601 Workmaster

Hey everyone.
I have a 601 workmaster that is running rough under load. It backfires and lags and then tries to die. Without a load it?s perfect. I have changes plugs and wires, fuel filter and coil. What is the issue? Thanks

The first thing I always do is check/clean/replace/regap the points.
Then check the timing.
If you replace the points buy good Blue Streak or equivalent from NAPA or somesuch.
Don't buy the cheap ones from TSC, etc.
They do not last.

Check that it has good fuel flow. When the tractor starves for fuel it will also have those symptoms.

Like others said, check the points, point gap. Check for wear in the distributor shaft bushing. It must have very little side play in order for the points to stay set. Also check the centrifugal advance, it should turn freely a few degrees and spring back. If it is stuck, the distributor will need to come apart to get it freed up and lubricated.

There is a drain plug in the carb bowl. With the engine off, fuel valve open, pull the plug, catch the flow in a clean glass. It should flow a full stream until the bowl empties down, then slow to a trickle, but not to a drip or stop. If it does not continue to flow, there is a restriction in the fuel supply. Look at what was caught in the glass. If it is contaminate with rust, trash, or water, the same will be in the carb. The tank will need to be cleaned, line and sediment bowl cleaned, carb cleaned.

Once everything is cleaned and back together, and the air cleaner serviced, choke is open fully, you may need to adjust the main jet. With the engine up to operating temperature, adjust the idle mix, at slow idle, to get the smoothest idle. Then adjust the main. To adjust, have the engine idling, then suddenly open the throttle. It should take sudden throttle without hesitation. If it hesitates, back the main screw out 1/4 turn, try again. Fine tune it until it takes throttle without hesitation. A single puff of black smoke is a good indicator.

(quoted from post at 23:54:40 04/09/18) Hey everyone.
I have a 601 workmaster that is running rough under load. It backfires and lags and then tries to die. Without a load it?s perfect. I have changes plugs and wires, fuel filter and coil. What is the issue? Thanks

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When you mentioned "fuel filter" alarm bells went off.What kind of fuel filter?If an in line,get rid of it.The ignition system items mentioned above all have to be closely looked at as well.

Thanks y?all. I?ll follow up with those things and get back to y?all

I've said this dozens of times before. It is almost always the points. Check the points first.

Well guys, I replaced the condenser, points, and rotor button and it still does the same thing under a load. I reckon I?ll have to replace the carburetor.