TO 30 carb issues

[Roy Smith]

I have a 54 TO 30 that I use around a small farm. I went out today to start it and cranked forever before giving up. The tractor has always been a little slow to start but this is the first time I just could not get it to fire. I looked around it a little didnt have time to mess with it too much and noticed the carb is leaking alot of fuel. I assume this means I need to rebuild the carb. If so how difficult is this. Any input would be appreciated.

 

[Jerry/MT]

Have you checked the spark? Don"t mess with the carb until you have made sure you have a good spark. The spark should be FAT AND BLUISH-WHITE, the color of lightning. Don"t assume ithe carb is the reason for poor starting. Weak spark is the most common cause.
The float valve is probably stuck open. It can be caused by leaking floats or some debris in the valve itself or by poor float level adjustment. Most folks shut the tank valve off when they shut down to preclude it leaking when the engine is off.

The key to a good carb rebuild is a thorough cleaning. The carb needs to be disassembled and soaked for a minimum of 24 hrs in good carb cleaner. All the passages need to be blown out with compressed air and they must all flow air freely when properly cleaned.

 

[Roy Smith]

No I havent checked the spark. When I first got the tractor about a year and a half ago it didnt seem to have the power it should and I did a tune up on it with new points and condenser plugs wires, cap and button and it made all the difference in the world with the way she ran. If when I check the spark tomorrow if it is weak how do I address that. Thanks for your help.

 

[Jerry/MT]

The most common cause of weak spark is dirty, oily, burned, or maladjusted points. points can get corroded from non-use. Check all the connections in the primary ignition circuit. Make sure they are clean and tight. If you ave a volt meter, you can check the circuit. With the points closed, you should have battery voltage from the battery, through the key switch to the battery side of the coil and near zero on the sidtributor side of the coil.

 

[phil(va)]

Jerry has lots of great advice as always. But for your immediate problem, try popping the side of the carb with a dead blow hammer or piece of 2X4 and see if it might not free up the float and allow it to start. Not that the other stuff should not be done...., just saying....