My Cub Won't Start

[Dan England]

My Cub started easily this morning as I prepared to mow. I mowed for a couple of hours with no noticable problem. I was mowing in first gear so it had plenty of power, even in heavily grassed areas. The motor died in an area with scattered grass. It seemed to be firing on one cylinder only when I attempted to start it. I let it cool for about 45 minutes, then again tried to start it. Same result, it seemed to fire on one cylinder. Plenty of gas to the carb. I cleaned the plugs then tried again with same result. I am wondering if there is an air leak between the carb and cylinders. I am familiar with using a propane torch or WD-40 to test for leaks when the engine is running. How do I determine if this is the problem since it won't start? What are other possibilities which I should check. Your input will be appreciated. Thanks, Dan

[Bigdog]

Dan, remove the distributor cap and wipe it out. Take a look at the tower connections and rotor tip while you're in there. Did you check for spark quality when trying to start it? It could just be some moisture in the cap or a carbon path plus the moisture that is keeping it from running. If you have some WD 40 spray it in the cap before wiping it out.

[Dan England]

The tractor is located at my son's place, six or seven miles from my house. I will go out late this afternoon or tomorrow to try suggested fixes. Thanks, BD, for you suggestions. In the meantime, I would like to receive other input so that I will be able to try several things when I go there. Dan

[Donny M]

Remember Dan, for an engine to run it needs fuel air and spark at the correct time.
Follow Bigdogs advice. If that fails to yield results then check for good spark at the plugs. If you have good spark then look to the fuel supply.

[artc]

since it was operational for two hours and quit under load, i'd be looking at a lack of fuel FLOW to the carb. one of my cubs requires mouth the mouth recessitation (pressurize the fuel tank) occasionally. it'll act up same as yours. i have a new sediment bowl on the shelf, funny how it being there doesn't seem to help the cub need a round-to-it, i guess.

gas in the carb wont get into the engine if its under any vaccuum at all from the tank. got to free flow

[Dan England]

The Cub runs. Rain began to fall on my way out to the Cub's location. I had doubts as to whether I could dry the distributor area with a heavy mist falling. I had to clean it a couple of times using WD-40 as BD and Donny suggested. After the second cleaning, it fired up and ran fine. As is the usual case, good advice was quickly given to allow non-mechanically inclined people, meaning me, to solve the problem before frustration sets in. Thanks, Bigdog, Donny and artc, and also thanks to the many forum members who frequently help whenever problems occur with our Cubs. Your advice is always appreciated. Dan

[Bigdog]

I'm glad it was that easy Dan. It's nice to know we were able to help.