JD 60 won't start

[garyedward]

The tractor stalled and I couldn't get it started. I have checked or replaced all ignition/electrical components. I have a spark at the plugs. The morning I pulled the carb and cleaned every needle and nook and cranie. Reinstalled and there is still no gas reaching the cylinders. I've owned this tractor since Sept 2019. It always started immediately and ran fine. Is there something between the carb and cylinders that could be blocking fuel reaching them. I'm at my wits end here since I have spark and fuel in the carb but nothing getting to the cylinders.
HELP!

 

[Rusty wheel]

If gas is getting to the carb, it should get to the cylinders if the carb is good.

 

[old]

You say you have spark but is it as good as it needs to be. Spark has to be blue/white in color and jump at the very least a 1/4 inch gap. Do you maybe have the plug wires on backwards as in #1 hook to #2 cylinder and #2 hook to #1.
As far as gas getting to the cylinders. Can you take the air cleaner tube off the carb and hold you hand over the air intake and spin it over?? If you do that you should feel a good suction and get gas on your hand.

You also might try putting a little bit of gas in each cylinder and try to fire it up. It may fire up on that gas.
Low compression or a stuck valve can also cause a problem like your having

 

[rrlund]

I think you said the other day that it started on ether then ran on gas for about ten minutes before it died didn't you? Might be a detail worth mentioning.

Are the intake gaskets and the gasket between the carb and intake good? If it was sucking air there it wouldn't be pulling gas in.

 

[rrlund]

One thing here about the dry plugs. Your last reply on your previous post said the plugs were bone dry. If you're trying to start it and they're firing alright,they wouldn't be wet. The only way they would be is if it was getting gas and they weren't firing. Try cranking on it with the ignition turned off so they aren't firing and see if they get wet,or take the plugs out and see if you're getting gas vapor out the holes. I'd take a plug out,hook it back up to the wire,lay it up in the hole so it's grounded and crank it over with the ignition on. If it gets gas and fires,you should get a small blast when the gas ignites. Don't worry about it,it won't be like a blow torch.

 

[garyedward]

Thanks for your comments. Sometimes ya can't see the forest from the trees!! I'll do what you mentioned here and see what happens

 

[Russ from MN]

You need a primer bottle, very safe to use, because of the small tube, and I always use mixed gas. If you have been using starting fluid you have the cylinders dried out, they need some oil. Squirt a little into the throat of the carburetor when trying to start it, and when it starts dribble a little if needed to keep it running. I have done this numerous times and had the carb clean out and be fine afterwards. If it won't start this way you probably have an ignition problem.

 

[garyedward]

After a lot cranking and choking I got her started. Let it run for 10 minutes and turned it off. tried to start again and it took a whole lot of cranking to get her started. Found some 1" nuts near the manifold that were loose. I noticed some antifreeze slightly dripping out the bottom of the engine. I guess I'll be looking for some one to put a new head gasket on.

 

[Waterloo]

Try a set of Auto-lite 386 spark plugs and check the manifold gasket. The intake section of the manifold could have a leak. Try spaying carb cleaner in the center section of the manifold mounting area with the tractor running. If the engine speed or sound changes you have a leaking gasket or cracked manifold.

 

[rrlund]

Slipping a hose over the tube on a little propane torch and moving the hose around the area with the propane turned on but not burning is a good way to look for leaks too. If it sucks the propane in it'll rev up.