CC30 Fuel Starvation?

[Mulcher]

My 3-year old CC30 with about 40 easy hours began starving for fuel last season. If I let it sit for 10 minutes or longer, it would start right up and run for a time…repeat, repeat, repeat. The engine begins to sputter, maybe a backfire or two, gets progressively worse and sputters to a stop. I've run it out of gas once or twice and it's the same symptoms.

Last Fall I had it "dealer serviced" with the proclamation that there was debris in the fuel tank, causing fuel starvation — $174 mistake. It worked this season for about 3 mowings (1.5 hrs total) and here we are again.

I just dissected the fuel supply from tank to carb and all's good, vent is functioning, fuel flow freely, fresh filter, air cleaner is like new, etc. I did the same last Fall.

I suspect the carb, but my current question is: what is the function of the solenoid sticking out of the float bowl? And can it be tested (I wish they would make a service manual available)? And why can I drain the fuel empty, and then it not refill from gravity feed? Does the solenoid cause it to refill in some way? I'm used to float-activated systems but I don't know how this one works...yet.

Thanks for any help….
Joe in IL

[R Bedell]

First, welcome to OCC............

That solenoid is a Fuel Stop. The solenoid is energized during engine run. It allows fuel flow. When you turn the Ignition Switch off, the solenoid de-energizes. The purpose is to stop fuel delivery in the engine off position, and stop "back firing".

[West Valley G]

You can be sure it is working properly by simply unthreading the
solenoid. You will more then likely leak some gas. Then cycle your
key off and on. You should see the plunger pull in with the key on
and push out when the key is off. You don't need to turn the engine
over just get twelve volts to the solenoid.
I don't know your machine specifics, does it have a fuel pump or is
it gravity feed for fuel?

Ken

[Mulcher]

Thanks guys. I tried two more experiments:
First, to eliminate the venting, I ran the engine with the fuel cap off and the same thing happened…it ran till the carb bowl emptied.
Next, when the engine sputtered to a stop, i took out the fuel blow drain…nothing. Put it back in and three minutes later it was full.
So, something's restricting the flow from the fuel tank, and the lines and filter flow just fine all the way to the carb, which leaves the carb.
Restricted float valve needle?
I'll remove the carb and have a look.

[R Bedell]

Your Carb needs attention.

[Mulcher]

Issue resolved, there was a partial blockage in the carb body between the fuel inlet and the float needle. Cleared that and we're back mowing. Otherwise, the carb looked like new inside and I was able to reassemble with all the original gaskets, etc.