Another 2182 fuel issue thread

[Hwyflyr]

I’ve had my '97 2182 for about a month and it is pretty sweet. BUT, I have an issue with the engine trying to die/surging after about 30-45 minutes after I start mowing. I searched the archives here and figured I’d replace the fuel pump. While I was there I pulled and cleaned the valves and replaced both rubber bungs. The previous owner my have replaced the fuel lines and it appears to have a fairly new fuel filter as it all looks pretty new. Thought I got this, and mowed again this week. About 30-45 minutes again the engine tries to die/surges again. I stop the tractor but keep the engine on, turn off the PTO and after about 10 seconds the engine is purring again at top speed. I engage the PTO and in a few minutes the surging is back. So I pull the carb off and proceed to semi remove the stem for the fuel valve wire my side cutters. And while I was at the shed I got the power washer out and washed the grime and dirt from the rear end part of the tractor and the deck since I was here. I thought I’m good to go but before I was done the surging came back. So I’m thinking there isn’t much of the fuel system I haven’t touched except the carb but it starts so well with a smidge of choke and I have no issues till long after a typical carb issue would show up. Also the previous owner gutted the gas cap. And I’ve not seen or noticed the battery light lighting up when this happens either so I’m thinking the battery is good for now.

So now I’m questioning if possibly the hydro unit might be giving me a fit. The power steering is hard to turn right but easier to the left. I’m not trying to turn when the engine surges but generally going straight when it happens but not saying it hasn’t happened while turning just didn’t notice it happening at that time. I haven’t replaced the filter and hydro oil yet as I ran out of time over the weekend and I have springs and buttons coming from my local cub dealer (only a few miles from me and the counter guys are cutting me a break as I’ve been seeing them fairly regular here lately?). But I’m at a loss of what’s next to check. I’ve been riding cubs for 40+ years and attempting to fix them for about 20 and this is starting to stump me. I have no issue with the mower calling for a beer break for me but I’d kinda like my wife to run this at some point. Point me in a direction and I’ll see what I can find

[ironman]

Check for clogged air vent in fuel tank cap.

[Hwyflyr]

It looked like the PO had already gutted the gas cap but I’ll take another look. I should have swapped the cap from my gt1554 when I had it at the house. I’ll inspect it closer tonight.

[FrankF3]

My father had a Cub Cadet that had the same symptoms you are describing. The previous owner also replaced the fuel lines as yours was replaced. When the previous owner replaced the fuel lines, they were mis-routed in a couple of spots. One of the places where the fuel line was mis-routed caused the fuel line to be pinched shut as it was caught between the frame and the floor pan. This mainly happened when my dad was on the tractor causing his weight to make the pan pinch the fuel line.

Hopefully this helps as another place to look.

[Hwyflyr]

I can look at that.?? I pulled the gas cap and looked through the vent hole and saw sunshine so I’m pretty sure that’s not an issue this time. ?

[guyina4x4]

just replacing the fuel lines isn't always enough.
you need to make sure all the fittings, including the carb inlet are free of debris.
I'd suspect the fittings in the tank.

[Oak]

I don't think you machine has a hydro issue. Does the hydro sound normal?

Can you rig up a small fuel tank and try running it off of that to rule out a fuel issue?

Could you be having an electrical issue with the ignition system?

[Hwyflyr]

I pulled the fenders off and pulled the tank and cleaned the shut off valves. I actually bought new valves and rubber bungs but one of the new bungs leaked so I put a new cub bung and old valve in its place. So I have 1 old valve and 1 new valve and the same thing was happening. I could possibly rig up a temporary tank off the 1250 to see if I can get it to happen again. An electrical issue I guess it could be just didn’t see anything happen to lean that way yet. That’s why I was leaning toward something in the hudro. Just something bogging the engine down till I stop and turn off the pto. Maybe I’ll rig up a tank and only turn off the pto and let the tractor keep moving to see if it keeps bogging. I’m thinking that this is the reason the previous owner had gotten rid of this tractor.

[ol'George]

Originally Posted by Hwyflyr

I pulled the fenders off and pulled the tank and cleaned the shut off valves. I actually bought new valves and rubber bungs but one of the new bungs leaked so I put a new cub bung and old valve in its place. So I have 1 old valve and 1 new valve and the same thing was happening. I could possibly rig up a temporary tank off the 1250 to see if I can get it to happen again. An electrical issue I guess it could be just didn’t see anything happen to lean that way yet. That’s why I was leaning toward something in the hudro. Just something bogging the engine down till I stop and turn off the pto. Maybe I’ll rig up a tank and only turn off the pto and let the tractor keep moving to see if it keeps bogging. I’m thinking that this is the reason the previous owner had gotten rid of this tractor.

The gutting of the fuel tank cap, is a good clue someone was indeed chasing the problem.
Does pulling the choke help when it is starving?
if so that pretty much says fuel issue.
when it starts gasping try yanking the fuel line off the carb and see if it pisses a good stream?
Also crud likes to lodge right @ the carb inlet fitting, also between the fitting and the needle valve seat, did you remove the needle valve seat, and blow it out good?

[Sam Mac]

Is the electric fuel pump working? You can remove the fuel hose from the carb then turn the key on and see if it's pumping.