TO-30 seems to lack power. Suggestions on what to look for.

LD1 · Jul 5, 2013

Brother has a TO30. I am going over their to look at it today around 11 ish and looking for some pointers on what to look for.

HE says it runs fine and drives around fine in gear. It also spins the mower fine (JD 261 grooming mower) sitting there. But wont do both without dying. (PTO engaged AND in gear)

Plan on checking carb out and make sure its getting proper fuel flow. Also will check governor. Any other things to check. It dont sound like a spark issue??

It also has some crap type little fuel pump on it that we should have got rid of last year. Its a gravity feed system. I'm thinking if that pump quit, it could be causing enough of a restriction that it isnt getting enough fuel for the load.

Also, what is the quick and easy way to adjust the carb on it. Is it the same as a 8n??

Thanks

Jerry/MT · Jul 18, 2013

LD1 said:
Brother has a TO30. I am going over their to look at it today around 11 ish and looking for some pointers on what to look for.

HE says it runs fine and drives around fine in gear. It also spins the mower fine (JD 261 grooming mower) sitting there. But wont do both without dying. (PTO engaged AND in gear)

Plan on checking carb out and make sure its getting proper fuel flow. Also will check governor. Any other things to check. It dont sound like a spark issue??

It also has some crap type little fuel pump on it that we should have got rid of last year. Its a gravity feed system. I'm thinking if that pump quit, it could be causing enough of a restriction that it isnt getting enough fuel for the load.

Also, what is the quick and easy way to adjust the carb on it. Is it the same as a 8n??

Thanks

i think you are on to the problem-restricted fuel flow. There is no need for fuel pump on that machine. Check the fuel inlet elbow screen also (just like your 8N) and some of the old models have the original screen around the tank outlet tubes. These can get clogged with crap and corruption. makes sure the main jet is screwed out about 1-1/8 turns.
Make sure the initial timing is correct and the advance is working also.

Soundguy · Jul 18, 2013

for the heck of it.. check spark on all plugs as well. like an N.. it will start and run on 2-3 lungs.

when it starts to die.. does a taste of choke help any? if so.. probably lean as jerry says..

LD1 · Jul 18, 2013

Well I must not have updated this thread.

There was some gunk in the carb, so we gave it a good cleaning.

Ditched the Fuel pump and returned to gravity feed.

But the real culprit IMO was weak spark. Not sure if it was a 6v or 12v coil, but it was running through a ballast resistor. Direct from coil, couldnt get more than a 1/4" spark and very erratic and not consistent at all. Bypassed the resistor and a very good and consistent spark now. And it runs like a champ. If it was indeed a 6v coil that we are now running 12v through, I know it wont last long, but 12v coils are cheap and will replace that when required.

Soundguy · Jul 18, 2013

plan on replacing the points too... the increased current will eat them up...

WilliamBos · Jul 18, 2013

Soundguy said:
plan on replacing the points too... the increased current will eat them up...

Is there a good electronic ignition conversion for those?

LD1 · Jul 19, 2013

Points have already been replaced. So they should last awhile. And still have 2 sets on the shelf. They are the same as the 8n:thumbsup:

The kid · Jul 19, 2013

WilliamBos said:
Is there a good electronic ignition conversion for those?

If it's a Delco distributor. Yes there probably is an electronic conversion for it. They suggest also replacing the coil with there's too. Petronix and some other brands. The centrifigal advance on the Delco uses weights with springs. I ordered a set of springs from SummitRacing. The springs are rated and normal, medium and strong. Depending in the advance curve your after. A poorly advancing timing will cause a bog down effect too. Something to look at. I haven't had the time to check the advance on mine yet to see if I need to swap springs.

Getting back to your question about electronic ignition. They sell the kit all over the net. You might be able to order one thru your local auto parts. That same distributor with slight variation was used in cars as well. -kid

Soundguy · Jul 19, 2013

ther eis ei.. pertronix makes a gen 1 and gen 2 kit. or used to. t he older gen 1 would burn up if key left on and engine not running. gen 2 figured it out.. but cost more.

me? I can maintain points for more decades than I'll be alive for less than the cost of an ei.. so I stick to breaker contacts..