Starting issue 88

[SPT]

I have an 88 that all of sudden will not start when cold, actually it will start and run for about ten seconds then die, can pull ten feet and it will fire right up, can shoot a little spirt of starting fluid, will start with starter, after once starting it, it will fire up immediately after that. Only have an issue when tractor has set for a few days. Again after you get it started, it will fire right up. Does have electronic ignition, but since it will start with a spirt of starting fluid, it seems to be a fuel problem. Any suggestions?
 

[just a though]

SPT:

It sounds like you have a restriction in your fuel line or you have crude floating in the bowl of your carb and once a load gets on its sucking the crud to your main jet a chocking it out.

Just a thought
 

[SPT]

No, it really runs great after starting it, not a running issue at all, just won't start with starter unless you use starting fluid.
 

[rrlund]

Sucking air through a bad gasket between the carb and manifold? Sucking air between the intake and head? Low compression?
 

[chucksoliver77]

SPT. check to see if your choke butterfly is fully closed. just a thought,chuck
 

[ollie gm]

I would guess that you have some water in your fuel. When the engine is cold the water beads in the carb roll into the openings of your idle and/or main fuel circuit and block the flow. This can take a few seconds to happen. After a pull or a puff of ether the water is forced thru the jets and it runs fine. Then the combination of vibration and ethanol based fuel the water drops are broken up to the point that they will pass thru the fuel circuits.
 

[SPT]

Thanks for all the suggestions, ended up being either a little dirt in the fuel or bad fuel, starts right up now.