Hand cranking F-20

Evan Mellott · Jul 17, 2011

We have been pull starting it so far, but today I tried to hand start it for the first time and it wouldn't start. After about ten cranks I unscrewed the plug on the very bottom of the carb and quite a bit of gas came out. Does this mean that my carb was flooded. I tried to start it again, sometimes with choke on and sometimes with it off. I'm new at hand cranking and I only crank it half a turn. Any tips on what im doing wrong and what I need to do would be very helpful.

36F30 · Jul 17, 2011

Evan, the plug on the bottom of the carb is actually a type of vent that allows excess gas to drip out. I find some have been replaced by pipe plugs, but that plug is the only way for excess gas to drip out and not flood the engine. It should have a piece of felt in the plug.

Each one starts a little different you just have to figure yours out, generally mine start like this. Set mag to start position, Set starter impulse( if manual set), turn on fuel at tank, set choke to full and upstroke crank one time, turn off choke,(a few drips of gas usually drip out of vent plug) recheck impulse, upstroke crank until it starts usually in one or two pulls. I never use the primer cups but some do, just make sure they are closed or it will never start as they won't let vacuum build in the carb if they are open.

Micahel B · Jul 17, 2011

Hello,

Yes this means that your carb had fuel in the fuel bow, but may not be flooded. Make sure that your choke is working properly also. I have an F12 with a handcrank and had the same problem. You need to be real careful because I started mine with the crank and the handle was thrown off the tractor and hit me in the head. This required three staples. You can try having someone push in on the clutch when trying to start the tractor, this will make it easier to crank. You also need to make sure that you have good spark.

Mike

rustred · Jul 17, 2011

Holy se- shi- how can that happen? did the wife throw it at you?
hand starting my W12 is not even exersize compared to my WD40 which starts on the second pull most times. four 6 1/2" pistons and you know you have a beast by the horns.

Tom Fleming · Jul 17, 2011

Mine's a tad different from 36's, but not far off. with the spark control off, full throttle, choke on. 2 complete cranks. Throttle backed off to 1/3, spark avanced 1/2 way, quick upstroke from the 4-5 oclock position, and 9 times out of 10, she starts right up. I also agree that each one of these old girls has a slightly different personality.

Most of my letter series starts with a crank the same way, although, with the H4 mag, no need or way to adjust the advance on the spark. My F-12 is a VERY cantankerous old coot on a cold start. Same technique, just add 2 more complete cranks on the first step........and 1-2 more on the the second step. That is my only complaint about the F-12, cranky old girl she is (pun intended!)

RAW in · Jul 17, 2011

36 has it right for ours too, althoughyears ago dad told me to pull up slow.And he meant SLOW. About a 4 second pull for half turn of crank. Seems to start better that way, unless it is flooded.

Micahel B · Jul 17, 2011

My dad was there to watch....he said the handle didn't come off right away when the engine started which had the handle spinning really fast...I guess I tried to stop it with my head.

cole in mo. · Jul 17, 2011

with my ole rusty 37 F-20, turn gas on, pull crank out of holder, walk around to the other side, get nutural in tranny, four notches on throttle, 1/3rd advance, full choke, one quick half turn on crank, choke off, one to two show half turns, and its running. when hot same prosedure, except for the choke, only one half turn needed to start.

F-Dean · Jul 18, 2011

Was the crank damaged? LOL

Try starting with a tristed belt. That is easier for one person and a lot safer.

Hand cranking F-20

Evan Mellott

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36F30

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Micahel B

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rustred

Well-known Member

Tom Fleming

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RAW in

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Micahel B

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cole in mo.

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F-Dean

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