Hard starting 314-8

[PWL216 889]

I have a three 14–8. That’s always been very easy to start. Lately it’s giving me trouble. I have a primer bulb on it and a new filter and fresh gas. I also thoroughly clean the deck to make sure there was no resistance. Today I squirted in a little bit of starting fluid and it started right up and ran perfectly. What would be the most likely culprit? 

[953 nut 55,290]

The rubber fuel hose could be your problem. They can crack enough to allow air into the line while not leaking any gas.

[ebinmaine 67,567]

Do you use ethanol gas?

 

When was the carb last rebuilt? 

 

When was the entire fuel line last replaced?

 

When was the fuel pump last rebuilt? 

 

All can cause that issue....

 

 

[8ntruck 7,015]

Starting fluid is pretty violent - OK for big engines, but is capable of damaging small engines - like our old Kohlers and Onans.  

 

I use a shot of carb cleaner to help start a reluctant small engine.  Others here will use a shot of gas from a spray bottle. 

[PWL216 889]

11 hours ago, ebinmaine said:

Do you use ethanol gas?

 

When was the carb last rebuilt? 

 

When was the entire fuel line last replaced?

 

When was the fuel pump last rebuilt? 

 

All can cause that issue....

 

 

I use regular gas. The carb to my knowledge has never been rebuilt and my guess is the fuel lines have not either. I’ll start with replacing the fuel lines and filter.

[PWL216 889]

11 hours ago, 953 nut said:

The rubber fuel hose could be your problem. They can crack enough to allow air into the line while not leaking any gas.

Thx, I’ll replace it.

[PWL216 889]

5 hours ago, 8ntruck said:

Starting fluid is pretty violent - OK for big engines, but is capable of damaging small engines - like our old Kohlers and Onans.  

 

I use a shot of carb cleaner to help start a reluctant small engine.  Others here will use a shot of gas from a spray bottle. 

Thx. I’ll do the same. I might even pick up a small zoom bottle and use gas.

[953 nut 55,290]

6 minutes ago, PWL216 said:

I use regular gas.

The 10% ethanol Regular gas will slowly deteriorate fuel system component and leave deposits in the fuel pump and carburetor. Ethanol free gas will give you a more reliable engine and is well worth the additional cost.     You can locate a station near you that sells it using this site. https://www.pure-gas.org/

[ebinmaine 67,567]

7 minutes ago, PWL216 said:

I use regular gas. The carb to my knowledge has never been rebuilt and my guess is the fuel lines have not either. I’ll start with replacing the fuel lines and filter.

 

I've switched over to using a Briggs brand fuel hose. 395051R.

This a Low Permeation type that's been more in demand by several states. 

My favorite small engine repair place started using it because it's alcohol capable and easy access for them. 

They KEPT using it because it's a slightly smaller OD than others and very soft supple easy to use hose. 

 

RCPW sells it by a 25 ft roll for $44 plus shipping. They sell other parts we need as well like 108035 springs and both common ignition switches. 

 

A roll would do you good. This won't be the first tractor that needs fuel line. 

 

We replace it as a measure of maintenance on ALL new to us and rebuilds. 

 

If you can wait a few days I'd be happy to send you a few feet. 

 

 

[peter lena 8,634]

@PWL216  just a suggestion , fuel breaks down a rubber hose , hardens a vinyl hose , use STA BIL fuel storage  treatment in all my fuels , have also replaced all my fuel lines , fuel filters on each end of it , since  adding 1 ounce of stabil to all my fuels , there is zero / none , any fuel line related break down , in either filter , also each fuel bowl is  clean / clear of any hose break down .  what is that telling you ?  another thing you can do to minimise , related hose break down , is to run a 5/16  I/D  steel brake line , inside the frame curved , upper / lower , angle area , use a SWAGE  LOK  hose hook  up , only on the ends . virtually eliminating , hose break down . have a lot of time / years now on this , tank rear filter / front carb filter , zero fuel hose break down . fuel bowl / clean , what is that telling you ?  realise this falls into the  , "  you can't  do that category "  , why not , ? it  eliminated  hose break down debris for me . making a change on a  repetitive  problem , eliminated it , isn't that what you want  ?  also starts instantly , pete 

[lynnmor 7,307]

I know that my current can of 10% farm support gas is the summer blend, but while cleaning a pan of engine bolts yesterday my hands turned white despite only minor contact with the stuff.  I have been using gas for cleaning like that for over half a century and never experienced that degree drying.   Yes, I should be using gloves to handle this save the earth product.