This is more of a question to pick the experts brains here, because I’m stumped, so I’ll give a small history.
I have a Craftsman 6.75 hp lawnmower, model 944.368300, and although it’s 12 yrs old, it has run flawlessly til last fall, when it started to run as though it was a governor problem, speeding up and slowing down, but it wasn’t a governor problem.
I replaced the plug, the gas, float bowl and cleaned the carb but still it made no difference. Then I bought a new carb and installed it. Problem is, I also noticed the gas line was cracked while replacing the carb, so I replaced it too. So, since I replaced two things, I’m not sure if the problem was the gas line or the carb.
My question: Is it possible for a gas line to be cracked, but not leak gas, yet allow air to leak in when the mower is running? I know this may sound silly, but when you think about it a bit, it seems to fit the symptoms and could mimic a governor problem. My mower now runs like new. I’m just curious which was the more likely culprit, the gas line hose or the carb.
I’ll be happy to read any feedback or thoughts anyone may have.
My vote is for the carburetor as the original problem, since you replaced that and it fixed it. The gas to the carburetor line is a gravity feed, so if it was cracked through it would have leaked gas out, not air in. It was good that you replaced it, but I doubt the cracked gas line was the problem.
excavating (for a mind)
I’ve seen that happen with a snowblower. I have no doubt your cracked gas line was the problem.
there is good reason they are called infernal combustion engines.
Check the gas cap vent. If its clogged you’ll get a vacuum and gas won’t flow properly. engine surges etc. it can even kill the motor if its totally clogged.
Try blowing air through the cap with your mouth.
My guess is carburetor, something to do with flakes of rust from water in the gas, which evaded your earlier cleaning.
In any case I don’t see how the hose could let air in and not leak.
Thanks for your replies. My vote is for the carb too, but I may never know. I’m just glad it’s back to working as it should.
The symptom is that of a vacuum leak. I vote for loose carb bolts or deteriorated gasket.
You wanna know?
Put that original suspect hose back on with the new carb and see what she does. Unless you tossed it.
I’ll just say that I’ve never had to replace a whole carb. I would guess it wasn’t completely cleaned or a jet was plugged or a strange vacuum problem, like pointed out earlier. Heck, even a gasket can suck when you least expect it.
Screw it! It’s workin’ now, so mow happy!