Hmm. Was there ever a time when the machine sat for 3-6 months without being run? Sounds like the fuel got old, and that bad fuel as lined the insides of the fuel hoses. When new fuel is introduced, it desolves and "frees up" that old gunk which enters the fuel filter again. If this happened, it would also be in the hoses post-filter, and thus why you are getting stuff in the carb. Replacing the fuel lines would be the fix.

Another thing could be if alcohol was put in the tank to try and remove water. That could disolve the fuel lines themselves, giving that "black stringy goo" you found. Again, replacing the lines my be the answer.

Make sure you only use plastic fuel tanks, there is no need to filter them with a cloth. The tractor filter should last most people several years.

Try running some Seafoam (brand name) fuel additive through the machine. Mix it @ 1oz per gallon. Stuff does wonders, and is worth a try. You can get it at most autoparts stores and Wal-Mart. It might clean the whole system up after a few tanks.

Thanks a lot- have an idea your advice will solve my problem!

Engine was run last fall 'til out of gas, but have not used a fuel additive. You can be certain it's added before running it engine again. (Is additive (Seafoam) the same as a gas stablizer?)

No alcohol was used in container washing; used a very small amt. of Dawn dishwashing soap & rinsed 4 X's. I did that 'cause I could see real tiny bits of black 'trash' in the bottom when cans were near empty- stood out against red plastic. They are always wiped well before adding or pouring gas. Use several since filled 2.5 gal containers are as much as I can lift into trunk of car.

(Sure hope those fuel lines don't have to be replaced. I know little about mechanics, still, it's more I ever wanted to, especially at 71. :)

Suzi

Course it that was mine I would do a total fuel system clean up. This would include replacing all the rubber hoses from the tank to the carb. including the fuel pump vacuum hose. And of course removing the gas tank and scrub it out with carb. cleaner and a bottle brush and rinse several times till it pristine inside. Now all thats left is the carb. again.

You didn't say if you kept your mower outside or inside. Even with the gas cap secured water will still find a way into your fuel tank. Condensation will sometimes cause this to happen.

Take a look at the rubber seal in the gas cap. It may be dissolved. Black, gooey, and slick sounds just like the one on my LT150.

This is a photo of gas with ethanol that has sat for a while and "turned" from moisture absorption.
{{gwi:336586}}

It is possible that sludge problems will become a common problem with older motors. In our area ALL gasoline contains up to 10% alcohol.

This was an environmental mandate to remove the MIBK(?) from gasoline. Alcohol was used as a replacement. This was part of the reason for the rise in gas prices as unlike MIBK(?), the alcohol can not be added at the refinery but has to be added at the distribution point to avoid water from the pipeline.

There is now a greater reason not to use old gas as water will dissolve in the gas to its triple point (the point where water/alcohol/gasoline are at equilibrium).

Additionally I have noticed about a 6 to 8% drop in gas mileage in both of my cars. (I have records for every drop of gas I have purchase for many years.)

Knuttle,
Good points... In my suburban (2004, 6.0L V8), I am guessing near a 10% drop in gas mileage on the Highway. I don't keep accurate records, I use the on board computer. I used to average around 18 to 19 mpg at 75mph and I now average 16 to 17. There are now a series of law suits from boaters who have fiberglass gas tanks that are being destroyed by ethanol, I personally know of one near fatal accident that occured on Lake Lanier in Georgia. The owner was a "recreational user" which means, he just filled up on occasion and puttered around on the weekends. His boat was LARGE and he obtained service on the boat only every few years. He had no idea of the potential problems of putting ethanol in a fiberglass tank and it almost cost him his life.

Unfortunately, if you have black debris it most likely is the hoses. The hoses begin to deteriorate inside and literally dissolve. Especially if any types of MTBE or other additives are used in the gasoline in your area. Replace all of the rubber hoses, period!! Don't add alcohol as alcohol does not remove water, only keeps it from freezing so unless it's below freezing while your trying to use your tractor alcohol will be of no use. Trust the word of a retired 29 year mechanic (everything from chainsaws to Caterpillar D-8 Dozers). Make sure you use fuel line for your replacement, as most fuel line today is made to stand up to additives. This will fix your problem.

Hi Suzi

In case you are feeling uncertain, I think you can handle changing the fuel line(s). The trickest part is the clamps. Some of these can be a bear, as you may have noticed when replacing the filter initially.

You will need to know the inner diameter of the fuel line. Then pick some up at the auto parts or hardware store. While you are at it gets 6 stainless steel hose clamps (you might only need 4 but these are cheap) that are tightened with a screw driver.

First take off the filter end of the hose from the tank to the filter. Drop both ends down and let the gas flow into a glass jar so you can see what is coming out. Let all the gas drain from both sides.

Now connect one end of the new hose to the tank - run it to where the filter sits and cut it. Connect to a new filter (make sure the arrow points away from the tank).Next do the same thing from the filter to the fuel pump (if there is one). Finally cut a short piece of hose the right length to go from the fuel pump to the carburetor (this may be very short and may require you to bend it to get it on).

Now put some fresh gas in the tank. Crank the engine - if it does not start after 2 tries let it rest (don't want to over heat and burn out the starter) for 5 minutes and crank it again. Repeat as needed till it starts. Once the engine starts. let it run for a few minutes Unless you see leaking gas), then carefully check all the joints for leaks.

Good luck

Wheel - nice post, sir. Think some fail to realize that this lady is 71 years young. I am not a mechanic, but I could follow those instructions. Wonder if you might email them to her...

Shot

"Seafoam" is a brand name fuel system cleaner and stabilizer. It's one of the few additives I've seen actually work. Lots of folks here endorse it. It's much different than normal stabilizer, as it cleans as well.

Everyone seems to think that you may have gotten hold of some very high ethanol content fuel. Sometimes the local fuel place has their mix off, and that can be heck on the hoses. Try buying your gas from somewhere else, preferrably a "refiner brand" place such as Exxon, Shell, etc.

WOW!!! You guys are the BEST! I so appreciate the info each of you have offered. Sorry I have not gotten back to you sooner but was gone to take DH to the city for his annual heart biopsy.

Mower gas (Regular)is bought where I buy gas for our Fleetwood (the Corvette engine doesn't like anything but high octane)& have never had a problem with the car. Local Exxon station prices are from .15 to .24 gal higher.

Mower is only 4 years old and always kept inside except while engine cools so I can clean top & under deck, wash & dry body. Am now wondering if gas bought once at nearby country store had alcohol in it & it's taken this long for the hoses to deteriorate.

Wheelhorse, I want to thank you for inplicit instructions on how to replace all the fuel lines, but will have to look that situation over before undertaking that task. My fear is trying to take the shroud off the front to find the carburator & getting it back on- must look to see if there are screws, clips or ??? Close work is quite difficult until I get rid of the cataracts (soon) Near triple digits temps and no rain are keeping grass as bay for now so not desperate to mow...yet. I did use the recommended clamps; those bypass ones cause even nice ol' ladies to spew out naughty words!

Gritty,

My Dad was amazed at what a difference the cataract surgery made! SO I can imagine it must be hard.

I only have experience with old Wheel Horses, but surely someone here can give you pointers in getting the shroud off.

In the meanwhile keep some spare fuel filters.

Best of luck to you

Ms. Gritty, the best of luck to you on your upcoming surgery and hope all went well with your husband's biopsy.

I am not really mechanically inclined, but I have a friend that is, so I either call him or take my stuff over to his shop. Last mower that I had I broke a drive belt so took it over to him with the new belt and he had it changed in a few minutes whereas it would have taken me much longer and bloody hands and lots of cussing. Ten dollars well spent to me.

Noticed that you are also interested in woodworking... ME TOO! Love the smell of saw dust in the shop.

Best of luck to you ma'am.

Shot