TO30 Fuel delivery

Jeremy in DE · Apr 6, 2015

For a bit now whenever I start my TO30 it runs well for a few moments, but then stutters and dies. It's fuel related I'm nearly certain, because if I check for fuel at the carb it doesn't flow (either not well, or not at all). I've learned to disconnect the fuel line at the sediment bowl. It will usually drip a moment then start flowing. After that I reconnect the line and the tractor runs fine for as long as I need it to run.

I have always shut the fuel off when the tractor isn't running.

I've cleaned the sediment bowl assembly. That seems fine. I have added an in-line fuel filter that I thought was the problem at first, but I can disconnect ahead of it and still the fuel doesn't flow at first, then drips, then flows well and after that the tractor runs.

What am I missing?

phil(va) · Apr 6, 2015

You could have something floating in the tank moving around and blocking the flow to the sediment bowl sometimes. Or the filter
on top of the sediment bowl may be clogged intermitantly. Drain the tank. Pull the entire sediment bowl assembly and make sure
there are no obstructions there or in the tank. Using the plastic tube insert for the finger outlet of the aerosol can, squirt
carb fluid into both sediment bowl inlets and see if they are open. Sometimes the sediment bowl works ok if you have a lot of
fuel in the tank, but does not flow if it is low. There are two inlets, one higher than the other and the low one clogs more
easily. You should not need an in-line filter. I have heard of those causing problems, but I know many people use them. Hope
that helps.

Richard L · Apr 6, 2015

Next time it stops remove the gas cap and start it up. If it runs it could be the gas cap has no vent hole in it. I know it doesn't sound right with your explanation but it doesn't cost anything just trying to eliminate problems.

wharenj · Apr 7, 2015

Does the sediment bowl fill right up when you turn on the gas? Remove the sediment bowl and make sure there is not a blockage in the tank. I once found a handful of sawdust in my tank that would keep blocking my sediment bowl. As was stated, make sure you have a vented cap and it is not blocked. You could try starting and loosen the cap once it starts running. Good luck.

Jeremy in DE · Apr 8, 2015

Thanks to everyone who replied. I'm thinking it's a problem in the sediment bowl, even though I tried to clean it. I've tried turning it the whole way and then I get consistent fuel. But if I run it with only two turns open, then I get the problem. I need to drain the tank again and then pull out the sediment bowl assembly and try again to get it completely cleaned out.

I'll rethink the inline filter. I added it years ago when I had an issue with something getting in the carb. That hasn't happened since, but maybe it's not really needed.

phil(va) · Apr 10, 2015

As I mentioned in my post, there are two inlet holes in the sediment bowl, one for a low tank and one for when the tank has more
than a gallon in it. The low one is the one that clogs. Sounds like you have found that to be the problem. You will either
have to pull the sediment assembly and clean that orifice or just keep lots of gas in the tank at all times.

TO30 Fuel delivery

Jeremy in DE

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phil(va)

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Richard L

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wharenj

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Jeremy in DE

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phil(va)

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