VAI problems - need some help

Fry · Feb 22, 2013

I've been having problems with my VAI this winter that have been getting progressively worse. It's mainly a power issue - it runs like a top at idle or when I give it gas, but as soon as I start pushing snow or going uphill, even at full throttle, it starts chugging.

Then this evening things got worse. I could run it for about 10 minutes and then as soon as I tried to move at all, I lost power to the point of snubbing it. It even died while just sitting at idle once. I would let it sit for about 10 minutes and start it and go through the cycle all over again.

I know I have plenty of gas in the tank and good flow to the carb. I think I have carb issues - I can't seem to get any results from adjusting the power screw. I think I'm missing on #3 cylinder - I'm putting in new plugs tomorrow. Then I noticed, and I could've been imagining it because the snow was flying, that every time I started it, I thought I could see the faintest spark on the bracket that holds what I think is the coil (black cylinder wired between the alternator and distributor).

Any insight or ideas anyone can provide would be greatly appreciated.

old · Feb 22, 2013

First off check that the gov is doing its job by running it at idle and grab the gov to carb rod and try to speed up the RPM. It should fight you if it does not then it is a gov problem. If it does fight you check you spark and make sure it is a good blue/white and will jump a 1/4 inch gap or more. If you have that then pull the carb drain plug and make sure you have a good steady flow of gas from there. Catch the gas to look for water etc. Next when was the last time you serviced the air cleaner it could be full of water and dirt

Dale from NW WA · Feb 22, 2013

After your last part about a faint spark from coil I am thinking change coil. But there again I am thinking again, and that gets me in trouble Dale

Ande · Feb 22, 2013

Air cleaner open? Oil free from ice?

old · Feb 22, 2013

Most believed to be coil problems are in fact points or condenser problems and a coil is the least likely to go bad

Bret4207 · Feb 23, 2013

Start with the simple stuff- if you're seeing sparks check all the wiring insulation. Wire is pretty cheap compared to buying a carb. Check the gov. Check the distributor, it may have moved out of proper time. Check points for proper gap and condition. Check cap, rotor and plug wires for deterioration, cracks, etc. Check and service the plugs. Wouldn't hurt to do a compression test as long as the plugs are out. Make sure the air cleaner isn't full of ice! Happens every winter a couple of my tractors.

When you undo the gas line to carb you should get a real free flow. If you do, then a carb rebuild by a qualified person might help. Have you drained the carb? Water can build up and freeze in the bottom of the bowl and not let the float drop enough to supply enough gas.

Start at square one.

VAI problems - need some help

Fry

Member

old

Well-known Member

Dale from NW WA

Member

Ande

Well-known Member

old

Well-known Member

Bret4207

Well-known Member

Similar threads