Update on my ELS 24hp tech visit

16 years ago

Update:

Thought I'd post this here as well since I had a previous thread concerning the same info. Well, the Sears tech was here yesterday, and either he gave me a great line of ____, or the GT tractor is in better shape than I would have thought. And wouldn't you know it...it didn't smoke the first damn time when he cranked it up. Geeessshh!! He said the crud in the intake was normal and to stuff a rag in the carb hole and clean it out often. The new accordian air filter fits over the center rib to lock the bad air and dust on the air intake side, so that should help. I explained my concerns and he insisted my ELS was in good shape and should something happen Sears/Briggs would surely take care of it. That makes me feel much better now, being the skeptic I am.

He also said to "never" spray water under the mower deck. They have a silicon-type of spray that you shoot under the deck to keep it non-stick for grass, and to "never " cut the grass wet, which I don't.

Just thought I'd pass this on for any of those ELS folks still worrying about these engines. Fortunately, I have another year on this service policy so I'm gonna pay real close attention to any smoke issues.

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Comments (5)

tjeffers
16 years ago
Hi Jimtnc,
Just a question for you, after re-reading your update posts, I notice now that you mention a "new" accordian air filter. Are you saying that you got a new filter design that is different than the current filter?
Terry
tallen4392
16 years ago
hi do you know where to get that deck spray?? do know what it is called ? thanks TOM
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mowerdan
16 years ago
jimtnc, I had the same type filter housing and it allowed contaminated air to enter the intake elbow. After 60 hours use the engine was beginning to sound like a diesel engine. To make a long story short it was under warranty and the B/S dealer replaced the engine with a new designed air filter housing that no longer uses the flat style air filter. It was replaced last year and it no longer leaks, allowing contaminated air to enter.

If you found any traces of dirt in the intake elbow, than it wont be long before it starts to run crappy, losing power and smoking. If I were you I would have the B/S dealer check the engine out, before it's too late.

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rcmoser
16 years ago
As suggested, I would inspect the intake manifold often to see if any dust or dirt is getting by. If it is depending on the amount of contamination it may take two or three years of damage the engine most likely after the wannantee has long expired. IMO No dirt or heavy dust particles should be in the intake manifold if so it's sucking into the engine and over time this will kill it. mowerdan is right on on this one. if the thing is sucking dust and dirt it will fail, it's just a matter of time.

As far as mowing the grass wet that is sometimes unavoilable, Idea is keep the grass from building up under and on top of your deck. I've washed my cheap LT4000 deck for 16 years it didn't have a rust hole in it or vary little surface rust.
jimtnc
Original Author
16 years ago
Hey guys, been tied up most of the weekend.

tjeffers - not sure it's a new design but maybe we weren't inserting it properly. The long back side is supposed to fit over the center rib, not slid inside of it, to lock out any dirty air from the carb hole. Oh, he also said not to apply any oil on the pre-filter and the OM plainly says to do this. Hmmmmm.

mowerdan and rcmoser - not sure what else to do since I had this "expert" to the house and gave his blessing on it. Who am I supposed to take it too or complain to after the tech says it's okay?

Nope, he didn't mention the name of the spray, but the tech number might be able to help.

Update on my ELS 24hp tech visit

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tjeffers

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Update on my ELS 24hp tech visit

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