Thanks guys for the input about the gasket.
Scott-
I had no idea the QLs used a special laminated carb gasket. Apparently the paper separated from the center material perfectly and that's what threw me off.
Marty-
I figured that business was long gone. Another hint was the lack of the area code in the phone number. The fixture on the back of the 1200 is part of a leaf vac system.
The owner started the tractor while here to show me some of the problem. It wouldn't idle at all and upon tearing it down I noticed the fuel line was a tad short and rubbing the throttle lever to the point there was a shiny spot in the rubber. The idle screw stop was also bottomed out completely which I've never seen. He stated that someone "tuned" the carb recently but the bowl gasket looks well used and there was considerable debris/trash in the bowl. I think it will be an easy fix.
Now, I'd like some opinions. Since the owner has never had the head de-carboned I was planning on getting that done but if it runs well with no smoke after the carb fix would ya'll do the head? I was also planning to check/lap/adjust the valves and replace the points. All of that is so much easier with the engine on the bench. It IS a QL and I keep thinking...if it ain't broke don't fix it. It's not a matter of laziness here; it's a matter of keeping costs down. The owner lives about 1 1/2 hrs away so I might just do everything to make sure no return trip will be necessary.
Any input???
.
Scott-
I had no idea the QLs used a special laminated carb gasket. Apparently the paper separated from the center material perfectly and that's what threw me off.
Marty-
I figured that business was long gone. Another hint was the lack of the area code in the phone number. The fixture on the back of the 1200 is part of a leaf vac system.
The owner started the tractor while here to show me some of the problem. It wouldn't idle at all and upon tearing it down I noticed the fuel line was a tad short and rubbing the throttle lever to the point there was a shiny spot in the rubber. The idle screw stop was also bottomed out completely which I've never seen. He stated that someone "tuned" the carb recently but the bowl gasket looks well used and there was considerable debris/trash in the bowl. I think it will be an easy fix.
Now, I'd like some opinions. Since the owner has never had the head de-carboned I was planning on getting that done but if it runs well with no smoke after the carb fix would ya'll do the head? I was also planning to check/lap/adjust the valves and replace the points. All of that is so much easier with the engine on the bench. It IS a QL and I keep thinking...if it ain't broke don't fix it. It's not a matter of laziness here; it's a matter of keeping costs down. The owner lives about 1 1/2 hrs away so I might just do everything to make sure no return trip will be necessary.
Any input???
.
