Tecumseh Motor Trouble

[garrett1308]

In my hustler, I have what claims to be a 12 horse Tecumseh, based on the sticker on the pullrope. After a shot of starting fluid, the throttle held wide open and a pull or two, it fires right up. However, when I engage the transmission levers, the motor quits. I've tried it with full throttle, and just above idle. Sometimes I can get it moving, but it will randomly quit, sometimes on turns, sometimes uphill, and sometimes just on flat land.

The carb was bathed in a chemical solution (can't recall the name of it), and the spark plug is good and clean. Is it just a problem of the motor not having enough power to move the machine? Or do yall think something else is going on. It has brand new chains and bearings by the way. Transmission has fluid in it. 4 tires have slight flat spots, 2 have major flat spots (I put them in the middle though). Tomorrow I can take the good tires off the max and loan them to the hustler for a test.

[curtisbyrne]

My best guess is not enough power. I have a kohler 18 and sometimes I wish I had more hp. Sometimes old engines just get worn out and used a lot. 12 hp isn't a lot anyways

[ARGOJIM]

Be sure the engine is turning proper rpm, check your belt tension (use the Max as a gauge for feeling). If the hustler has a 2 stroke driven it should go just be slow. It will not be a racer by any means but should pull a good 10-12 mph if the engine and belt are right.
I have a similar issue put on hold with my 12 Tec., (carb and gov. adjustments needed so it is smooth off the bottom and at idle) try adjusting the carb. or governor to 3600 full out in neutral and try the machine again. If the problem persists, check the compression of the 40 year old engine.

[luffydog]

is this a single cylinder

[ARGOJIM]

Well at least mine is, HH120. Don't recall any Tec. twins.

[luffydog]

not a tecumseh man. didnt know if it was a engine out of something else and was a replacement. most of those older tecumseh hh's mainly seen them in garden tractors and such. think i would rather push what than ride a tecumseh

[ARGOJIM]

Yes certainly not winning any races, but they all have tons of torque. My HH was from a Scrambler which was stock in the 1200's but I'm keeping as a spare for my (one year) Bolens 1220.

[luffydog]

yes i had an old tractor that had one in it as well with an ole mule drive and plow and such. when it was running and if you could keep it running right it had plenty of non stop power with the low range gears. just getting it to perform right like it should was the whole day itself. best i can remember it back when is the valves like to stick causing low or no power issues when it wasnt the carb. didnt mean to get off topic.

[garrett1308]

Alright. Found out my primary clutch is bad. Didn't notice it before, but right now it is sitting fully engaged and I cant get it to slide back in. The belt was riding the top of it. Took it off and it rattles. Looks like to get it apart, I'll have to cut two welds (no big deal), the question is, is should I, or will I have a problem getting it back together?

Found a go kart for sale on craigslist for 350. Has a good running vanguard v twin 16 horse. Started right up. Paid the guy and took it home. I may swap it into the hustler. It doesn't have a clutch on it though.

[ARGOJIM]

Don't cut any welds! Check the transmission forum for rebuild info..

[msafi65]

My buddy calls them Tejunkski. I can't argue with it. V twin Briggs is good upgrade. If you have to cut welds put a bolt through the crank bore to keep the clutch from hurting you. It will be under very high tension if fully engaged.

[ARGOJIM]

Often times when a clutch is run with no belt it will stick open, try a pry bar first while assembled, place pry bar with end at the bottom of the fixed sheave and the shaft on the moveable sheave. They usually snap right open once over center.

[Nubs]

I've had good luck with them Tecumseh engines in other equipment

[Superherojohn$]

I am your new Tecumseh Friend! I run a OH160, Not because a B&S 18hp vanguard wouldn't be sweet but because I'm cheap! So no power Tecumseh. means poor valve adjustment and luckily it is bug simple to fix. the OH160 uses .005 & 0.10 exhaust. rear the online manual for OH120 and you should be golden.