About P.K. Jones Expertise I can answer most questions about commercial and residential outdoor equipment. I can also help with questions about import atv's, Karts and scooters. I can't help you with generator electrical output however if it's an engine problem, I'm more than happy to help.
I'm in the South, so snowblowers and snowmobiles are outside of my area of knowledge. If it's a question about the engine on a snowblower I can help. But I'm just not familiar with the drive systems for snowblowers.
Experience I own Grand Junction Small Engines and Grandjunctionsmallengines.com, a full service shop and national parts sales site. My shop is an Authorized Repair Center for many brands and we work on equipment from most manufacturers. We are also a dealer and service center for several lines of outdoor sports products such as atv's, utv's and Karts. Personally, I have over 25 years experience working with small engines and outdoor power equipment.
Education/Credentials I've attended many small engine and power equipment factory schools and seminars. I average 100 plus hours annually in update schools and specialized training schools and am current on all brands my shop is authorized to do warranty and factory service on.
Question hi, i am having an issue with my lawn tractor. It ran fine the last time we used it, now its sputtering and backfiring when you let the clutch out to a little under half way with or without the blades on. If you hold it in it runs fine. We replaced the spark plugs, cleaned air filter ect. I'm stumped!!!
model # 917.272073
Answer There are a lot of things it could be but the first three to check would be airflow, timing and fuel supply. The timing is controlled by the flywheel position and can be checked by verifying that the keyways in the crank and flywheel are aligned. To do this you have to remove the flywheel covers and the retaining nut.
Checking the fuel supply is a bit more difficult but a good indicator would be plug condition. If one or both are very black or gray and ashy, then you have a fuel problem. Also, if this has a twin, verify that both pistons are moving and making power. Broken rods, stuck valves, blown head gaskets, these can all cause power loss. Identifying them may be done with a compression gauge.
Next would be replacement of the air filter. Paper air filters cannot be cleaned. Cleaning them only damages them. Thanks, PK.
