Cranks and sparks but no run. 1811
 

Hey guys, this is my first post after i have been lurking for about a month now.

Recently acquired my fathers 1811 that he purchased new in 1990. some of my earliest memories are riding this thing around the lawn. he got a zero turn a few years back and it has been sitting for probably 2-3 years. got a new 18hp kohler a few years before it was retired to the shed

Now that i have some grass of my own i offered to take the old 1811 hydro off his hands.

when i got it back to my place i was having trouble getting it to crank. changed the solonoid and ignition switch only to find that it was the brake safety that was hitching up that 12v signal. Now i can get it to turn over no problem with the key.

However nothing fires. it just cranks. i had changed the spark plugs so i tried the old ones. still nothing. cranked it with the plugs removed and arked them onto the frame, and they are sparking.

after cranking the starter for probably longer than i should have gas started dripping out of the front mounted muffler. which i assume is just because its getting pumped through the engine sans combustion.

Its possible that the engine is now flooded exacerbating my problem? i am curious if a simple blast of starting fluid in the right place would get it kicking or if there is anything to get that first fireball to emerge. if anyone has a pointer to help send me in the right direction i would really appreciate it.

its spring and the grass is growing.

It takes four things to make combustion
(1) Fuel
(2) Air
(3) Spark
(4) Compression

YOU say you have fuel, spark, and air, so it might be you have less than the minimum compression to accomplish combustion.

Possibly a weak battery.

if you didn't rebuild the carb you will want to do that. it could be flooding due to a leaking needle and seat. flooding put out the fire. also clean the tank out and use fresh gas

The M-18 is Magneto Ignition

Smell your oil and report back.

the battery is brand new and the gas is fresh premium no ethanol with fuel stabilizer.

you may be right about the carb. i noticed a little gas on it after i worked it over with the starter. I assume that is evidence of some improper function. i will look into rebuilding the carb. good advice!

oil fill hole smells like gas...

Time to rebuild the carb, and possibly replace the fuel pump.

Beat me to it! But you're right, rebuild the carb and possibly replace the fuel pump.