1960 elgin 25hp starting issues.

[elgin25]

I have a 1960 elgin 25hp electric start that i recently acquired. the engine is getting fire and fuel. if i hold the choke closed and give it a little throttle it will start right up but runs rough and will die after 10 seconds or so.if you remove the plugs they are soaked in gas. the fuel pump is new and the carb is clean. there is not much resources out there for these motors. i need some outside opinions and knowledge to help me out here. thanks!

 

[F_R]

Re: 1960 elgin 25hp starting issues.

Hard to diagnose from here, but if the plugs are soaking as you say, there would seem to be a carburetor problem. Float valve not shutting off ???

 

[elgin25]

Re: 1960 elgin 25hp starting issues.

i was thinking the same thing but when i had the carb off and apart the needle valve showed no signs of wear nor did the seat and the float moved very easily. when i was trying to start the motor i would tap the side of the carb to insure the needle and the float was not stuck open. the float was set level. i fail to mention the fuel pump is not the original design. could it be possible that the fuel pump is creating to much pressure on the needle valve causing it to flood the motor?