D17 running problems

Hey guys, new to the forum. We have a D17 and are having some problems with it. Ill explain where I am at on it.

It wasn't running well AT all, would barely idle, we have....

Replaced spark plugs
Replaced plug wires
Replaced and set points, replaced condenser
Cleaned out the carburetor
Replaced sediment bowl

After we did all of these things, the damn thing took right off and sat there and purred like a kitten for 15 minutes, took it all through the throttle ranges, and it even idled down low very good. Thought all was fixed. Then as we were cleaning up tools and about to take in it for a spin, it started kind of chugging along and then not running great and sputtering. Then all the sudden it started running fine again. Then running bad again. Now its at the point where it doesnt run that good, but fires right up.

On this tractor, we have had problems with water getting in the tank, and the tank being a bit dirty in the past which I think is why the carb needed a cleaning. We had drained all that out and have fresh gas in it now, and a tarp on top to keep water out.

Is it possible that my carb has gotten dirty again? The thing that I am confused at, is that now when it runs, you can see the governor linkage moving quite a bit, and I am not sure if the governor is my problem or if it is like a fuel problem. I am also wondering if I can replace the steel fuel line from the sediment bowl to the carb, and run it with rubber fuel line and an inline fuel filter for extra precaution.

Please let me know where you would start. We have the points set to .022 I believe that's what the book called for.

Thanks guys!

x2. Try to collect the gas in a clear/transparent container so you can see whether you have water or rust/dirt in the gas. You might also have contamination that's plugging the inlet to the sediment bowl - the symptoms you describe could easily be fuel starvation caused by blockage at the sed bowl or junk that's intermittently plugging a jet in the carb. Did you install a "pencil filter" in the sed bowl inlet when you replaced it? A pencil filter is a tube of screening that mates with the sed bowl and sticks up into the gas tank. These are often used to protect against contamination from clogging up the works. Good luck.

Ok I will try that for sure

The sediment bowl and steel line has worked fine for decades. Why throw a wrench in the gearbox by adding a filter and a rubber hose that can break down internally and plug your carb?
 I wouldn't check fuel flow at the carb inlet. Take the drain plug out of the bottom of the carb and check it there. Elbows on carb inlets can and sometimes do get restricted and should be cleaned, and you could also have an intermittent problem with a sticking float or needle in the seat. Checking for fuel flow before the carb inlet, won't let you know of any of these problems.

I guess I was trying to bypass it with a separate tank and fuel line to eliminate that from the equation. This fuel tank honestly probably needs to be replaced

I can do that but I’ll probably have to take the whole fuel line too because I think the ends are flared and the female compression fitting won’t come off

I would guess condenser, coil, or bad connections from switch and coil.      MACK

creynoldsmiz,

Edited by Sugarmaker - 22 May 2019 at 2:19pm

Sugarmaker wrote: creynoldsmiz, I would work on getting that tank in good order and cleaned out. We had problems with out old WD45's where the tanks had so much rust that it would plug the opening into the sediment bowl. I remember one day plowing snow in the drive and the tractor quit. Yep tank plugged. Removed the sediment bowl and poked something up in there to get gas to flow. held my finger over the outlet till I could get the sediment bowl back on! My hands are just now thawing out from that and it was 40+ years ago! All kinds of stories of stuff floating over the drain and stopping the tractor. Then moving and allowing gas to flow.  Its not real bad job to take one of these tanks off. Mine had a leak that had to be fixed. So it was on and off several times after I got it.  You want to get this tank operational from a safety stand point. Anything temporary should only be used to determine the tank is the problem. Then please get the tank fixed. Or get a good used one. Ok all this is assuming its a tank problem. But when you say there is stuff floating in there it probally needs to be looked at even if this is not the current issue.  Sorry for the stories and length! Tank removed: Picture when I bought mine: Regards,  Chris

Not to highjack but I love this 17 Chris!

Just re-read some of the original posts. Maybe it was answered ? Yes your carb could be dirty again. I have had some of them on and off several times. Even switched to a known carb from a like tractor.