Simplicity walk behind tractor

Jim G.

New User
I have recently acquired an OLD Simplicity walk-behind tractor. It is actually in fairly decent and usable shape except for a few minor problems...
First, there seems to be some problem with the engine in that it starts up OK, idles nicely, but will not rev up to operating speed. As soon as I start to crack the throttle it just dies. If I open the throttle slowly, it will start to rev up, but then dies at a point not far above idle.
So far. I have cleaned and rebuilt the carburetor, filed and adjusted the points, and checked compression. Compression is good, carb seems to be functional, and there is decent spark - at least while running at idle.
There is also an issue of identification. The ID plate on the engine indicates that it is Model 14, Type 202074, and Serial 241004. I would like to find out what the horsepower is, and anything more about the engine that might be of use to me.
Open to suggestions (preferably from past experience) as to where next to look for the problem.
 
I have a Simplicity with a model 9 engine on it. It was advertised as 3 hp.
Back in the Spring we went through similar problems with it. Two things you can check:

the air bleed to the float bowl goes through the gasket between the top and bottom halves of the carb. Its the hole offset in the little tab on one side. If its getting any air at the gasket the carb. will not feed properly. Try sliding a .002 feeler gauge in by the gasket at this point to see if its tight.

The other problem was the condenser had apparently failed, There was lots of sparking at the points. Ran fair at idle, reved up it would skip and sputter. A new condenser and points greatly improved the operation of the engine. Not Cheap, though. I think the points were $45-50 and the condenser was $20 or so.
 
Make sure there's no crud in the main jet. You can see the one on my old B&S carb. You need to remove the main jet scr/w and use air pressure if it's clogged. Once you have it clean open it several turns until the engine smokes, you may need to close it if it's too rich. Hal
a78472.jpg
 
Main jet checks OK. Just recently put a kit into the carb over a different issue - needle and seat would not seal. While I had it apart, I cleaned up everything, checked for warpage, and verified the passages with carb cleaner spray.
 
From the size of it, it would seem to be of a higher HP, but apparently 5 it is. Thank you!
 
carb checks out OK. I had it apart for another problem - leaking needle and seat - and I cleaned up everything and put a repair kit into it while it was apart. Gaskets make a good imprint, so warpage seems not to be the problem. I put an inline spark checker on it, and it loses spark at about 2000 RPM. Runs like a bear at 1500. The problem seems to be in the ignition system - like a bad coil. Just a guess, but I might think that as RPMs increase, so also does the intensity of the spark. As the voltage reaches a threshold, it shorts out and stalls the engine. But, I do appreciate your input! Thank you!
 
Update: In keeping with my theory about a bad coil, I located onew on eBay, bought it, and installed it. Cured the RPM limitation problem. Now getting a lot of sedimant out of the fuel tank into the sediment bowl. Next project is to clean up the fuel tank.
 

We sell tractor parts! We have the parts you need to repair your tractor - the right parts. Our low prices and years of research make us your best choice when you need parts. Shop Online Today.

Back
Top