to take back off. It only turns so far once I do get it on straight.
ANSWER : Sounds to me like either the cap or the neck it screws onto is warped or malformed. You can try another cap.If I was you I would take it back to the store because that is not normal. My Poulan has a cap that is nice and loose and goes on with ease. It should not be hard to put the gas cap on.
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Safety switch on brake handlechecks ok but motor cuts off when released
ANSWER : Check clutch safty switch or seat safty got to be one of those switches
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Engine runs, blades turn but mower will not move
ANSWER : Look in front of back tired on frame, not deck, there are. 2 rods, 1 on each side, rods look like a L, it’s going through a little eye opening, push it backards, mower should move. If rod is pulled through opening and locked in, mower will not move..its a safety. Feather on mower
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I am another owner of the 24 hp. briggs and stratten ELS that has blew a rod out the side. How can I get help replacing this motor that has been such a terrible problem
ANSWER :
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My 23 hp Kawasaki engine runs until it get warm, it will then stall and is hard to start after that. It seems to me as if something is cutting the fuel off, What could it be?
ANSWER : When it begins to stall, loosen the gas cap. If performance improves, clear the gas cap vent holes.
Gary
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