Cub Cadet 1811 will not RE-start

[Tjfulton]

Hello,
I have a cub cadet 1811. I acquired it used. I love the way it runs, and when it does run it does a good job. However, if I have to shut the engine off for any reason after the mower has been running for any length of time, I have to wait at least two-four hours to re-start the mower. This evening I got it restarted within five minutes of shutting it off by shutting the fuel valve off, draining the supply line, and then reattaching the supply line and restarting the mower. However, I had to shut the mower off to talk to my neighbor and then couldn't get it to start again. So, I tried draining the supply line again...nothing. The engine turns over and sounds like it turns over at the correct speed (indicating no issues with battery)...I just don't get it to start. However, give me another hour and I will be able to start it once more. I thought it might be related to temperature of the engine, but I experimented with it on Sunday...I turned the mower on, throttled the engine up and down (without putting the tractor in motion), and then shut the mower off. I felt that the engine was not hot. I tried to start the mower again...and nothing. The only other symptom I can think of is that after I turn the mower on, shut it off, and try to re-start it there is a profuse smell of gasoline when the starter cranks the engine. However, I never find any fuel stains on my garage floor.

What do I do?

My dad has suggested replacing the fuel filter.

[Oak]

Tj, your tractor is a garden tractor and that is why it was moved. Does it leak fuel when you park it for the nignt? You could have a few problems but try these first.

1 -- Sounds like a fuel problem. Rebuild the carb. There are lots of how to's on here and it is easy, then replace the fuel lines, fuel filter and clean the tank screen. Your engine used 2 different carbs so make sure you get the correct kit. This engine also uses a mechanical fuel pump, check your oil every time you use it and make sure it never smells like gas.

2 -- If it starts okay when it sits all night with the engine cool and no gas odors then you may have a failing ignition module that fails after it gets warm.

[J-Mech]

Most likely fuel. Could be ignition/weak spark. You need to diagnose more, from what you have said, my bet is fuel......

Questions:
*Is there gas in the oil
*Do you choke it every time you try and start it? If so, STOP. Try it without the choke.

On the fuel system:
Oak is on the right track. More than likely it's a float issue, but fuel pumps fail on these engines as well. He is right in saying just go through the fuel system and replace the lines, filter, f-pump and rebuild the carb. This will guarantee a fix and most likely needs it all anyway.

I would also suggest changing the plugs, and if the air filter looks bad, slap one of those in too.

Note: I most-always way to start a flooded engine; no choke, throttle in WOT position and crank. Usually, it will fire right up.

[PaulS]

I agree with the fuel related comments and just to add a little to the mix I would recommend removing the tins around the engine and do a very thorough cleaning of the fins on the engine. I did this on a command engine and it worked wonders on that hard restart problem.

[Mike McKown]

When the engine is hot, pinch the fuel line off with vise grips and kill the engine. Take the vice grips off and see if it will restart right away.

I am guessing your float is passing gas when the engine is off.

[inspectorudy]

I'm betting on a too lean condition with your motor, which makes it very hot, and the gas is boiling off after it is shut down (causes a gas smell). Then when it cools after a few cranks it will refill the bowl and crank.