Tractor Mysteriously Shuts off After Running

[Seth Powers 35]

Hi All,

 

I had posted in the "implements" section after a follow-up to some questions about snowblowers, etc, but thought I would post this here. 

 

I recently bought a 417-8 with a snowblower and a mowing deck. I changed out a bunch of simple things (oil, transmission fluid, spark plugs, belts, air filter), though I am not mechanical and don't understand engines. I love the tractor - it is quite the beast and I mean that in a good way.  

 

I got it all ready to go and took it out for its first run a few weeks ago - it ran beautifully for about 30 or so minutes, then suddenly lost power and stopped. I couldn't get it running again. 

 

My father-in-law came over on Saturday and we were working on my house but he wanted to take a look at the machine (he is the opposite of me - handy with anything - fixes his own vehicles, is a plumber, etc). He got it running but said that the governor isn't working in the tractor, which would explain why it was super loud. I thought that maybe older tractors were just like that. He also said that the tractor didn't seem to be getting the voltage it needs. The engine got super hot last night. My father-in-law, Ken, said that the points seemed to be either stuck or sticking. I think they were stuck. I am wondering if they overheated and kind of bonded? Is that possible? 

 

Well, I took it out last night - had it at about half throttle - and was mowing, suddenly lost power and died - won't start again. 

 

What should I do? I am thinking of taking it to someone because I need to mow my lawn and I need to get that snowblower ready for winter. I don't have the skill or the time to work on it as we just moved and my wife and I are renovating the house. I am willing to try something if someone has suggestions but I can't do an overhaul of it or anything. Anyone in NH that specializes in older mowers like this? Or that is good with small engines? Thankfully, the lawn is getting mowed because I have an 11 year old and a walk behind mower that works, so the large lawn is getting done thanks to character building mowing by my son.   Thanks to the bagger on that mower, he is getting a workout. 

 

Thanks for the help. 

Seth

 

[ebinmaine 67,274]

if there was any chance you could get it down to the meet and greet in North Berwick this Saturday they'll be a half a dozen of us there that love to tinker on things.

If I remember correctly you live about 90 minutes from me. I realize full well that's quite a drive but I'd be happy to take it look at it with you some Saturday afternoon or Sunday.

 

Others should be along shortly to try to help you get that horse back on its feet.

 

[Pullstart 62,791]

Hey Seth,  Once it stalls, does a short rest allow it time to recover and it’ll start back up?  

When it stalls, will it still crank but not fire up?  Try loosening the gas cap and try immediately again.

 

If you have a spare spark plug, it would be a quick check to see if it has spark as well.  Pull a plug wire off the plug on one cylinder, pop it onto the spare plug and PROPERLY ground the plug body (metal) to the engine, then crank it over.  
 

Determining if you are loosing spark or fuel will help immensely.

[The Tuul Crib 7,336]

1 hour ago, pullstart said:

Hey Seth,  Once it stalls, does a short rest allow it time to recover and it’ll start back up?  

When it stalls, will it still crank but not fire up?  Try loosening the gas cap and try immediately again.

 

If you have a spare spark plug, it would be a quick check to see if it has spark as well.  Pull a plug wire off the plug on one cylinder, pop it onto the spare plug and PROPERLY ground the plug body (metal) to the engine, then crank it over.  
 

Determining if you are loosing spark or fuel will help immensely.

[953 nut 55,075]

My vote is the fuel cap vent. If the cap is not venting the fuel tank will develop a slight vacuum as fuel is removed. Eventually the vacuum will be strong enough to prevent the fuel pump from working. Back off on the cap a half turn and see if it runs longer.

[Bill D 1,907]

Check all the electrical connections.  Run an extra cable from the battery negative on the frame directly to the motor for a better ground.  Check compression in both cylinders.  Change the points and condenser.  Set timing with a timing light.  If I was closer I would offer to fix it for you.  Bill

 

[Seth Powers 35]

On 9/9/2020 at 10:28 AM, pullstart said:

Hey Seth,  Once it stalls, does a short rest allow it time to recover and it’ll start back up?  

When it stalls, will it still crank but not fire up?  Try loosening the gas cap and try immediately again.

 

If you have a spare spark plug, it would be a quick check to see if it has spark as well.  Pull a plug wire off the plug on one cylinder, pop it onto the spare plug and PROPERLY ground the plug body (metal) to the engine, then crank it over.  
 

Determining if you are loosing spark or fuel will help immensely.

 

It will crank right up but not fire. I shall try that. A mechanic I know said I should change out the gas, too, after he looked at it. He thought it might have some old residue from the previous owner who might not have used non-ethanol gas and something might be stuck at the bottom of the tank, as some have suggested. 

 

Seth

 

[Seth Powers 35]

21 hours ago, 953 nut said:

My vote is the fuel cap vent. If the cap is not venting the fuel tank will develop a slight vacuum as fuel is removed. Eventually the vacuum will be strong enough to prevent the fuel pump from working. Back off on the cap a half turn and see if it runs longer.

I shall do that! 

 

Seth

[Seth Powers 35]

1 minute ago, Seth Powers said:

 

It will crank right up but not fire. I shall try that. A mechanic I know said I should change out the gas, too, after he looked at it. He thought it might have some old residue from the previous owner who might not have used non-ethanol gas and something might be stuck at the bottom of the tank, as some have suggested. 

 

Seth

 

My father law checked and he said the spark was very faint but it did have spark.. 

 

No, it will not start up even now. 

 

Seth