Tecumseh 18hp won't start??

[Dave Lounsbury]

Hi Guys I need some help.

My 84 argo response won't start. I had the same problem last time I used it several weeks ago (-20C) but eventually I got it going. I fooled around with it for several hours this afternoon and the best I could get were about six or seven "almost starts" but with each of these the engine only fired about 4 to 8 times then died. The outside temp when I first tried to start it was -10 c. It eventually warmed up to -3C but still no luck starting.

It seams to be flooding because each time I pull the plug it is wet with fuel. I checked the plug I am getting a good spark. I checked the compression and am only getting 70psi. The engine is the Techumce 18hp and it has 500 hours on it.

Any suggestions? Is it a carburator issue or poor compression?

What compression should I be getting?

[Rock Doctor]

Well, I'm no tuning expert, but here are a couple thoughts:

Water/Condensation in the gas. - was it stored for an extended period before your last ride? Do you add any type of gas line anifreeze when you fill up in the winter? (Fuel tank should be kept full when in storage to reduce water condensation in tank)
Mine will sputter/cough and not want to start when I get just a little water in the gas.

Carb float sticking. - I have had the float stick open in the carb of my 6x6, or get a little piece of crap in the needle eat. Floods the engine and causes issues like you describe.

Sorry, don't know what your compression should be


RD

[Bud]

I'd say either bad fuel or crud in the carburetor.

I had the exact same issue with a generator a few weeks ago. I removed and cleaned the carburetor thoroughly and now it starts on the first pull.

[Dave Lounsbury]

Thanks for the reply Bud and Rock Doctor.

The fuel tank has been kept full. I haven't added any antufreeze to the gas but will next chance I get.

Crap in the carb is a possibility. It is just funny it was working fine when I parked it and now it is giving me grief.

I will pull the carb off and clean it to see how that works out.

I would still like to know if 70 psi is adequate compression so I will contact the dealer tomorrow.

[hawghunter]

stuck carberator float

Hi Dave- My Max-2 had simular problems acouple years ago. I tore down the carb and found that it had a stuck float which was making it flood the engine. I got a carb rebuild kit from my briggs dealer and rebuilt it. And also found that the briggs company had installed the wrong fuel jet in the carb which also was causing it to flood. They had installed a 18hp fuel jet into a 14hp carb. Also check and see if the fuel mixture is to rich or to lean a setting on your carb. Hope this helps ya. Need anymore info just ask. Rick

[Dave Lounsbury]

Thanks Hawghunter,

The more I think about it the more I am convinced that the problem is in the carb either water/ice or dirt or a stuck float. I found out that 70 psi is a good compression range for a 4 stroke engine.

[wildtexasranger]

TRY THIS

Get Your Self A Baby Bottle With An Infant Nipple,squirt In The Carb !!! ( As Close To A Jet As You Will Get ) If It Cranks Then Squirt Till She Says Running.. About 1 Min. Sometimes It Will Unclogg Its Self,( The Gas Today Starts To Turn To Varnish In A Month ) If That Wont Work Then Its Time To Rebuild The Carb..have You Checked Fire To Both Plugs Assum Its Ohv . It Should Run On 70 Psi With Np. If You Have No Fire Check To Make Sure A Kill Wire Is Not Rubbing Metal In The Kill Switch.. Pull The Plugs And Make Sure They Are Good..they Dont Make Like They Use Too..lol HOPE THIS HELPS!!!!!!! GOOD LUCK