thoughts/suggestions

washita · Apr 27, 2009

bought gravely commercial 10a with 40" deck unknown hours but does not look abused, the question is it runs well for about 1 to 1.5 hrs then stalls last time it stalled motor sounded like it was under a heavy load but nothing was engaged should I start with the motor or the powertrain unit ( oil is fresh and correct level/viscosity) noticed white smoke before it stalls but does not seem to burn oil

Squeak n Itch · May 6, 2009

Spent WAY too much time running through valve, ignition and carb settings when my 7.6HP died after a bit of work, time and time again. When it died in the garage I took off the gas supply line to the carb saw and little or no fuel. Ended up that the replacement gas cap I used was non-venting. I was surprised how that simple modification (drilling a small hole in the cap) solved the problem.

js5020 · May 6, 2009

The first thing I would try to do is to determine if it is either a fuel or ignition related problem. I have a Commercial 12 and one the reoccuring issues I have had with it is the wiring plug on the keyswitch,, seems to get warm enough to deform it after several months and it causes a connection problem and the machine will shut off for no reason, I finally removed the plug and just put universal ends on the wires.

FlaDon · May 6, 2009

Try someting simple first to see if your valves are sticking. Add some Marvel Mystery oil or 2-stroke oil to your gas and run it.

washita · May 6, 2009

thanks for the input afraid problem is more deep rooted than I first imagined , cannot turn motor even with breaker bar, removed sparkplug it is not hydrolocked either, will seperate engine from transmission next chance I get to see if is in transmission or motor

FlaDon · May 7, 2009

wa****a said:
thanks for the input afraid problem is more deep rooted than I first imagined , cannot turn motor even with breaker bar, removed sparkplug it is not hydrolocked either, will seperate engine from transmission next chance I get to see if is in transmission or motor

If it's the engine, Id bet on a seized connecting rod bearing. Were you mowing on a slope?

washita · May 8, 2009

mowing on flat ground about 1hr stopped to move some brush idled engine down while moving brush, engine started to sound like it was pulling a load then it stalled

2manyrocks · May 8, 2009

If you disconnect the clutch to the mower, will the mower deck turn when it isn't connected to the tractor?

Hope it is not the engine.

washita · May 9, 2009

yes mower deck turns free wheels turn free when the clutches are not engaged lifted one side engaged clutch one wheel locks other wheel spins freely probably is the motor

FlaDon · May 9, 2009

wa****a said:
yes mower deck turns free wheels turn free when the clutches are not engaged lifted one side engaged clutch one wheel locks other wheel spins freely probably is the motor

Might still be in the tranny. A bad Planetary Gear set in the Hi-Lo clutch set. Engine or PG still means pulling the engine.