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2014 Hustler w/ FX691V. After replacing the longblock and reusing the fuel system, charging, exhaust etc. I developed an issue with cold starts. I didn't realize it immediately b/c I fully expected to use starting fluid on the first start. When using the mower daily the issue dues not appear, but after sitting for 3-4 days I need a small shot of starting fluid to start. The choke appears to be working full on to full off. It is required for the first start of the day as expected. The problem with diagnostics is that after the first start of the day, it starts fine thereafter UNLESS it's not started for 3-5 days. Is there something that would be obvious to someone that would cause this? Like I said, I get one shot at it till it sits for a while. Obviously the fuel is leaking back out of the lines, question is why and where to look for the cause.
Thanks in advance!

My first thought would be to make sure the choke is actually closing all the way. Doesn't take much gap to prevent start in some cases. And even if the fuel was leaking back into the lines, the carb should still be full, and even if it was draining back a few engine revolutions should refill the lines and carb.

ILENGINE said:

My first thought would be to make sure the choke is actually closing all the way. Doesn't take much gap to prevent start in some cases. And even if the fuel was leaking back into the lines, the carb should still be full, and even if it was draining back a few engine revolutions should refill the lines and carb.

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I agree, the choke was absolutely my first thought but I've verified that the butterfly is closed all the way. I've removed the cable and held it closed by hand, same result.

LawnWizard said:

I agree, the choke was absolutely my first thought but I've verified that the butterfly is closed all the way. I've removed the cable and held it closed by hand, same result.

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The other thing is it starts with the choke (required) for a day or so. It's only after 3-4 that it acts up.

After a few days try the old hand choking to if that helps. If it does then you definitely have a choking problem. Might require plugging up the air bleed holes in the vane.

Also if you have oil pressure sending unit it might wired to keep spark disable until enough oil is built up. I know some JD Ztr are wired that way.

would the Hustler real model number to look the service manual wiring diagram.

StarTech said:

After a few days try the old hand choking to if that helps. If it does then you definitely have a choking problem. Might require plugging up the air bleed holes in the vane.

Also if you have oil pressure sending unit it might wired to keep spark disable until enough oil is built up. I know some JD Ztr are wired that way.

would the Hustler real model number to look the service manual wiring diagram.

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Thanks, I will further dig into the choke. Maybe it's not closing 100% (tho I'm sure I checked it pretty well). I'm pretty sure the oil pressure switch does kill spark but my issue is definitely fuel / air. Starts immediately with starting fluid.
TA

does it have a fuel cut off? If so the bowl may be leaking down, and it takes time to fill it. Also, if you are using ether for starting fluid, it is a lot more explosive than gasoline. It is possible you are too rich and not too lean. Try a small squirt of gasoline instead of starting fluid and see it the behavior is the same. As to ether - one program recently had a dead engine - the starting fluid blew out the head gasket it had so much bang.