C-160 starts rough and shuts down

[JRess 12]

Two issues really

Sitting on tractor and turn key and no reaction. If I shake the tractor vigorously it will turn over and starts. All fittings seem tight. 
 

when it does run it will shut down. Does restart and runs rough for awhile after coughing out some black smoke. But only runs for a short time.  Changed to a new plug no difference.  
 

any idea on these two issues?  Will also be posting this in another section. 

[rmaynard 15,458]

I would check all ground connections, with particular attention being paid to the cable from battery to the frame.

[peter lena 8,625]

@rmaynard  agree on that connection ,battery ground to engine corner / frame , from there  to  engine rectifier mount point on cooling tins , clean off  each spot , like dielectric  lube to insure connection / enhance electrical flow . like electrical , cable connections  , contractor  section , bolt on , very solid . pete  

[Ed Kennell 38,170]

Yes, like Bob and Pete suggest.  I like to remove all positive and negative cables and wire brush contact surfaces.  Then install with star washers.

 

The shut down and black smoke start up sounds like it needs the carb cleaned and possibly rebuilt.   And a decarbon of the head and cleaning and adjusting of the valves.

[oliver2-44 9,747]

As stated above give your electrical system a good going over.

While your cleaning the carb and adjusting the valves (if you haven't recently)  replace the fuel hose back to the tank and replace the grommet and fuel shut off at the tank which has a small screen in it.

Give the tank a good cleaning No need to post the same in 2 different section. We read them all. 

[953 nut 55,223]

Please do yourself a favor.                         Address one problem at a time.

You have an electrical issue that may be contributing to the stalling. fix that first or you could make the situation worse by chasing ghost issues.