1863 Starting Issue

nkeel8106 · #1 08-19-2016, 05:13 PM

I have been having an issue with my 1863 the last two times I have mowed. First, I did make the fix suggested on here with the relay to fix the "click" when attempting to start which was causing trouble. The tractor has been starting the first turn every time which is great. My normal routine after mowing is I pull the tractor near my garage, idle down and get my blower to blow the dust and grass from it. It can be idling for 5-10 min after mowing. Usually, I then shut it down outside to allow it to cool off and then later move back to the garage. I never have any issues of it backfiring or anything when shutting down. These last two times, when I have attempted to start it after it had cooled down some (usually 30-45 min or more) it won't start. It turns and turns and almost acts like it's flooded. Once it finally starts, it runs very rough for probably 1 min or so like it's under full choke. Anyone have this issue or what I should be checking? If it's not under that load of mowing, say just pulling it out of the garage and back in, after turning it off it will start right back up. It is the Command 18 also.

bugeye · #2 08-20-2016, 07:39 AM

Suggest verify spark to both cylinders. This 1863 is ~ 20 years or more old and maybe the magneto or plug wiring results in a weak or no spark when hot.

How old are the spark plugs? Correct plug? Properly gap?

Suggest pulling the plugs (after trying to start when it won't start) to see if wet from fuel.

nkeel8106 · #3 08-20-2016, 07:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bugeye

Suggest verify spark to both cylinders. This 1863 is ~ 20 years or more old and maybe the magneto or plug wiring results in a weak or no spark when hot.

How old are the spark plugs? Correct plug? Properly gap?

Suggest pulling the plugs (after trying to start when it won't start) to see if wet from fuel.

Plugs are about three years old. I had a new short block installed on the engine after the PO ran it without a air cleaner. Everything has been working great with never any issues until the last two times after mowing.

Sam Mac · #4 08-20-2016, 07:55 AM

I'd guess that it is boiling the gas in the carb and flooding it's self. Let it idle while you blow it off then just park it.

nkeel8106 · #5 08-20-2016, 07:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sam Mac

I'd guess that it is boiling the gas in the carb and flooding it's self. Let it idle while you blow it off then just park it.

Sam are you saying this is normal? Doesn't make sense that I never had an issue before...

Sam Mac · #6 08-20-2016, 08:29 AM

I've seen a couple CH's do that. They tend to run warm. When you shut them off after working hard the heat get's the carb warm and the gas in the float bowl starts to boil. Also possible you have some buildup on the cooling fins.

nkeel8106 · #7 08-20-2016, 08:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sam Mac

I've seen a couple CH's do that. They tend to run warm. When you shut them off after working hard the heat get's the carb warm and the gas in the float bowl starts to boil. Also possible you have some buildup on the cooling fins.

Ok thanks. I usually keep things fairly clean but I'll give it a check over. Maybe a result of the high heat and humidity here in PA lately.

Mike McKown · #8 08-20-2016, 08:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nkeel8106

Sam are you saying this is normal? Doesn't make sense that I never had an issue before...

I don't know if it's normal or not but I have a Command 18 that would start up cold right away for a year or two. Then, it went through a spell last summer where the only way it would restart after sitting for several days was if you primed the carburetor. This year, it has started without priming every time after sitting idle for several days.

I too suspected the gas was boiling out of the carb and then when the float dropped, let the gas siphon back toward the tank in the line. This condition would make the engine hard to restart.

Looks like it's fixed itself for now. If this is the problem, it could have a lot to do with the blend of gasoline in your area. It could also have a lot to do with how hot your engine really is when you shut it down.

I never got around to checking out my theory because it was too easy to shoot a shot of brake cleaner in the carb to get it started.

nkeel8106 · #9 08-20-2016, 10:41 AM

Just doing some digging online. Anyone think this may be a fuel Solenoid issue?

Sam Mac · #10 08-20-2016, 11:13 AM

Probably not.