Added fuel filter to pushmower (pic)

[UNC197]

After getting my mower up and running again, I spliced in a fuel filter along with new gas line. This is a simple gravity fed carb and this filter does not restrict the flow of gas. The filter is a Parts Master 73011 aka Wix 3011. The inlet and outlets are 1/4 inch. I picked it up for

 

[Donald]

I have done the same. There is also a JD part number for a similar filter but smaller in diameter when things are tighter.

 

[Rand]

where is the on/off valve for the gas?

 

[UNC197]

There is no on/off valve for the gas on this mower.

 

[Donald]

Empty tank = OFF

 

[Quest]

excellent idea, charlij.

BTW: I suppose you manage to replace the flywheel key and get it restored, right?

Q.

 

[THE_TROTS]

Ethanol gas causes the glue in those to create restriction in gravity fed fuel systems. They work fine with a pump tho.

A sintered brass or screen type would be a better choice.

 

[UNC197]

Originally Posted By: Quest
excellent idea, charlij.

BTW: I suppose you manage to replace the flywheel key and get it restored, right?



Q.


Yep, replaced the flywheel key. I still do not know why is sheared in half.

Originally Posted By: THE_TROTS
Ethanol gas causes the glue in those to create restriction in gravity fed fuel systems. They work fine with a pump tho.

A sintered brass or screen type would be a better choice.


I guess time will tell.

 

[stockrex]

I bought a HF 800w generator, I am going to put similar filter inline,
I guess we can just replace the filter after a couple of years???

 

[edwardh1]

I added one to my snapper

 

[afoulk]

Originally Posted By: edwardh1
I added one to my snapper


as did I, went with the screen type and added a shut off valve while I was at it

 

[Brian123]

What's better, the screen type or the one the OP has on his mower?


I have the screen type on my push mower.

 

[UNC197]

Wix show that this filter has a micron rating of 12. I would not think a mesh would filter down to that small.

 

[Brian123]

Originally Posted By: CharlieJ
Wix show that this filter has a micron rating of 12. I would not think a mesh would filter down to that small.



You are correct, I checked the micron rating on the mesh screen filter and it is 75, guess I will be changing to the Wix Fuel Filter.

 

[afoulk]

I was always told the pleated style filters were made for engines with a fuel pump and the screen type were for gravity fed carbs, that's why I went with the screen type on my snapper

 

[Quest]

+1 to afoulk.

I'd stay away from pleated style fuel filters on mower engine due to lack of mechanical fuel pump (it's typically gravity feed). Either sintered brass filter type (must be a bit more porous in order to let sufficient fuel to flow through) or us 75micron mesh filter.

Bottomline: I just need a mesh filter to protect large debris from getting into the fuel bowl and anything (debri-wise) smaller than the jets and orifices used within the carb will get through w/o the risk of clogging the carb.

No need to go overboard on this matter (my take), for I've used coarser mesh filters (currently on the B&S red on my 675 mower engine) w/o issues.

Q.

 

[JTK]

It's always a great plan to add an in-line fuel filter if you can.

Like Quest says, some gravity feed systems or even some with fuel pumps can have a problem moving fuel through pleated element filters.

I've seen instances where larger Kohler powered OPE had fuel starvation issues when non-kohler fuel filters were used. This was on units with the vacuum/pulse powered fuel pumps.

If what you have passes fuel, you're good to go!

 

[UNC197]

I have mowed the lawn once (about 45 minutes of run time) with this filter in place and have had no starvation issues. The reason I felt safe with using this filter is because I know of a shop owner who installs many of these filters on those Chinese made scooters with gravity fed fuel systems and he has no issues with them. If I encounter any problems, I will update.

 

[BigCahuna]

With today's mower and power equipment having plastic gas tanks, I wouldn't expect to catch much in it. Where it's most likely to get stuff is from steel gas tanks. Rust especially, then water from condensation. If the mfgr felt it needed a filter, they probably install one from the factory.,,

 

[[email protected]]

I have done the same thing to my generator and riding mower.

The generator has a shut off valve.... the riding mower does not.

In either case its nice to have a shut-off valve also- especially if you are going through the trouble of adding an inline fuel filter, because that way you can run the engine until the carb bowl empties.

Empty bowl = no E10 gum/tarnish = no premature carb rebuild.
With that being said, at least having a fuel filter installed will solve the problem of just letting any junk get into the carb. Installing the filter is a LOT more than most small engine owners do.... heck, most never even check/change the oil