I inherited an old John Deere riding lawnmower (a '96 LX178, if it matters... ) from my dad a few weeks back. I knew it had some issues, but figured I'd be able to replace a few parts and get it back running again. Basically, after running for about 30-40 minutes, the engine sputters and dies. It won't start up again until the engine cools down again, which makes me think vapor lock. I've replaced the fuel pump, fuel filter, took apart the carb and cleaned it, checked all the fuel lines to make sure they weren't blocked, to no avail.
The exhaust is located on the front of the engine, just below where the fuel line runs from the tank to the fuel pump, so I'm wondering if it's getting hot enough to cause the vapor lock. Maybe switching to non-ethanol fuel might help? I've also thought about wrapping the fuel lines in some sort heat shield, or even trying to build some sort of shield between the exhaust and the carb/fuel lines.
Yes, I know this isn't a Toyota-specific issue, but I'm running out of ideas and about ready to set fire to the damn thing.
The exhaust is located on the front of the engine, just below where the fuel line runs from the tank to the fuel pump, so I'm wondering if it's getting hot enough to cause the vapor lock. Maybe switching to non-ethanol fuel might help? I've also thought about wrapping the fuel lines in some sort heat shield, or even trying to build some sort of shield between the exhaust and the carb/fuel lines.
Yes, I know this isn't a Toyota-specific issue, but I'm running out of ideas and about ready to set fire to the damn thing.