Snapper Problems pleases help

[bpcardona]

I own a snapper 28" HI-vac riding mower, and I recently ran into some problems. So here goes:

A week ago: It started, but filled my garage with smoke. I noticed it was leaking oil and gas from the head gasket area. So I order a new head gasket and a carb rebuilb kit. I drained the oil and replaced it.

I replace the seals and put it back together, and it starts, but there is a problem. It is backfiring like crazy! I thought I might be because gas and oil got into the exhaust, so I let it run for a bit. Doesn't seem to help. A quick google search said I might have messed up the valve timing? Not sure how I might have done this. The two push rods looked the same, except for the tips. I don't know if matters which one goes where. Any help would be GREAT, thanks.

Brian Cardona
bpcardona@gmail.com

 

[Lawnranger]

Is the engine backfiring from the intake or exhaust? Check the flywheel key to see if it is sheared or even partially sheared as this can cause the ignition timing to be off and backfire like you are saying it does.

 

[BigTruck]

I'm having similar issues with my snapper with a honda engine.. I had it serviced back in feb used it a couple of time then it started backfiring but it did nt do it till it warm up. I have changed the plug on it. it was in bad shape which made me question if the shop i used to service my mower did the job right.. what can i do to fixed the problem..
Thanks for any info anyone can give me!

 

[bertsmobile1]

I'm having similar issues with my snapper with a honda engine.. I had it serviced back in feb used it a couple of time then it started backfiring but it did nt do it till it warm up. I have changed the plug on it. it was in bad shape which made me question if the shop i used to service my mower did the job right.. what can i do to fixed the problem..
Thanks for any info anyone can give me!

:welcome:

First advice is not to tack a new problem onto an old thread.
It gets very confusing
Second piece of advice is to list your engine numbers, both model & serial it makes things a lot easier.

Third piece of information, is to be specific "bad" is not much of a description , oily, sooty, tip melted, gap closed down.
These things are important.

AS for your mower, start with the basics, take the fuel line off, drain the tank start the mower & run the fuel out.
Now refill with fresh clean fuel and fit a brand new plug.

A bad plug or HT lead will cause the engine not to fire on that stroke but the unburned fuel can ignite in the muffler causing a backfire.
Or it can backfire through the carb fo different reasonas again.

You need to think of us as blind & deaf.
Tell us what you see, hear & smell.

 

[BigTruck]

sorry new to this site.. snapper 28" cut with a 15 hp honda engine .. it three years old .. I have service regularly... it not back firing throught the carb just out the exhaust.. the plug i replaced was carbon up it look like it came from a 15 year old mower...

 

[bertsmobile1]

No need to appologise.
Start by using a new plug.
If it fouls up again, more investigation needed.
I like to fit an inline neon tube ( orange ) spark test lamp and watch it while the engine is running.
If it fails to flash in sync with the backfiring then start looking at the ignition system.
If it flashes constantly then look at the fuel system.

Check that the choke is fully off.
The newer auto choke models do not work particuarly well I would imagine that the amount of unburned fuel emitted by faulty auto chokes out numeber that from the old manual system by several factors of 10.
Got to love progress.

 

[BigTruck]

No need to appologise.
Start by using a new plug.
If it fouls up again, more investigation needed.
I like to fit an inline neon tube ( orange ) spark test lamp and watch it while the engine is running.
If it fails to flash in sync with the backfiring then start looking at the ignition system.
If it flashes constantly then look at the fuel system.

Check that the choke is fully off.
The newer auto choke models do not work particuarly well I would imagine that the amount of unburned fuel emitted by faulty auto chokes out numeber that from the old manual system by several factors of 10.
Got to love progress.

thanks!!