Tilted push mower Carb Up, leaking fuel from muffler and carb now.
toro timemaster, got it used and had a very minor putting issue I couldn’t seem to fix even with this thread linked which outlines everything I checked and cleaned and replaced. http://www.lawnsite.com/showthread.php?p=5285477
Today, I filled the gas tank and then tilted it ‘carb side up’ to scrape under the deck a little because the thought came to me after I filled up with gas. But I have probably tiled my 22″ toros carb up on a full tank 9999 times without problems. Next, I go to start it and gas is spraying out the muffler, like a good tablespoon or two at a time. I can keep trying to start it and it will eventually get down to only a mist of gas coming out but won’t start even with starter fluid behind the spark plug.
I go online on my phone and read something like I shouldn’t try and start it because gas got into the oil and thus wouldn’t lubricate good so I stopped trying to start it. Got it home and drained all the gas and oil. It was leaking for 15 minutes in the truck coming out of the carb also.
Read it’s possibly something with the carb needle. Mine looks perfect up close though when I checked it to try and fix the putting issue.
Should I just buy the new carb for 60 and hope the putting also goes away? Here‘s the parts for this carb
Also, draining the oil from the plug underneath the engine might be tricky, might have to take like the whole thing apart because I heard on a youtubers video that he said it’s not possible. But I just think the belts and baffles and framing stuff are in the way, so shouldn’t I be certain to drain all oil from the bottom plug since gas got in? The weird thing about tilting the oil out like the manual instructs is that I don’t think it’s all getting out and the less you tip it, the more it seems to flow out. Thank you
anyone else agree for a new needle/seal kit? Because I might buy the whole carb for 60 but if can get it fixed for 10, nice. I will post a bunch of pics of as much of the carb I can take apart after I eat though to help figure out.
Never had this problem tilting any other push mower with a full tank as I mentioned before. I would like to put a petcock on/off but am putting an inline filter so not much room left. Because vice gripping seems risky. Might just tip it Back and reach in to scrape, and to fully tilt to remove blades, I’ll jam a clean metal tapered rod in the fuel line.
The drain plug was simple to remove and I let it drain for like 4 hours. All I had to do was put like 2x 8″ ratchet extensions to reach it. Guy on YouTube said it can’t be done and I took his word before.
They put thread locker on the oil plug at the factory which makes me think for some reason I shouldn’t have removed it. But I actually never really changed much mower oil and it should be the right way despite the manual says to tip it, right? I used to just top off or tilted and refilled like that but now I am anal about oil cleanliness etc after the rings on one motor got ruined and destroyed the motor beyond my ability to repair or even worth fixing. And with all this gas in the oil of course I have to drain it all. I read someone said remove the spark plug and pull the cord a bunch of times will help get out some of the fuel that might be in the combustion chamber. Anything I can spray in there or something that will help eliminate the fuel reside from messing with the lubrication and possibly destroying the rings?
Yes I should get a good syphon or vac. ‘Putting’, well, apparently the common term for what I thought ‘putting’ is which had me confused just like you, is ‘sputtering’ I never heard of. Basically this is when it repeatedly revs and sounds like the carb’s dirty. It was doing this since I got it a few weeks ago used. I thought the needle and carb were perfect. Cleaned it real well anyway, changed out a bunch of parts mentioned in the thread I linked in OP but still sputtered. I might get a blow gun tip for my compressor since all I ever do it spray it with carb cleaner but I think the pressure from the spray is good enough plus the cleaner mixed in. Sorry so long and so many questions. All I’ve been doing is asking questions here lately. But I thank you all so much for helping.
Here’s What To Do If Your Lawn Mower Won’t Start
Family Handyman
Introduction
Most of the time when a lawn mower won’t start the cause is a problem with the gas or the lawn mower carburetor.
Whatever kind of lawn mower you’ve got, the last thing you want once winter finally lifts and spring has sprung is a lawn mower that won’t start.
If you’ve taken the proper steps to winterize your lawn mower, you’re far less likely to be dealing with such issues. It’s also why you should tune up your lawn mower at the start of every season. However, it’s not out of the ordinary to find your gas-powered lawn mower not starting from time to time, so it’s important to know why your lawn mower isn’t starting and how to fix it.
Project step-by-step (6)
Check the Gas Tank
Let’s start with the obvious. Before you have a heart attack pulling on the rip cord, you’ll want to check the fuel. Like any gasoline-powered engine, lawn mowers run out from time to time. Maybe you forgot it was running on fumes when you finished mowing last time. It sounds simple, but we’ve all overlooked the gas tank from time to time.
Even if there is gas in the mower, if the fuel’s been in there more than a month, that could be the problem. Gas sitting around too long in the tank can get contaminated with dirt and extra moisture.
So if your gasoline has been in the mower for more than month, drain the gas properly, dispose of it correctly, and fill up the mower with new gas. It may take quite a few pulls to suck the new gas into the lawn mower carburetor, so be prepared to clean and dry the plug a few more times.
Add fuel stabilizer when you fill up the tank to help protect the gasoline in there from dirt and moisture.
Family Handyman
Check the Spark Plug
Start by making sure the lawn mower spark plug cable is connected to the plug itself. It’s quite possible that it got pulled off there over the winter while the mower was being stored in the garage.
If that’s not the issue, the next step is to remove the spark plug to see if it’s wet. There’s no way the engine will start if it is. So clean the plug with carburetor cleaner and let it dry. Cleaning it with compressed air isn’t enough; you need a solvent to remove oil residue. If it’s really grimy and dirty, it might be best to change the spark plug.
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Ways to Fix Gas Leaking From Lawn Mower Air Filter
Gas leaking out of the lawn mower’s air filter is a serious problem that must be eradicated before it takes shape and becomes a giant problem.
Tilt Mower in a Correct Way
Ways you can tilt the mower in the correct way for fixing gas leaking from the lawnmower air filter.
Tip Your Mower Over
With the handlebars pointing down, you can tip the lawnmower up most effectively. If you find this impossible, you may always tip the mower over with the carburetor side facing up.
Locate the Carburetor
The expected location for the carburetor is the face opposite the muffler. It includes an air-filter cover in usual rectangular or square and is made from plastic.
Disable the Engine
Before fixing the mower, the main thing to keep in mind is to switch it off. Turn off the gas and remove the plug wire. Turn your mower around, so the carburetor side is up since not all lawnmowers have a gas valve.
Though the wrong tilt of the mower is not the sole reason behind the hot gas coming out of the lawnmower’s air filter are other factors involved, which we will discuss further.
Fixing The Worn Float Needle in The Carburetor
The worn float needle in the carburetor is sending you the signal that it is now getting tired. When this happens, you have the option to replace the seal only. But if you ask us, we suggest you replace it all; the complete carburetor. These are inexpensive, and the repair is wholesome.
When the Needle is Down
The gas should flow continuously if the float shows dropped position.
When the Needle is up
By taking out the fuel bowl and raising the float, the gas should stop flowing, allowing you to examine the float and needle. Replace the needle/seal or the entire carburetor if it doesn’t.
Look Into the Choke Type
A lever on a lawnmower regulates the choke. The mower will flood with gasoline if a choke plate is stuck. Don’t rev the engine, as it worsens the problem.
Choke cables will occasionally require to be adjusted. But it is effortless to deal with it. As the engine heats, a thermostat next to the muffler gradually opens the choke plate.
The technique is an outstanding concept because it eliminates the need to fiddle with choke levers or priming bulbs. A choke that isn’t opening when the engine heats up may flood the engine with gas, since thermostats might malfunction occasionally.
Deal With the Gas Bowl and Fix its Malfunctioning
As we discussed above, every carburetor has one fuel bowl. It is where the fuel gets the pass into the carburetor. It’s from here only where the jet sucks the gas to feed the engine.
You can locate it at the back of the air filter in a bowl-like shape. Often, one bolt secures the bowl to the carburetor. Both the bowl-holding bolt and the gasoline bowl will have seals made of big rubber O-rings.
Finally, Check The Gas Lines
The connecting clamp on the fuel line often leaks. In rare cases, the gas line goes through a rupture. Hence, just changing the connecting clamp can fix the issue.
When you observe a gas leak in the tank, fix it immediately. You can outsource the help, but if you want to do it yourself, the following are the tools you will need in the procedure:
Related FAQ’s
The most probable reason for leaking oil from the air is the excess filling of oil in the oil, but it can also happen if the mower has been turned on its side.
The primer bulb may be broken or cracked already. Or, mouses have made the defect by eating it. In that case, a gas leak can occur. If that is the case, replace the priming bulb and remove the retaining ring.
To clean a lawn mower soaked in oil, you must remove and replace 95% of it with new oil.
Start by removing the air filter from the car to clean it. Place the filter in a well-ventilated place and give it time to dry. After the filter has dried, dispose of it by local laws.
Soaking a lawn mower air filter in a solution of dish soap and warm water is the best method to clean it. After soaking the filter for at least 15 minutes, rinse it with fresh water.
Conclusion
The reason behind the gas leak from the air filter can be as minor as tilting the lawnmower on the wrong side. Or, it can be because of the issue inside the carburetor, which needs a sudden address.
The most harmful impact of this gas leak can be lawnmower gas combined with the oil in the piston chamber, which dilutes the oil and reduces its efficacy. It could cause fire danger, which should be avoided at all costs.
Go through the above discussion and find the most probable reason for the gas leak. Follow the instructions to fix the issue and continue with your lawn mowing.
My Briggs Stratton 6.5 HP Quantum Is Leaking Gas From the Air Filter
If you have a Briggs Stratton Quantum lawnmower and notice gas leaking near the air filter, there is a problem with how your engine is processing gas. There are just a few issues that can cause gas to flow out of the air filter, mostly attributable to the carburetor or a safety mechanism that has failed. Check the shutoff valve, the fuel float and the carburetor in general to see if there is a major problem that needs to be fixed.
The shutoff valve on your Briggs Stratton Quantum prevents gas from escaping into other parts of the lawnmower when the engine is not in use. This valve automatically closes when the engine stops running. Gas that’s leaking from the air filter may indicate that the valve is not working correctly. It may be staying open all the time, allowing gas to leak out. You may need to replace this valve to keep it from sticking again since this problem often indicates a worn-out valve that will continue to fail more frequently.
Fuel Float
The fuel float is designed to maintain pressures inside the carburetor by closing off the system at a certain fuel level as the carburetor operates. If the fuel float becomes stuck, a problem similar to a stuck shutoff valve will occur. Fuel will be able to escape from the carburetor, and its main exit is the air line, which is blocked by your filter. The result is fuel leaking from the filter and a float that needs to be cleaned or replaced.
The fuel float is not the only problem the carburetor can develop, which may cause the lawnmower to leak gas out of the air line. Dirty carburetors, cracked components and fuel quality can cause issues of their own, which may result in leaking fuel. Replacing the carburetor may be required but be careful. Sometimes taking apart the carburetor or installing a new one can cause these problems instead of correct them.
Why Does The Lawn Mower Leak Gas From The Air Filter? [Fix Easily in Seconds]
While lawnmowers are a boon to a property owner who wants to keep the garden looking presentable, when they go wrong, it is very frustrating. You can keep the frustration levels to a minimum by attempting an accurate diagnosis and following a structured repair procedure.
The possible reasons a lawnmower may leak gas from the air filter may include any of the following causes.
- The lawnmower tilted on the wrong side.
- A broken gas tap.
- A sticking choke.
- Worn carburetor float needle.
- The carburetor gas bowl seal is worn.
Although it may seem dramatic at the time, gas leaking out of the lawnmower engine may result from a simple error, such as tilting it to the wrong side. Even if there is an issue in the carburetor, it can generally be fixed without much difficulty.
The Most Common Reasons Why Gas Leaks From The Air Filter
Gas leaking out of a lawnmower represents a fire risk which needs to be eliminated urgently.
If the lawnmower starts to leak gas out of the air filter, you must find the cause, and if it is due to a fault, ensure you rectify it as soon as possible.
The most common reasons for gas leaking out of an air filter are;
- The lawnmower tilted on the wrong side.
- A broken gas tap.
- Choke sticking.
- Worn float needle.
- The gas bowl seal is worn.
The Lawnmower Tilted On The Wrong Side
While it is understandable that you may need to tilt the lawnmower on its side, it can damage the lawnmower if you tilt it to the wrong side.
The right side to tilt a lawnmower is with the carburetor (and air filter) pointing up.
Tilting the lawnmower the wrong way may cause gas to leak out of the carburetor and into the air filter.
While it does not have long-term consequences for the lawnmower, you should avoid this situation for the following reasons.
- Letting gas drip on a hot engine is a potential fire risk.
- Gas pouring onto grass will compromise it.
- The oil in the engine may run back up into the cylinder and compromise the spark plugs.
If the air filter is saturated, it is unlikely to start; however, if it does start and there is an issue with the valves, it may cause a flame to shoot out, damaging the various components.
A Broken Gas Tap Can Cause Gas To Leak Out The Air Filter
The gas tap is installed between the gas tank and the carburetor.
Its purpose is to stop gas flowing between the tank and carburetor when switched off.
After a few seasons, these, often plastic, parts begin to degrade and will ultimately fail.
Replacement is very easy and involves the following simple steps.
- Empty the gas tank.
- The gas tap will be attached to the gas line or directly onto the gas tank, depending on the lawnmower.
- Loosen the pipe clamps attaching them to the gas tap. (slide them up the pipe for reuse after the new gas tap is installed).
- Remove the pipe from the gas tap.
- Depending on where the tap is installed, one or two tubes will be attached.
- If the gas tap is installed on the tank, use a long thin rachet or a pair of needle nose plyers to undo the mounting bolt inside the tank.
- Replace the gas tap and reverse the procedure.
A Sticking Choke Can Cause Gas To Leak Out The Air Filter
The purpose of the choke is to enrich the gas/air vapor enabling the cold lawnmower to start.
Most lawnmowers’ optimal air/gas mixture is 14.7 parts of air to one part of gas. The choke is needed because as the air gets colder, the air density rises while the gas quantity remains at the same level, so the mixture is too lean.
The choke forces more gas into the mix, and therefore the mixture becomes optimal for starting.
Once started, the engine heats up, and the air density reduces, so the throttle settings need to be changed to the running mode, which changes the mixture to the optimal running setting.
Different chokes work in different ways.
- A separate choke jet opens up; when the choke is set, it bypasses the gas inlet port and needle, causing the carburetor to flood.
- Other chokes work by restricting the amount of air that enters the carburetor.
- Some chokes work by creating a vacuum that sucks in more gas.
- Some lawnmower engines are fitted with a priming gas bulb instead of a choke.
While most lawnmower engines are fitted with a manual choke lever or a setting in the throttle lever for starting, some of the later models come fitted with an automatic choke.
Automatic chokes use a spring mechanism that uncoils at lower temperatures. As the temperature increases, it contracts, and the coils tighten, pulling the choke to a closed position.
If the choke plate is sticking, the mower will flood with gas. The more the engine is cranked over, the worse the flooding.
Eventually, it gets to the point where the gas leaks out of the air filter.
If the choke is sticking, the repair may be as simple as releasing the stuck choke cable, or it may require the carburetor to be serviced.
Worn Float Needle Can Cause Gas To Leak Out The Air Filter
A typical carburetor consists of the following components.
A carburetor works with the following steps.
The Gas Bowl
Gas runs down the gas line for the gas tank and into the carburetor, where it fills the carburetor bowl.
The Carburettor Float And Needle
The float has a rubber needle attached to the top of the float.
As the gas runs into the carburetor bowl, the carburetor float rises, and when full, it pushes the rubber-tipped needle against the gas inlet port and seals it.
The carburetor mixes the gas in the bowl with air and sprays it through the inlet valve into the piston chamber.
As the gas in the bowl is used, the needle drops, and more gas is allowed in, so the cycle repeats itself.
A common issue is the rubber tip at the end of the needle begins to degrade, which compromises its seal to the gas inlet port.
If this happens, the needle does not stop the gas from entering through the inlet port, and the bowl overfills, with the excess gas being dispersed into the air filter.
Another possible consequence is that excess gas may enter the piston chamber and, if it is not all consumed, may mix with the oil, causing the oil to dilute and become ineffective.
If you see any sign of this, it is important to stop the lawnmower immediately and repair it.
On some model carburetors, the needle changes color when it wears, indicating that it needs replacing.
If this is the problem, you need to service the carburetor and replace the needle.
A Worn Bowl Seal May Cause Gas Leaking From The Air Filter
The carburetor bowl seal is installed between the carburetor bowl and the carburetor itself.
If the nut holding the bowl in place has been tightened too much, or the seal was incorrectly placed, fuel will leak out. Over time the rubber naturally degrades, and it will eventually fail.
Conclusion
Gas leaking out of a lawnmower air filter may be as simple as tilting the lawnmower onto the wrong side. It could also involve an issue inside the carburetor and require the unit to be serviced and repaired.
Apart from a possible fire risk, against which all precautions should be taken, the most serious consequence may be the lawnmower gas mixing with the oil in the piston chamber, which dilutes and therefore degrades the efficacy of the oil.
Wrapping It Up
After all of what was said above, you might be asking if you can use a mower without fuel caps as a quick solution. While Internet users have said it works, this is NOT recommended at all, as gas would spill as you use the mower. This isn’t only a fire hazard, but unhealthy for your grass and any nearby plants, so have your gas cap fixed right away.
I hope that you learned a lot about why your lawnmower gas cap is leaking and what to do about it. If ever your lawnmower seems to have a leaking gas cap, it’s time to have it fixed right away after identifying the issue. Good luck!