TO 35 fuel issue?

rbiechlin · Feb 6, 2016

I have a 1955 TO 35 gas that I recently bought. Recently flushed fuel tank due to some crud in the reserve. Replaced with ethanol free 4 cycle
small engine fuel. Ran great for 10 minutes, then quit. Is the fuel the problem? If not, any idea So?

phil(va) · Feb 6, 2016

Check first for spark at plugs, then see if you have gas at the carb. It must flow freely, not drip. Chances are, based on your description. you have rust or crud in the tank floating around and it flows to the outlet periodically and blocks the gas flow. You don't need to use special gas. Regular lead free gas works fine if there is no blockage. It isn't like two cycle weed eaters and chain saws in that regard which have ethanol problems. If the gas at the carb isn't strong, keep backing up to the tank until you find where it flows good, if anywhere. Rust and crud in the tank is a bummer because after you think you have it fixed it's hard to test without putting it all back together and putting gas in it, and when it doesn't work you have to drain it and pull it all apart again and sometimes the joints don't like refitting without leaks. Also it's easy to strip a thread on the joints. And draining the gas can be a bugger inside (which is likely where you are in cold winter weather). As Chief Dan George said in Josey Wales, "endeavor to persevere."

wellmax99 · Feb 6, 2016

Also you have a filter screen at the fuel line elbow where fuel enters the carb, however as Phil said if you have free flowing gas running out the carb drain then that filter is not stopped up,

I know no one likes to hear it, but on my old 1957 TO35 after all that tank cleaning I finally had to splice the fuel line and install a metal inline fuel filter in the line from tank cutoff to carb,

That finally solved my trash in carb problems, you can get trash anywhere, I always use a fine mesh fuel filter funnel when pouring gas into the tank, but you could get trash at the station,

I do everything I can to insure the gas is clean. I only use non ethanol in my tractor and small engines,

phil(va) · Feb 6, 2016

No problem using non ethanol everywhere, if you an get it, and don't mind paying for it. However, I find the small engine carbs are where the ethanol causes problems, not in tractor systems. Others may differ.

wellmax99 · Feb 7, 2016

my friend has a new Toyota truck
he travels to IL all the time
says they have E85 fuel available in that area.
said he saves money and truck runs fine on it.

do not think my Toyota van would run on that, maybe so.
we do not have that fuel available in my area or west ky.

I ruined some older briggs and Stratton engines with ethanol fuel, so I have stayed away from it. why take a chance when you can buy the non ethanol gas.

Mark from the Fort · Feb 9, 2016

did you happen to take your fuel shut-off/sediment bulb out of the bottom of the gas tank when you were flushing? My ol 35 is pristine, BUT, once a year she'll get moody and Ill have to run her dry and remove the fixture from the bottom of the tank. Both pick up tubes, long and short, get just enough rush/sludge in em to restrict the fuel flow. I run (WITH MY FINGERS!!) a small drill bit inside the tubes, the flutes of the bit pull the crap up out the top of the tubes. Then I shoot compressed air from the bottom openings and shoot the rest of the crap out of the tubes.
Always amazed at how much better she runs.

TimAP · Feb 12, 2016

For what its worth, the original fuel bowl valve needs to be screwed out all the way if there is only a gallon or so gas in the tank.
This will open the path from the (reserve)small brass tube that sits lower in the tank.

TO 35 fuel issue?

rbiechlin

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phil(va)

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wellmax99

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phil(va)

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wellmax99

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Mark from the Fort

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TimAP

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