Craftsman LT1000 gasoline pouring out of exhaust -- Did I fix it?

[mjepk]

I have a 21 hsp craftsman LT1000 who's mowing deck was shot. I picked up a used 17 hsp. LT1000 for next to nothing (newer model). I was hoping to hook up its mowing deck to my 21 hsp. tractor. It wouldn't fit. I should have checked out the Sears manuals on line. The two decks have different part numbers. So now I'm trying to get the 17 hsp. tractor working so I can cut my grass. Upon starting, the 17 hsp tractor seemed to burn off lots of oil or other stuff, but after a minute it seemed the exhaust was clear. But, the tractor wouldn't run for more than 5 minutes without stalling (running with choke on seemed to help). I replaced the solenoid, spark plug, changed oil, and the tractor now runs well. It didn't smoke at all upon startup. I thought all was well.

THis morning, I went to start the tractor but the battery didn't have enough power. But, when I left the key on the "on" position without the engine running, gasoline came out of the exhaust -- lots of it. It was a steady flow rather than a sputter. I charged the battery and I also put a cut off valve on the gas line. (Note the tractor does not have a fuel pump.)

I checked the oil -- it didn't seem to have any gas in it. I couldn't smell gas in the oil, and the dipstick registered a normal level of oil. I was able to start up the tractor and it ran well. Before I shut the engine off, I cut off the fuel using my newly installed fuel cutoff valve when I was done.

Do I need to worry about gasoline getting into the oil? Or if I cutoff the gas before I turn off the tractor will it be OK? Is there something else I should do. I suppose I could take the carb off and clean it, but the tractor starts right up and seems to run very well.

 

[cletus99]

I had an old snapper once that did something similar and I recall the snapper dealer tell me it was probably the solenoid (or whatever it was called, can't remember) that is attached to the bottom of the carburetor bowl that has a wire going to it was bad. Might want to try replacing it. I never messed with mine, I got rid of it shortly after that and ironically bought the same Craftsman mower you got.

 

[sox3]

I had an old snapper once that did something similar and I recall the snapper dealer tell me it was probably the solenoid (or whatever it was called, can't remember) that is attached to the bottom of the carburetor bowl that has a wire going to it was bad. Might want to try replacing it. I never messed with mine, I got rid of it shortly after that and ironically bought the same Craftsman mower you got.

That solenoid valve on the bottom of the carb is anti backfire valve, it shuts off the main jet when the key is turned off.

 

[sox3]

You need to replace the needle and seat in the carb. Its passing and can pass while running putting too much fuel into system. Check the oil for fuel, look close as its so clear you may not see it easily. The ethanol in the fuel destroys these parts.

 

[mjepk]

DOes the fuel in the oil mix with the oil or does it float to the top? Can I check by looking at the dipstick or should I empty the oil and see what is in the pan?

 

[sox3]

the oil would smell of gas, it will thin the oil and it is sometimes hard to see
the level. it will mix with the oil. Almost always when you have gas coming out the muffler, you have it in the oil.

 

[duroc]

I just went through this with my mower, and I too added a fuel shut-off. Sox3 is most likely correct about replacing the needle and seat. Also, now is a good time to clean the carb fuel bowl, fuel tank and replace the fuel filter (if you have one). If the needle sticks open when you put the mower away, it could drain the fuel tank overnight and it could end up on floor - which mine was doing. I wasn't worried about losing the fuel, I was more worried about having it ignite.