Engine Surging

[westjw]

Hello. I have the 22hp Intek ohv and with an issue which has me bewildered. We have some slope to the yard and issue began couple months ago when moving downhill. The engine seemed to be running out of fuel the way it acted, it would stall completely at times. However there would be plenty of gas in the tank. I learned to cope with this by turning to level out machine.

After awhile condition worsened to point that could only drive forward 10-15 ft before engine would die. In a effort I went with the possible cause being fuel starvation.

I confirmed there was no clog in fuel line from tank to fuel pump. Did discover a kink in line within the tank and replaced that portion. I have replaced the fuel filter, fuel pump and carb.

What I have now is surging at idle with a random backfire but will smooth out when engine put under load ie: engaging trans. I am stumped, could it be an issue with valves needing adjustment? TIA

 

[Tiger Small Engine]

Hello. I have the 22hp Intek ohv and with an issue which has me bewildered. We have some slope to the yard and issue began couple months ago when moving downhill. The engine seemed to be running out of fuel the way it acted, it would stall completely at times. However there would be plenty of gas in the tank. I learned to cope with this by turning to level out machine.

After awhile condition worsened to point that could only drive forward 10-15 ft before engine would die. In a effort I went with the possible cause being fuel starvation.

I confirmed there was no clog in fuel line from tank to fuel pump. Did discover a kink in line within the tank and replaced that portion. I have replaced the fuel filter, fuel pump and carb.

What I have now is surging at idle with a random backfire but will smooth out when engine put under load ie: engaging trans. I am stumped, could it be an issue with valves needing adjustment? TIA

Two separate issues. Mower stalling on slopes and turns is normally crap in fuel tank/metal elbow/fuel shut off valve. Check tank for debris with flashlight, blow out line, etc. and remove if needed.

Engine hunting and surging yet smoothing out at WOT and under load, is normally a dirty carburetor. Remove carburetor, completely take apart, clean thoroughly, and reinstall.

 

[Auto Doc's]

It would help to know exactly what machine this engine is on.

Right off the bat, I can say there is likely a globule of water slurry hanging around in the bottom of the fuel tank. That stuff collects over years and just slumbers around in the bottom of fuel tanks.

The fuel tank is not easy to inspect or remove on some models, so it is most often avoided until the last possible moment.

Note: a bottle of rubbing alcohol may help, but any trash in the tank will remain behind or get sucked in and keep creating problems.

The next possibility is you could have installed a cheap aftermarket carburetor, and it is running the engine too lean at idle. Or the intake seals/ gaskets are leaking due to reuse.

Getting worse as it runs is a classic symptom of fuel starvation or the wrong spark plug(s) are being used.

I recommend you clean the original carburetor and clear all the small passaged out and blow them clean with carburetor cleaner, then put the original back on if possible.

 

[westjw]

It would help to know exactly what machine this engine is on.

Right off the bat, I can say there is likely a globule of water slurry hanging around in the bottom of the fuel tank. That stuff collects over years and just slumbers around in the bottom of fuel tanks.

The fuel tank is not easy to inspect or remove on some models, so it is most often avoided until the last possible moment.

Note: a bottle of rubbing alcohol may help, but any trash in the tank will remain behind or get sucked in and keep creating problems.

The next possibility is you could have installed a cheap aftermarket carburetor, and it is running the engine too lean at idle. Or the intake seals/ gaskets are leaking due to reuse.

Getting worse as it runs is a classic symptom of fuel starvation or the wrong spark plug(s) are being used.

I recommend you clean the original carburetor and clear all the small passaged out and blow them clean with carburetor cleaner, then put the original back on if possible.

It's on a riding mower stripped of cutting deck and used only as "tractor "

 

[westjw]

Could even be a safety switch problem depending on how it cutting out.

But the OP really need not to be afraid to post the equipment info as engine model and type numbers; unless, the equipment is stolen.

Hello. This engine ( b&s 22hp OHV Intek) is on a Craftsman YS4500 that's past it's use as mower, just a mini tractor at this point. When I put it back together after cleaning fuel tank there is a connection coming off sear sensor pigtail. I do not remember where it connected. And NO, it is not stolen.