G8, Won't start when it's in gear.

[rokcrlr]

I bought a G8 fixer upper a year ago,It was rolled over in a ditch and broke the front cowl and bent the top frame. Anyway, I can't get it to start when it's in gear. I have put in a fresh battery and as long as it's in neutral it will start just fine. When it does start ,it doesn't smoke or anything like it's worn out. Fresh gas,plug is clean, tho I haven't tried a new plug yet. Just trying to get some ideas before I start tearing it apart. I did get it to start in gear once and have drove it around in the snow soon after I bought it. However I spent some time with it this past summer and didn't have much luck with it. I'm kinda thinking maybe fuel pump,or vacume hoses, and it's not spinning fast enough while in gear to get fuel to it. I did give it a small shot of starting fluid once(not the best idea tho)and it fired up and ran.Any ideas??

[stuff4mason]

More than likely, your main jet in the carb is plugged up. There is a tiny hole (smaller than a safety pin) on the carb that can get plugged up. If the cart went sideways, that hole probably sucked up dirt from the bottom of the carb. I'd clean that carb real well. Doesn't sound like its getting proper fuel. Also make sure the air cleaner is sealed tight. They are real picky about proper air flow. Check plug to make sure its not fouled.

[Mike Mac]

Yes, what the pres said, dirty carb. But I'd start with pulling the gas tank and washing it out with tide and a rag on a stick. then replace in tank fuel filter. If you've never replaced the fuel lines, do so as well as vacuum lines at this time. I would clean fuel pump and carb, then you won't have this problem again. I did this 5 yrs ago, been perfect ever since!!

[DOOmsman]

If it runs well in neutral you may look clutches
to see if the drive clutch is opening all the way?

[rokcrlr]

Thanks guys, We are suppose to have some half way decent weather this week so I'll look at those things. My shade tree garage has no heat or roof(leaves) right now. :)

[rokcrlr]

Originally Posted by stuff4mason

More than likely, your main jet in the carb is plugged up. There is a tiny hole (smaller than a safety pin) on the carb that can get plugged up. If the cart went sideways, that hole probably sucked up dirt from the bottom of the carb. I'd clean that carb real well. Doesn't sound like its getting proper fuel. Also make sure the air cleaner is sealed tight. They are real picky about proper air flow. Check plug to make sure its not fouled.

There is no air cleaner on it at all. The whole thing is missing. I know from past experiance on old briggs , they wouldn't run without an aircleaner. The one time I did get it started is ran great and would idle down to a stop, as long as I kept a little pedal pressure on it to keep it running

[Dave in VA]

You need get a filter on it. OEM filter assy would be ideal. If you go with a uni-filter or K&N you will have to upsize the carb jets.