2N: Starting/running saga: I think I'm close ... Help !

1. Manifold gasket sprung a leak, so pulled it off. It was very rusted by #4 cyl exhaust port, so replaced the manifold...

2. Engine wouldn't start ...
Assumed Carb was dirty, so disassembled, cleaned and re-assembled with original parts.

3. Set main jet two 2 turns out, idle to 2 1/2 turns... Engine started, made 1 lap with the mower and it sputtered and dies... (Noticed generator had popped loose and fan belt wasn't running)

4. Cleaned carb again (This probably didn't help the situation, but made me feel better ...)

5. Got the engine to fire up, but was only putting on back two cylinders ...

6. Neighbour suggested that manifold may not be sealing on front cyls, so tightened manifold nuts again, and managed to get the tractor to garage to fix generator so it doesn't pop loose anymore. (Had to adjust band around the generator that had slipped)

7. Finally after replacing the plugs, Got the engine to fire on all four cylinders, and run..

So I think I'm getting spark, and the manifold is now tight enough

8. Let it warm up for 5 minutes, put the tractor in first gear and it went 2 feet and died again...

:( :(

So? Should I go and get a kit to rebuild carb?
Should I take the manifold off and replace gaskets and try again to get a better seal?

I opened the idle jet 1/2 a turn more to get it to start..

What makes this fun is that I put in the rebuilt starter friday, and found out that the drive installed on it was bad, so I've been hand cranking Pete all day, and my arm is getting tired ! :)

I just replace the screen on the carb the other day, but perhaps the screen on the tank's plugged ? I get good fuel flow when I pop the fuel line off of the plastic tubing near the carb..

I noticed that the canvas hose near the top of the air filter unit is really wore when I took the carb off, could it be that I'm getting too much air in through that, and should replace that top hose ?

Signed ...
Frustrated, and taking a beer break this afternoon to visit with my cousins who are in town, will check back tonite ...

Thanks in advance for your help.

Lyle.

I think you have fuel issues. You mentioned a plastic line near the carb. If you have one of those in line fuel filters in there [Fram G-2 or equivelent] it will cause you stange fuel issues in a gravity feed system. I would get a steel line and replace all of the plastic/rubber.

Also there are three screens in a factory n system: one above the shut off in the tank; one under the glass bowl in the shut off; one in the carb elbow. If any of these is crudded up it will fool you since it will let enough gas past when the tractor is shut down to get it started then restrict the flow after a short time making your adjustments off.

If this has been going on a while it is likely your carb and especially the needle and seat have collected crud. Cleaning up the fuel system is a no parts project and if'n it were my machine I would start there.

Your mileage may vary

I'm a little concerned about your carb adjusting techniques. Setting the jets to some basic starting point like 2 turns is fine to get it running, BUT did you optimize their adjustment after you got the tractor running?

I'd leave the mainjet at 2 turns and turn idle-mixture for max rpms..... ....Dell