Fuel shutoff
 

Whats your favorite fuel shutoff options for a 149?

It seems I have gas draining right through to the crankcase. Doesnt seem like a good idea to run it this way (duh!). Given that its snowing and this is the only tractor currently able to move snow, Im not inclined to take it apart if I can avoid it.

Maybe a float sticking and allowing gas to run straight through. So:

a) Is it an acceptable 'fix' to simply use a shutoff valve until Spring when I can tear into it?

b) What shutoff valve goes well with a 149?

Do you not have one at the bottom of your tank? It should have the Petcock style shut off on it already?

Now there is an obvious question that might cause some embarrassment (wouldnt be the first time!).... brb

My 149 has a shut off in the bottom of the tank.

Gas can't get from the tank to the crankcase on that engine. Unless physics have changed and gas can defy gravity by flowing uphill........:bigthink:

Indeed there is a shutoff :RedFace2:

How can a guy make a post and not have noticed the very thing he was posting about.

J-mech - I will check the oil again. All I know is that if left sitting the gas tank goes empty and it doesnt seem to leak around the tractor. (no puddles or wet spots). Then it seemed the oil level was high (over the fill line) - but what do I know I didnt even see the shutoff.

An overnight test with a full tank of gas should give an answer...

Because the tank is above the carb and crankcase, it would be good, if you would maybe explain, for the less mechanical minded, the reason why that is impossible.

Because the intake valve sits on a higher plane than the carb does. Fuel will run out of the air cleaner first.

Intake valve opening is above the carb. Air flows into the carb them makes a 90 degree turn upwards to get into the cylinder so if the float was sticking open gas would run out of the carb through the filter. If it was a KT or a Mag twin then that's a different story.

:IH Trusted Hand:

If the tank is leaking, the fuel may be evaporating, so no puddle obvious. Had a complete tank drain on a 108 one time in a shed with a wooden floor. No evidence other than an empty tank...

And the answer is: Its running right out the carb and through the air cleaner.

Hadnt had enough gas in it to notice (either only put a small amount in, or ran it to almost empty).

The oil is high but that didnt change. Overnight the tank drained empty and its clearly coming through the air filter.

Just as everyone said was likely (funny how that happens huh, the guys on this forum know what they are talking about) :)

As long as its not doing damage, Im going to leave it alone until I get my other projects completed (close.. they are close..... need to make that last push...)

It may run rich if it's over flowing. I'd fix it. May be just a bit of dirt in the needle and seat for the float. Most of the time you can remove the float bowl, pull the pin that holds the float and drop the needle out without removing the carb from the engine. Blow some compressed air through the fuel line to the carb and put it back together.

Knowing, is 1/2 the battle. Or should be. :biggrin2:

Good trick Sam! I rebuild my carb last year, he didn't leak until last week, the bloody thing drop a full tank of Premium ethanol free gas!:angry: I remove the carb to take a closer look and everything look find and clean, I even test the 1 year old float.

I reassembled the carb, fill the tank and run the engine for few minutes, no more leak! I shot off the engine but let the fuel cut-off valve open, came back in the garage at the end of the day and the carb was leaking again! I think this Cub is possessed ! I may call a priest for an exorcise !:ScrewLoose:

Seriously It's a PITA to deal with ghost leak!

Just replace the needle & seat or just the needle and it will prolly cure it.
It did on mine, and I didn't remove the carb, I did it on the engine.
The old needle tip was hard and had a ridge worn in it.
looking @ it, I don't know how it stopped any fuel @ all.

I guess if it were mine I would just remove the carb from tractor give it a good cleaning and inspection. Install a carb kit in it and adjust float and wash my hands of the situation. I don't ever shut my fuel petcocks off unless I am transporting them on a trailer.

Exactly what I did on my 1650 and I replace the float too! One year later he leak again.:Huh: Maybe Kohler subcontract those kit to China.:HeadScratch:

Two more possibility's for the OP...

1-Check the gas tank, line and filter for any water contamination since temp goes bellow 32F ice may have frozen your float and left the needle open.

2-Look for structural damage (metal fatigue) on the carburetor body.

Fuel tank on My 1200 goes completely dry with the petcock plunger type closed. I find it leaks around the rubber insert in which it sits.