Craftsman lawn tractor backfiring
11 years ago
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Comments (6)
- 11 years ago
- 11 years ago
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Craftsman Tractor Blowing Smoke, Backfiring, and Runing Poorly
Comments (9)"Does Kerosene burn hotter than gasoline?" Well.......yes, but just barely. The real issue about kerosene (as a fuel in IC Engines) is the violently explosive manner in which the kerosene "combusts" after being compressed and spark ignited. The gasoline formulae are all blended to perform at a specific "Octane rating" (which relates to the "rate of burning" of that fuel blend). Higher Octane rated gasoline burns SLOWER than low Octane rated gasoline. The octane rating specifications of motor fuels are based around the design parameters of the engines which will be burning the fuel. One of the primary considerations in fueling internal combustion engines, is to make sure that the fuel combustion is not violent enough to damage the combustion chamber components of the engine. With this aim in mind, gasoline is blend of various compounds and additives so that it does not actually EXPLODE in the combustion chamber, but instead it only "burns very rapidly". Kerosene, in contrast, is not formulated to be a fuel in the average, piston type, spark ignition ICE, and so DOES NOT contain any "Octane rating improvers" or "anti-knock" compunds. Consequently, when kerosene is used as a fuel in a piston type, spark ignition engine, detonation (instead of a rapid burn) will occur at the moment of the spark. Because the crankshaft and connecting rod (of a given cylinder) are nearly (but not quite) straight up, the detonation has the EFFECT of trying to force the crankshaft to stop and turn in the opposite direction. Because the reversal cannot actually happen, the effect of the detonation on the piston, rod, and crankshaft is very much like a fencepost being struck by a sledgehammer. The piston and all the other components of the engine were never intended to withstand the forces produced during detonation. For those interested in further reading, click the link below. There is a paragraph that deals with early attempts to use kerosene as a fuel in motor vehicles. It pretty much sums up what canguy posted. Here is a link that might be useful: Gasoline history...See MoreCraftsman Lawn Tractor MYSTERY Issue
Comments (11)Thank you, Mike, for that information. Yes, I also feel his diagnostic skills are lacking. He did replace the carbureter. Since he did that, now the mower won't start at all. He was trying to put the new one in and the plastic piece was not allowing the metal insert to stay in place right. I went in the house for a few minutes, and when I returned he told me he "found another carbureter to use instead since that piece seemed faulty". Now I'm wondering if he might have used it anyway, and maybe that's why the mower won't start now. The manual says the carbureter may be one reason a mower won't start. I have never heard of a "magneto grounding wire" before. Can you direct me to where that is located? Does anyone know if the fuel filter is supposed to fill up all the way with gas, or just be partially filled, when turning on the engine? See pic. Thank you again! Cathy...See MoreCraftsman Lawn Tractor won't run
Comments (8)if your gear shift is indeed in neutral, there is only one other thinf that can stop the tractor from moving - a frozen-up park brake mechanism. This usuallu consists of a disc mounted outside of the tranny case gripped by a caliper linked back to your bake pedal. Normally, the caliper is spring released and the disc is not gripped, allowing free tranny movement. However, If you left your park brake on when the the engine stopped and the mower sat out in the weather, the mechanism may have frozen in the applied position. this device is located on the outer tranny case just ahead of of the r/h rear wheel - up under the tractor frame. A few shots of rattlecan brake pad cleaner to the caliper assy (avail from the auto parts store) and some manipulation of the park brake linkage will loosen the assembly - the tractor should freewheel normally. Also suggest you go to sears parts (as I did) - take that model number 917.28713 - add the missing 0 to the end - and download a free copy of the owners manual and the various parts lists diagrams for your tractor - take the time to read up and become familiar with what make that mower tick. Good luck....See Morecraftsman riding lawn mower backfiring
Comments (4)This might turn out ugly. Begin by checking the valve lash or clearance as rcmoser suggests. There is a very specific procedure that you must follow when adjusting the valves on this engine. Speak up if you need to know the procedure. The 31 series B&S certainly has a valve train that will win no awards for longevity. At least not the awards you'd be proud of....See More- 11 years ago
- 11 years ago
- 11 years ago
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