Gas in the oil, 1872 w/ K Command

[Steve N Mi]

Tractor has been running fine but I noticed an oil spot on the drive under the front of engine. I had a job for the tractor a couple of days ago and topped off the gas tank before hand. Next I know there is liquid coming out (dripping) from several places under the engine. This engine has a fuel solenoid so do I have a leaking diaphram in the overhead fuel pump? After the leaking I checked the oil level and it was overfull and smelled of gasoline. What do I check, how do I fix this? TIA Steve

[J-Mech]

Most likely the fuel pump.

Pull the vacuum hose off and see if it has gasoline in it.

[Steve N Mi]

Originally Posted by J-Mech

Most likely the fuel pump.

Pull the vacuum hose off and see if it has gasoline in it.

I'm not sure I know what you mean by, vacuum hose. I have inlet and outlet hoses on the fuel pump. Maybe you are referring to the inlet hose?

I assumed this engine has a mechanical actuated fuel pump, don't know for sure. Anyway I hope there is a diapharm kit available.

I have new fuel line and filter to install. Maybe this is the time to replace the rubber tank gromet. I need a new fuel shutoff valve too, the multi turn valve at the tank bottom does not close (leaks thru when turned in tight). I'd like a 1/4 turn valve close to the filter up on the topside of the engine so I can put the side tins on and still be able to turn the fuel, on and off.

Can anybody recommend a good 1/4 turn valve? I have read that some plastic valves are not suitable for today's fuel options.

[clay1811/44c]

I think J-mech means the hose that comes into the bottom of the air filter housing. I have this setup on all my Cubs. Sorry I didn't catch it was Command.

[darkminion_17]

Originally Posted by clay1811/44c

I think J-mech means the hose that comes into the bottom of the air filter housing. I have this setup on all my Cubs.

No he means the one coming out the side of the block by the regulator/rectumfire. Commands have that setup, some later mag 18's have it where the fuel pump is mounted remotely on the engine firewall.

[J-Mech]

Originally Posted by darkminion_17

No he means the one coming out the side of the block by the regulator/rectumfire. Commands have that setup, some later mag 18's have it where the fuel pump is mounted remotely on the engine firewall.

That is correct!

Originally Posted by Steve N Mi

I'm not sure I know what you mean by, vacuum hose. I have inlet and outlet hoses on the fuel pump. Maybe you are referring to the inlet hose?

No, I'm talking about the one of the back of the pump that runs to the block. There are 3 hoses.

Originally Posted by Steve N Mi

I assumed this engine has a mechanical actuated fuel pump, don't know for sure. Anyway I hope there is a diapharm kit available.

No, it has a vacuum, or "pulse", pump.....
There is a kit, but a new pump is also available and much less of a pain to fix by just replacing it. But a diaphragm kit is available.

Originally Posted by Steve N Mi

I have new fuel line and filter to install. Maybe this is the time to replace the rubber tank gromet. I need a new fuel shutoff valve too, the multi turn valve at the tank bottom does not close (leaks thru when turned in tight). I'd like a 1/4 turn valve close to the filter up on the topside of the engine so I can put the side tins on and still be able to turn the fuel, on and off.

Can anybody recommend a good 1/4 turn valve? I have read that some plastic valves are not suitable for today's fuel options.

What's wrong with the one on the tank?? If it's bad, just replace it. No reason to need one anywhere but where it originally was.... There is no reason to need to turn off the fuel other than when you're working on it, and you will have the tins off of it then. If you're worried about a gas leak, replace the lines and put a carb kit in it. It won't leak for 10 or 15 years, or more if you take care of it. I never saw the need for extra parts to combat a problem. If you have a fuel leak, just fix it. If you're doing it as a "preventative measure" you worry too much. I never shut the fuel off on my machines. Haven't ever on my 1811 that I've had for 15 years. One time I had a fuel pump fail. Caught it when I checked the oil before starting it, just like I always do. Fixed the problem..... now no problem. Gas stays on, just like on your car.

[ironman]

Originally Posted by Steve N Mi

I'm not sure I know what you mean by, vacuum hose. I have inlet and outlet hoses on the fuel pump. Maybe you are referring to the inlet hose?

Do you have a mechanical fuel pump or a pulse type fuel pump?

The mechanical type is on your valve cover. One fuel hose in, one fuel hose out. It uses rocker arm movement to pump fuel.

The pulse type has a fuel in, a fuel out, and a third hose going into the block.
That line provides pressure pulses from the crankcase to work a diaphram to pump fuel.

I don't believe there is a kit for the mechanical.

[Steve N Mi]

Originally Posted by ironman

Do you have a mechanical fuel pump or a pulse type fuel pump?

The mechanical type is on your valve cover. One fuel hose in, one fuel hose out. It uses rocker arm movement to pump fuel.

The pulse type has a fuel in, a fuel out, and a third hose going into the block.
That line provides pressure pulses from the crankcase to work a diaphram to pump fuel.

I don't believe there is a kit for the mechanical.

Thanks ironman, somebody actually knows what I'm asking about. Your top two photos is what I have. No kit available? It seems to me there are only two ways for fuel to enter the block/engine and mix with the oil. Torn pump diapharm or failure of the fuel solenoid to close fully with the key off.


clay1811/44c That is what I want, a quarter turn valve and filter near the top of the engine just ahead of the fuel pump. Can you recommend the valve you're using and where/who it came from.

Thank you both for your help, Steve

[ironman]

Originally Posted by Steve N Mi

Thanks ironman, somebody actually knows what I'm asking about. Your top two photos is what I have. No kit available? It seems to me there are only two ways for fuel to enter the block/engine and mix with the oil. Torn pump diapharm or failure of the fuel solenoid to close fully with the key off.


clay1811/44c That is what I want, a quarter turn valve and filter near the top of the engine just ahead of the fuel pump. Can you recommend the valve you're using and where/who it came from.

Thank you both for your help, Steve

The valve cover pump is not repairable but you can get a new pump or the whole new valve cover with the pump. (pricey).

As far as the fuel solenoid goes, it does not actually shut off gas into the carb when the key is off. What it does when the key is turned off is block gas in the bowl from going up into the main jet. The purpose is to prevent dieseling or backfire when you shut the engine down. So realistically gas can still flow into the carb. The scenario of fuel passing through the carb would more likely be because of float/inlet needle issues.

But I agree, pump or carb.
p.s. the 1/4 turn valve in clay1811's picture can be bought almost anywhere, hardware stores, lawn & garden stores, eBay, etc. About 4 to 5 $.