Golden Jubilee - Lacking Power

Theoutdoorsman · May 2, 2015

Just recently purchased this machine, which is the first tractor I've ever owned. I tried to mow with it, but it couldn't cut grass and climb a slight incline simultaneously without stalling out. I checked compression on the "new to me" tractor. All 4 holes look to have relatively even wear, and hovered between 90-95 psi. Would like to have seen slightly higher numbers, but I think there should still be a considerable amount of life left in her. Compression was checked at normal operating temperature, and with the throttle wide open. Oil pressure was at 30# at an idle, 40# at high idle. The previous owner replaced the plugs, distributor cap, and button. I replaced the coil too, just to rule that out. This tractor had sat for just over a year, fully exposed to the elements, without use. I did notice fuel exiting the breather throat of the carb, actually it was running out in a steady stream, which tells me the float was definitely stuck when purchased. I'm sure it needs a good cleaning. I'm off to find a complete carb rebuild kit today. Is there anything I should be aware of prior to removal/cleaning?

maxwell99 · May 2, 2015

Get the carb rebuilt first.

I looked up the compression data on your tractor,
The info I found it should be 122-95,

So, if this info is right, your motor is very weak,

Is the motor smoking? What oil are you running?
I would change the oil to shell rotella 15w40, New filter, maybe add some Lucas oil
stabilizer.

I use autolite plugs. There are different heat ranges for engines with low combustion.
Be sure the air filter is not stopped up, the oil bath air filter tower in these old
tractors rarely got any maintenance. Yours may be clogged with dirt.

I took mine off and soaked it in a 5 gal bucket of kerosene for 6 hrs then ran clean
kerosene through it until the fluid came out clean, then let it drip/air dry for a day.
Old tractor ran better.

Good luck and let us know of your progress,

Guys on here can take these old tractors apart and put them back together in their
sleep.

Theoutdoorsman · May 2, 2015

There's some black smoke, yes. I don't, however, think she's burning any oil. I'm running 10w30 right now, but will later add your recommendation. Just read about that oil earlier this morning. The air cleaner is clean. Took careof that yesterday. I didn't add oil to the reservoir, however.

sotxbill · May 2, 2015

white/ grey smoke is burning oil or water...

black smoke is running rich or flooding, burning gas...

old · May 2, 2015

Things to check to maybe find out what the problem maybe.
#1 make sure you have a good blue/white spark at all the plugs that will jump a 1/4 inch gap or more.
#2 check the air cleaner and make sure the oil cup is not full of dirt/water and has good oil in it.
#3 Pull the carb drain plug and make sure you have a good steady flow of gas for a few minutes. Catch it to look for water/dirt/rust.
#4 check you plugs. If they are black and sooty the carb is either set to rich or it needs some TLC.
Post back what you find.
By the way a good starting point on the main jet the lower adjustment on the carb is 2 full turns from bottom

Dean · May 2, 2015

What are you cutting?

How big is the mower?

What gear are you using?

Is the engine missing?

Thoroughly clean the air cleaner, including the down tube.

Post back.

Dean

Theoutdoorsman · May 2, 2015

(quoted from post at 10:03:34 05/02/15) What are you cutting?

How big is the mower?

What gear are you using?

Is the engine missing?

Thoroughly clean the air cleaner, including the down tube.

Post back.

Dean

12 inch tall grass 6 inches high.
1st gear
Not sure if it's missing I think it's flooding spark plugs are black and brand new
Cleaned the down tube yesterday.
As stated above, I did not clean the air filter reservoir with oil.

Question: anyone know if napa sells a carb kit? If so does anyone know the part number.

old · May 2, 2015

Don't know about NAPA but I know O'Reilly's sells a kit and if I remember right it is the Walker brand 778-505A

Dean · May 2, 2015

"Cleaned the down tube yesterday."

Are you sure? The down tube is inside the air filter canister. You must remove the air cleaner to clean it.

I have found down tubes nearly closed off with oil impregnated dust.

Dean

Dean · May 2, 2015

"Not sure if it's missing ...."

You must determine if it is missing. If so, the engine will produce little power.

Dean

Theoutdoorsman · May 2, 2015

(quoted from post at 17:05:00 05/02/15) Don't know about NAPA but I know O'Reilly's sells a kit and if I remember right it is the Walker brand 778-505A

Thank you sir!

Theoutdoorsman · May 2, 2015

(quoted from post at 17:24:39 05/02/15) "Not sure if it's missing ...."

You must determine if it is missing. If so, the engine will produce little power.

Dean

As far as I can tell, at an idle anyhow, it doesn't appear to be missing. Here's a video for you:

https://youtu.be/YpJlntx1GYc

NoNewParts · May 2, 2015

while you must take care of your carb, as fouled plugs and black smoke are a deal breaker........and huge loss of power if it will even run.....

I'd like to add that at least 90% of the tractors I buy,
the ignition timing is way, way off.
and another large percentage have a gummed/rusted
froze up/sticky advance.

check your timing with a light at idle and at the book specified
advance rpm's.
Many tractor owners commonly time em 'by ear' , but really...that is only good to drive it to the shop to get the timing light on it.

Videos are hard to tell, but rough guess...
your exhaust sounds 'loud' and choppy, like ignition is occurring late. check your timing.

Theoutdoorsman · May 2, 2015

(quoted from post at 19:03:16 05/02/15) while you must take care of your carb, as fouled plugs and black smoke are a deal breaker........and huge loss of power if it will even run.....

Videos are hard to tell, but rough guess...
your exhaust sounds 'loud' and choppy, like ignition is occurring late. check your timing.

Great advice. Thanks! As soon as I get the carb reinstalled, I will do just that. You are correct. It does sound very loud and choppy. I did purchase ALL the manuals, so I'll reference them then get back to ya. Thanks again!

old · May 2, 2015

Don't know about the sir part I was just an enlisted man LOL

showcrop · May 3, 2015

(quoted from post at 20:36:19 05/02/15) Don't know about the sir part I was just an enlisted man LOL

Old, I thought that you were supposed to say "DON'T CALL ME SIR!!! I WORK FOR A LIVING!!! At least that's what they always say in the movies.

old · May 3, 2015

In the navy we said i that way I posted it but then not all services do things the same way.

Theoutdoorsman · May 4, 2015

Guess I have other issues. I removed, rebuilt, and replaced the carb today. No joy. Decided to check the timing, to rule that out. I loosened the screw to the timing cover, turned the engine by hand to 8*, examined the rotor position, replaced the cap, and fired it up. When I looked down, fluid was gushing out the timing hole! ... :-( ... Reckon that explains why the previous owner had sealant over/around the timing cover.

Golden Jubilee - Lacking Power

Theoutdoorsman

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maxwell99

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sotxbill

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old

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Dean

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old

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