leaky carburetor

jhair · #1 07-27-2010, 01:02 PM

Hi all,

I put gas in the bone dry fuel tank with the intention of replacing the battery to see if my 128 would even start up - about 30 seconds later the gas was leaking out of the carburetor. I'm not sure if it was coming from the bowl underneath only, or elsewhere. Long story short the fuel line hose now needs replacing (that clamp sure is strong!), but I'm more concerned with figuring out what is wrong with the carburetor. Do I need to take it off? I'm hoping there might be something to look for before doing that.

Two years ago when I had it tuned up the guy installed a carburetor kit

and there was no gas leak.

Thanks,
Janeen

super1914 · #2 07-27-2010, 01:22 PM

Could be a number of issues, but I would look at a possible stuck float or a bad gasket somewhere. Try to nail down where the gas is coming from if you can. Either way, a lot can happen to a carb in 2 years. I would take the carb off and give it a good cleaning. A carb kit is a relatively cheap and if you have the carb off anyway, its a simple insurance policy.

Matt G. · #3 07-27-2010, 01:26 PM

If we know where it's coming from, we can help you better. If it's coming out of the air filter, that means you either have dirt in the needle and seat, or it's worn out. Since it hasn't run in 2 years, it would probably be a good idea to just pull the carb, disassemble, and clean it and install a carb kit, replace the fuel line and fuel filter, and make sure the float doesn't have a hole in it or something. Here's some instructions for rebuilding the carb.

ol'George · #4 07-27-2010, 05:18 PM

Ok,
All the above replies are spot on, and I'm thinking the needle valve it a bit sticky and/or possibly has a bit of foreign material keeping it from seating properly.
(If you were sitting in the same spot for 2 years you would be a bit sticky also) Ha,LOL
So before I go at it with big guns blazing, I'd shut off the fuel then try to start it using what is in the float bowel and possibly tap the carb in the fuel line inlet area. If it runs and then depletes the fuel in the bowel, then turn on the fuel again and start it and tap the bowel lightly with the handle of a screw driver.
Many times this is all that is needed, and is quick & costless
Keep us posted.

Yosemite Sam · #5 07-27-2010, 08:51 PM

Yes, all of the above things.

If you had your 128 tuned up and the carb rebuilt two years ago and everything was fine, and then it sat with gas in it for two years until it all evaporated and dried out, there is a good possibility that it's gonna need rebuilt again.

Do not despair! You CAN do it yourself, I don't care how much you think you don't know about rebuilding a carb, with a few basic tools, a little patience and perhaps the help of some of the guys here, there is NOTHING to it. Rebuilding a Kohler carb is nothing more than taking it apart, cleaning all the pieces and putting it back together with a new needle and seat and some gaskets. (comes in a kit, about $12.00 at NAPA)

Keep in mind that at one time, NO ONE here knew ANYTHING about a Cub Cadet until they started working on/messing with their first one.

It sounds like you have a fondness for your 128 and you don't really want to give it up... So don't... keep it, hang around here and get it fixed up. The guys are more than happy to help.

jhair · #6 07-28-2010, 08:08 PM

Thanks for the ideas and encouragement. For some silly reason I do have a fondness for this machine. I'm going to have a chance to tinker with it some this weekend. I did have to take one of the front wheels off and turn it around (no small feat for me having to jack it up on my own)...I wasn't making much progress trying to pump the tire with the valve stem on the wrong side - so I looked at it and figured out it was backwards. Anyway, I'm resting now, I must have pulled something patting myself on the back for that one.

I do think I might need to get it running sooner than later, Dazzle wants a ride.

Janeen