Small engine fuel shutoff - never had this happen before

**Bubber** · 07-26-2018, 10:25 PM

I got a County Line 25 ton log splitter with the Kohler 6.5 hp engine. It's got less than 5 hours on it so far. I went to start it tonight and it basically wouldn't turn over. To make a long story short, I did not shut the gas off and over the last month since I used it, it siphoned the fuel out of the tank and filled the cylinder with fuel which then made it's way to the oil. I pulled the oil plug and it ran out.

What a mess. I'm going to change the oil tomorrow and check the carb and get it going again. Now I know to shut the gas off after I'm done with it.

Has anybody ever had this happen? This is a first for me. Should this happen, or is something wrong with it?

**Old Cajun** · 07-26-2018, 10:40 PM

Originally Posted by Bubber

I got a County Line 25 ton log splitter with the Kohler 6.5 hp engine. It's got less than 5 hours on it so far. I went to start it tonight and it basically wouldn't turn over. To make a long story short, I did not shut the gas off and over the last month since I used it, it siphoned the fuel out of the tank and filled the cylinder with fuel which then made it's way to the oil. I pulled the oil plug and it ran out.

What a mess. I'm going to change the oil tomorrow and check the carb and get it going again. Now I know to shut the gas off after I'm done with it.

Has anybody ever had this happen? This is a first for me. Should this happen, or is something wrong with it?

Sounds like the needle valve in the carb is not seating or the float which controls the needle valve seating is set wrong or got hung up.

Already had a little sliver of rubber from the fuel hose get hung up between the needle valve tip and seat holding the valve from
from seating all the way.
Gasoline was dripping from the air filter assembly.

Was an 11 HP Briggs.

**Herminator** · 07-26-2018, 10:41 PM

My new Briggs and Stratton generator did that. It probably had less than two hours and I put it on one of the pallet racks and I kept smelling gas back in that area. It filled up the crankcase and I forget where it started dripping out from but that was the smell. I always shut the valve off now but I suspect it was leaking by the float valve in the carburetor and then down through the intake. Changed the oil and have shut off the valve off everytime since. I was glad it didn’t damage the seals and it has been fine for a few years.

**jgayman** · 07-26-2018, 10:46 PM

It happens more often than you think.

**Old Cajun** · 07-26-2018, 11:01 PM

Originally Posted by jgayman

It happens more often than you think.

Yup, that's why I put quarter turn ball valves on both my Snapper's Briggs, quick and slick to close after every use.
My normal procedure is to pull up to my shop, close the valve and let the engine fast idle till it stops.

Not good to have gasoline dripping and fumes everywhere in my shop.

**IndianaJim** · 07-27-2018, 12:30 AM

My Briggs generator did this too.
I put in a shut off as well.

This reminds me I need to change the oil and see if I can track down the oil leak its got.

It also reminds me that I was going to look into converting it to propane.

**Rogero246** · 07-27-2018, 05:31 AM

Reminds me of a sightly different situation. About 45 yrs ago I bought a used DAVID BRADLEY chain saw with 24" bar and new chain for very small money. Older gentleman couldn't pick it up to use anymore. It worked like a charm but was HEAVY with, I think, a 5 hp engine. Hadn't used it in a while, and BIL borrowed it. Called me up next day to say that he couldn't get it started. Went over to his place and had same problem. Emptied gas tank and put in fresh fuel still no go. Apologized for not making sure it was working and brought it home figuring carb must be blocked. Started cleaning it off before disassembly and saw metal plate tack welded to saw. Washed it off and read it. "OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS Step one: OPEN FUEL PETCOCK"

did that, 2pulls, started rightup. Moral of story
"IF ALL ELSE FAILS READ INSTRUCTIONS"

**Bubber** · 07-27-2018, 05:51 AM

Thanks everybody. This was an odd thing to me.

I finally ordered an oil sucker thing. The engine sits on a plate, so just pulling the plug would make a colossal mess. I guess I'll suck what I can out and then pull the plug to get any leftovers.

**ljnelson109** · 07-27-2018, 06:34 AM

Originally Posted by Bubber

Thanks everybody. This was an odd thing to me.

I finally ordered an oil sucker thing. The engine sits on a plate, so just pulling the plug would make a colossal mess. I guess I'll suck what I can out and then pull the plug to get any leftovers.

While you have the plug out and are dealing with this mess, consider extending that drain out past the plate. The plugs are often standard NPT plugs and if room permits can often be extended. I have used a small piece of pipe and then used a pipe cap instead of a plug to close it up. It will make future oil changes a whole lot more pleasant.

Lee