Carb. float questioin
 

When I turn on my fuel valve, I immediately get gas running out the air cleaner cover if I'm not running the engine. I know my float is going to need adjusted, and probably will do a carb rebuild kit after this mowing season.

I'm usually good at shutting the vavle off right away after I run the tractor, but sometimes I forget, and I'll see a puddle of gas on the garage floor. My question is, is there a chance that gas could get into my oil and dilute it? Or am I safe to expect that it would all run out the air cleaner? Thanks.

Josh P

It's a good possibility of getting fuel in the oil too. Always Check the oil before you start up to make sure it isn't too low or over full.."meaning gas in oil".

On the single cylinder K series I dont see how it could get in the oil. It would have to travel up to the intake valve and then the valve would have to be open or leaking. That would be impossible unless you completely plug the intake side of the carb.

Fixing the float only take a few minutes. You dont have to take the carb off. I would just adjust it. Unless it has a pin hole in it and it needs a new float. Then you wont have to worry about loosing that liquid gold in your tank. :D

If its an oppose twin you will eventually get gas in the oil.

Actually it would probably leak down between the valve stem and guide and go in through the area where the valve springs are. It won't go in as fast, but it's still possible. And not good for the valve or guide, either.

Why wait 'til the end of the season? You can have it rebuilt in an evening, and by letting it leak all over the place, you are not doing the air filter, the paint, or your wallet any favors, either.

It's a K241 engine.

Unfortunately, I haven't done a carb rebuild myself, so it's not really something that I can do myself in an evening. I can probably get the float adjusted, and will probably pay someone to help me do the carb and clutch this winter. Not too many "good" mechanics in my immediate loction.

I do envy you guys who can just rip something apart and put it right back together. I'm best at the "ripping apart" half of that equation. The oil seems ok, but I may change it once more anyway and keep a close eye on it. Thx for the info, guys.

JP

You can do it in an evening, they are very simple little carbs. MattG posted, look at his post, there is a link to his site, you will find a how to section, it shows step by step how to rebuild the carb with nice pictures to boot.

Most likely your problem is either 3 things, one: the needle and seat are bad, two: the float needs adjusted (as you suspect), or three: you float has sprung a leak and is full of gas, it doesn't float anymore. I would suggest order the carb kit, and a new float...that will provide you everything you need to get it back in shape, will cost you around $25-30 bucks for everything.

And yes a leak like you have will let gas into the crankcase, with the problem you are having, even while running, it is letting excess gas into the engine. As mentioned in can puddle in the intake and get in by the intake valve. Excess gas can also wash down the cylinder and increase wear to the piston and cylinder wall itself. If it gets mixed in the oil, you risk damaging internal parts of the engine, most likely the rod itself....gas is a poor lubricant.

When you check your oil level at the dipstick, smell the dipstick, if there is any gas in the engine, you will smell it on the dipstick.

Step-by-step carb rebuild instructions

There was a time when all of us had never done it before, too. These carbs are extremely simple. If you can adjust the float you can rebuild the carb. Also, it's more likely the needle and seat are worn than the float is out of adjustment. If it started doing this, the float didn't adjust itself. Don't miss a good opportunity to learn something new:beerchug:

I followed Matt's guide and rebuilt my first carb in less than 15 minutes the first time that I rebuilt one. I didn't soak it though, just sprayed it with fuel injection cleaner, but it wasn't seriously gummed up. In the future, I will soak them. You should be able to purchase the rebuild kit for about $7-$12 at your local NAPA store or some store similar to that......YOU CAN DO IT!!!

Cub Cadet 123

Hey thanks guys. I think I will give it a try. Those directions and pics look great, will get the parts this week.

Josh P