I have a JD zero turn, 717A. I started it up this morning to run it over to my shop to do some maintenance and I noticed that it was smoking. I stopped and pulled the oil fill cap and the crankcase was full of gasoline. The mower has been idle for two months and wasn't smoking when it was last run.

So here's the question, is there any innocent way for the crankcase to get filled with gasoline? My first thought is that someone poured it in through the oil fill. But now I'm wondering if it could have siphoned in some way.

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Posted by Hammertime

Will trade dowsing rod for titties

Member since Jan 2012

43030 posts

Posted on 4/1/17 at 9:46 am to BiggerBear

quote:
So here's the question, is there any innocent way for the crankcase to get filled with gasoline?

When it's sitting idle....I'm trying to think of a way and I can't

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Posted by diablo blanco

Oakdale, Louisiana

Member since Dec 2007

1080 posts

Posted on 4/1/17 at 10:02 am to BiggerBear

My Husqvarna Zero turn did that to me awhile back. My small engine mechanic said I left the key on for an extended period of time and the carb and fuel pump (both of which needed a rebuild) continued to pump fuel from the tank and filled the crankcase. He suggested turning the gas valve off every time the mower is not in use.

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Posted by weadjust

Member since Aug 2012

15079 posts

Posted on 4/1/17 at 10:12 am to BiggerBear

The gas is leaking around the carb float needle and seat into the crankcase. If it runs okay put a fuel shut off valve on the fuel line if it doesn't already have one and change the oil.

I have a riding mower at the camp that does the same thing. I have been using mini vice grips for a shut off valve on the fuel line for about 10 years. I put the vice grips in my back pocket while I mow that serves as a reminder to shut off the fuel when I'm finished mowing.

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Posted by Elusiveporpi

Below I-10

Member since Feb 2011

2572 posts

Posted on 4/1/17 at 10:56 am to weadjust

What the above said.

I'm guessing g it's a gravity feed gas tank, you need to put a valve right after the fuel tank. And just shut it off when not in use.

You probably have a sticking jet/ float.

This post was edited on 4/1/17 at 10:58 am

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Posted by X123F45

Member since Apr 2015

27339 posts

Posted on 4/1/17 at 12:36 pm to BiggerBear

Float stuck on carb?

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Posted by BiggerBear

Redbone Country

Member since Sep 2011

2917 posts

Posted on 4/1/17 at 1:11 pm to weadjust

Well, it already has a shut-off valve, I've just never used it (I've had it for 13 years).

Fuel line comes out of the top of the gas tank and it has a diaphragm pump for the fuel, which was why I asked about siphoning.

I changed the oil, filter and plugs and it is running just fine. I shut off the fuel line after mowing and I guess, I'll just keep an eye on it from now on.

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Posted by weadjust

Member since Aug 2012

15079 posts

Posted on 4/1/17 at 1:25 pm to BiggerBear

It also has a fuel shut off solenoid on the carb. Can you hear it click when you turn the key to power?

As long as it runs right and you remember to shut the fuel off after use. I would roll with it.

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