My 154 won’t start…

[ihcc104]

I am at a loss. I was trying to start the tractor after sitting for 6-8 months and it will not start. Getting spark and will pop off on either on full choke… but will not start on gas. New carb because I thought the old one was gummed up beyond repair because I took it apart and cleaned it; turned air mixture screw out 1-1/2 turns on the new carb and not even a pop. I’m at a loss; it is pissing me off. This tractor has been so loyal and always has started no matter the circumstances. The engine was rebuilt 2 winters ago. Any suggestions? Thanks. I’m not new to these tractors; this is my 3rd one and I have countless Cub Cadets.

[brose1958]

Gas fouled spark plugs?

[Don McCombs]

May seem obvious, but have you checked the fuel tank level and turned the fuel valve on? We have all BTDT.

[Bob McCarty]

Did you check the float adjustment on the new carb?

[ihcc104]

I will pull the plugs and look; I have not done so yet…

Gas is in the tank and flowing nicely to the carb. I’ve been there at one point or another too lol

Do you know what the “normal” float level should be? I’ve never adjusted one. It does need to be almost all the way up to stop fuel flow.

[Don McCombs]

Assuming that you have an IHC carb or repro...

[brose1958]

A lesson I learned a long time ago while working as a mechanic in a shell service station ( when you did not pump your own gas). You can not tell if a spark plug is gas fouled by looking at it or fix it by cleaning it... Replace the plugs and see what happens.

[ihcc104]

A lesson I learned a long time ago while working as a mechanic in a shell service station ( when you did not pump your own gas). You can not tell if a spark plug is gas fouled by looking at it or fix it by cleaning it... Replace the plugs and see what happens.

If they were in fact fouled… would it still run on starting fluid?

[brose1958]

It is possible as it is much more flammable.

[Duner]

ihcc104, "Gas is in the tank and flowing nicely to the carb"
We have gas to the carb, Do we have gas into the float bowl??

[Eugene]

I was trying to start the tractor after sitting for 6-8 months and it will not start. Getting spark and will pop off on ether on full choke.

Conduct 100% engine tune. Start with compression tests. Stuck valve - valves.

[FSJNut]

I've had new carbs come with the needle stuck to the seat not letting any fuel get to the bowl like Duner said. If you disconnect the carb fuel inlet and blow compressed air in the carb you can break it free.

[elmrfudd]

Did you verify your firing sequence on your distributor (1-3-4-2), and that all plug wires are securely fastened to their plugs/cap posts? You may consider the possibility of sticking or improperly seating valves, as well. That would inhibit the ability to pull fuel and air mixture into the intake. Are you spraying ether in the air intake or spark plug hole? Well, it sounds like you have fuel, air, and spark. There are two things left that’s likely to to prevent starting…..compression and ignition timing. I still haven’t heard whether or not fuel is being pulled from the carb and making it to the combustion chamber.

[Rusty red]

If the gas has sat in the tank for 6-8 months I would try fresh gas. I had it go bad on me in over the winter before.