Running rough after warming up

gtmci84s

Member
I've got a 54 TO30. Still 6V. When I fire it up it runs like a top, and runs really well for about 15 minutes, but once its warm and I'm working it, it starts to run really rough and backfires. If I shut it off, it will not start again, or barely even turn over until it has sat for about 20 minutes. If I had to guess I would say it is the coil, but the coil does not get hot. Looking for any input before I start ordering parts, but I plan to replace the coil either way because it has a crack in it and looks like it is older than the tractor. Also, plugs have been replaced recently.

Thanks!
 
Does your ammeter work? The reason I ask is you may not be charging and depleting your battery, therefore, loosing spark. Also you may
want to check your fuel filter.

Changing the coil would not be out of the question either. I had a classic bad coil, as it was leaking oil from the top.

Let us know how you make out.
 
(quoted from post at 12:56:10 03/25/16) Does your ammeter work? The reason I ask is you may not be charging and depleting your battery, therefore, loosing spark. Also you may
want to check your fuel filter.

Changing the coil would not be out of the question either. I had a classic bad coil, as it was leaking oil from the top.

Let us know how you make out.

No it doesn't. The thing is after it sits for 20min or so, it will turn over and fire right back up.
 
That is exactly what my lawn tractor was doing. After checking the Ferguson archives for same problem on the Fergies I replaced the coil no more problem. If you have another coil of same voltage try it before buying a new one.
 

Tom has a good suggestion , the coil is often the problem when you have symptoms like this . The coil gradually heats up with use , even more so if there is a higher resistance point somewhere on the windings inside . This point then expands , for a while the current can bridge this gap; hence the lumpy running . After a little longer the gap widens and breaks the circuit stopping the tractor .
The best thing about this is that it is easily proven and eliminated by substitution.
 

Ive never had an issue with the battery being dead though. If it wasn't charging, I would only get so many starts out of it before It was dead right? Or maybe it's not putting out a full charge? I'm not too familiar with the 6 volt system.
 
Could have more than one problem...

The barely turning over sounds like worn starter bushings. They typically act up worse when hot. A 6 volt
system needs near perfect components to work.

If the coil is cracked, go ahead and replace it. Look all the other parts over too, especially the point
gap, check for side play in the distributor, it must be minimal for the points to stay set.

How is the fuel system? There is a drain plug in the carb. Pull the plug, catch what comes out in a clean
glass. Look for water or trash. Also check the flow, it should maintain a stream. If it slows to a drip,
something is restricted. Is the gas cap vented?
 

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