149 didn't want to start today
 

I switched hours at work and haven't gotten much seat time lately. It has been about two weeks since I started my 149. I tried to start it and it cranked fine but wouldn't start. Not even a sputter. I took the plug out and there was spark. I was lazy and instead of unhooking the fuel line I sprayed a little carb cleaner and it kicked right off and ran fine for me. I even restarted it a few times with no problem. Any ideas?? When I first started playing around with it a couple years ago I had the same issue and a buddy lapped the valves for me. It had started great since then until today. Thanks for any ideas, Mark

Sounds like a fuel problem to me. Fuel line clogged?

Do you have fuel in the tank? Second, is the fuel line ON? Ask me how I know....

I have had the same problem with one of my 129's the past couple of months. I have had mine outside (ran out of garage space for it) and it has been dry here, so I figured after I shut off the fuel (has a brand new petcock on it), the remaining fuel in the line dried up and left an air pocket in the line. So, it doesn't kick on until I "prime the pump" with some carb spray. My 149 sits right next to it outside,with a leaking petcock and it starts just fine.....that is why I am assuming it is the emptiness of fuel in the line. However, with the newer fuel out there.....who knows! Thanks for asking a really good question....Maybe I'm doing something wrong.

Cub Cadet 123

Yeah, there was plenty of fuel in the tank and the valve is turned on. It ran great after I started it. If it happens again I am going to remove the line and try blowing it out like suggested. I was curious cause I have heard that using carb cleaner and started fluid is hard on the engine? Thanks again, Mark

I have heard the same thing about starter fluid and carb cleaner. But thinking about it, it might have come with two stroke engines. It is lacking the oiling properties that a 2 stroke needs.

I have used carb and choke spray to help start a stubborn kohler engine and never had the first problem with it.

Cub Cadet 123

I never recommend using starting fluid. Here's why. Yes it is hard on an engine. Starting fluid ignites at a much lower temp than other fuels. It also burns much faster. Inside an engine, that means a much bigger bang at first with less power produced. Most of the time engines that won't start are older and worn out. Sometimes the piston or rotating assembly can't handle the bang. Result: broken piston, rod or crank. Also, when the engine still wont fire off on starting fluid, the user thinks, "well it must need more either" and keeps spraying. If an engine won't start, then there is something wrong. FIX IT! I have seen more than one engine grenaded on starting fluid. USE AT YOUR OWN RISK!!

Well I am stumped. The 149 didn't want to start again today. I took the fuel line off and blew it out. I am getting good fuel to the carb. It still wouldn't start when I reconnected the line. Next I took the carb off and blew it all out. Still no start. Finally I gave up and sprayed a little more carb cleaner and then the engine fired right up and I ran the tractor for about 30 mins no problem. Could there be any more problem with the valves again? I know I said a friend lapped them bu could it need it again? Maybe it wasn't done properly? Any other ideas? Thanks, Mark

Bad gas. Weak spark. Low compression. My suggestion is check spark.