9 replies to this topic

[Jasper]

I was given an old 87' Craftsman II lawn tractor with an 18hp B&S twin (917.255913)that is not getting fuel.  I removed the line from the tank side of the filter expecting fuel to flow out and nothing.  I tried to blow air down the line into the tank and it has a blockage.  I tried pressurizing the tank and nothing came out. I ran a rod up the line to the elbow at the tank, nothing. 

 

Here's my question: Can I remove the elbow to access the inside of the tank or will it damage the tank and/or grommit holding the elbow?

 

Is there a screen in the tank that could have clogged preventing pressurizied flow both ways?

 

Is there a check valve blocking reverse flow?

 

Thanks,

Jasper in Sumter SC

[TAHOE]

Were is tank located, under hood or under seat? I know some of the plastic tanks had the elbow molded into the plastic so it would be destroyed trying to remove.

I would remove tank if possible, then clean. Many do have a small screen over the outlet inside the tank that can get plugged, sometimes it's just easier to remove it and run a good inline filter. If it has sat with old gas over time, that elbow could be plugged solids with old gas varnish, you may have to remove tank just to be able to work on it.

[Jasper]

It's under the seat with a brass elbow inserted into the tank with a rubber grommet.

[boyscout862]

I just had a similar situation with a JD111. I pulled the elbow, drained the tank, got a new grommit at NAPA and put it all together with new hoses and filter. It works fine now. Good Luck, Rick

[Jasper]

Thanks Rick. I'll pull it out and see what happens. 

[boyscout862]

Thanks Rick. I'll pull it out and see what happens.

Please wear eye protection and gas resistant gloves. I can look up the NAPA number if you need it. Good Luck, Rick

[Fabman]

Hello Jasper. I just got the same GT about 2 months ago with the same problem. Pull rear fender assm. off to get to the tank. I washed mine out with powre washer then blew dry with air compressor. Pull your fuel pump off the dash and lightly blow backwards too clean it out too. Put new in-line fuel filter on and you should be good to go. Btw mine had set with old gas a long time and runs like a top now.

[Jasper]

Thanks for the advice I've got both.

[MH81]

 The fitting may fight you a little, but mine came free with some twist and pull

[Jasper]

Got the tank off and was able to pull the elbow out. It was completely clogged I drilled it out so air passes through. I clean it up on the wire wheel and will put it back together when a few more part arrive. I there anything i can coat the grommet with to help ensure it dosen't leak i.e. grease.

 

I'm use to working on 73' SS/16s, this tractor is much easier to work on.

Edited by Jasper, July 31, 2013 - 11:03 AM.