2012 Dixie Chopper hard starting fix. Generac GRV760 Carb cleaning and fuel pump

12 year old dixie chopper which I purchased from a John Deere dealer was hard starting. In this video I swap out the fuel pump fuel filter and clean the carburetor.

[@ricksumlin8810]

Ok thank you Chris. I just thought you was close where I could bring it to you.

[@mmorris7808]

Good vid. Glad you chose to voice over...pretty windy day. Just purchased a 2004 Dixie XT3200. Same hard starting issues on the 32hp Generac as well. Looks like I'll be doing the same as you.

[@thewayidoit8895]

Like I said in the video, I can't say what fixed it. I'm thinking the cleaning the carb. I did disassemble the fuel pump and it looked okay except for some signs of dirt that had bypassed the filter. I'm adding a 3 way valve. Was mowing a side hill with full fuel and it leaked down the low side. I think $4500 was a lot for this - probably could buy it at the auction in May but I had the money and was deciding between this and a brand new z915e. The ride of the John Deere was a killer and I wasn't going to spend an extra $3k to get a suspension seat. Thanks for watching.

[@MrSouthofBoston]

Same issue with my 2005 XT3200 33HP Generac.

[@sleepybrowns]

Thanks for sharing

[@rshutterbug47]

Good Info Thanks

[@thewayidoit8895]

Another thing I discovered is the Donaldson air filter inlet cover Has a spinner with many plastic components. It was broken, collapsed and restricted air flow, choking it at higher RPM's. I like the idea of the device so I purchased a used steel one on eBay.

[@johnnyriser8519]

Enjoyed the video. Thanks for sharing. As you stated, there is very little information on the internet regarding Generac lawn mower engines. I am trying to see the placement of the governor spring on a Generac GTV-760 (050582) engine that is on a Dixie Chopper zero turn mower. The spring came lose, and I'm unsure where it goes. Thanks.

[@thewayidoit8895]

Someone recently requested that as well. Maybe I can just shoot a quick video of the orientation.

[@tracnunya7165]

oh, by the way, the HARD START COLD ? I bet your carb mount bolts were just loose enough to allow a leak, i have seen it on four of those same motors so far. They either loosen up or were never torqued right, or, the stock manifold gasket shrunk. So first thing to do, check the torque on the bolts holding the carb to the engine. Take an unlit propane torch and aim the propane at the carb to engine manifold see if the engine speeds up.If they WERE LOOSE, you may have to remove carb, clean or replace the gasket, and put some sealant on it as it may have dust dirt in the area where air was leaking in, I use spray copper head gasket sealant.

[@harryerhart5978]

Make sure you don't run one tank dry there's no fuel shut off and you will lose fuel pump prime also the fuel shut off solenoid may need cleaning or replace they gum up from sitting because of the crappy gas , good luck with your Dixie

[@thewayidoit8895]

Great information. In my case the fuel tanks are simply wyed together. If I have full tanks and mow a side hill I can have fuel come out the lower tank.

[@ricksumlin8810]

Hello Sir. I have a Dixie Copper as well. I wanted to ask if you are located in GA?

[@thewayidoit8895]

No, sorry. Wish I was 8n that great weather. I am in western New York where we expect a half foot of snow next week! The Dixie Chopper is fantastic. I probably paid too much for mine but am working through some issues that the previous owner caused. When I bought it I nearly went for a new John Deere at almost double what I paid. One ride across a rough yard and I knew it was the best choice.

[@SnowleopardPearl]

the solenoid under the floatbowl on the carb is a fuel shutoff it is supposed to shut the fuel off so it wont backfire =) we have the exact same model/year/design of that one and we setoff the safety shutoff because the ebrake handle no longer operates correct and when it backfires you can hear it for quite a distance... its rare (but does happen) the fuel pump usually doesnt go bad the dixie we have has oh i think 1400 hours and lives in a barn.. other then the owner constantly leaving the battery in it every year its always started. most dont know this but some of those dixie chopper have twin element air filters which people replace with a single element.. the owner of this one said they purchased it from dixie with a twin element so they ALWAYS replace it with the same twin element they wrote the belt, air, oil and spark plug numbers under the seat and have it all replaced every end of the season

[@thewayidoit8895]

Yes, I have worked out all the issues and have it back as it was intended from dixie chopper. Someone owned this and hacked it up. Some people should not be allowed near machines.

[@ChickenFriedBBQ]

i just picked up a used Dixie Chopper model XG2703 Classic 60" with the same Generac motor.... its my first zero turn, so looking forward to it! The previous owner says it runs for about 45 min and then dies? Lets it sit for an hour or so and cranks back up? i ran it for about a hour yesterday.....no problems yet

[@thewayidoit8895]

Keep me posted. I have a charging issue so I'll be pulling the flywheel to check magnets. The deal who had this left it outside 24/7 for over a year. Killed the seat and may have done more damage elsewhere.

[@ChickenFriedBBQ]

@@thewayidoit8895 unfortunately mine did quit on me after 45 min or so today.....struggled to get it back started and out of the front yard. cut about 70% of my yard and then struggled to stay running? i am far from a mechanic, but my buddy thinks the carb needs to be cleaned? we will try that in the next week...ill keep you posted

[@thewayidoit8895]

@@ChickenFriedBBQ could be a heat issue too. Vapor lock can cause issues too. Just check it all. Be sure there is no place the fuel line can be overheated. Also there could be electrical issues. When it stalls like that you need to see if you loose spark. Is it possible the solenoid in the carburetor is closing to cut off fuel? After 45 minutes the fuel shut off solenoid might fail then cool over time and allow it to restart. I've even seen spark plugs cause similar issues but it only took a few minutes. Best of luck.

[@ChickenFriedBBQ]

@@thewayidoit8895 will do and thanks bud! really appreciate it!

[@wallyandsue]

@@ChickenFriedBBQ same issue. Please keep me posted.

[@G.E.L]

I just purchased one and my hydro oil is leaking any tips??

[@thewayidoit8895]

Tough deal. You'll need to clean it and pinpoint the source. There's plenty of hoses that can leak. Seals on the motors can be a bit more involved.

[@cassandraa004]

My Dixie was working fine. Mowed my front and back yard around an acre. Parked it and tried to turn it on and lost all power. Tested battery and it’s fully charged. Any ideas?

[@thewayidoit8895]

Just the basics. I think theres a main fuse it's just in a wire with a black cover over it. Behind the seat on tge left side of the engine if it's like mine. perhaps a wire wore thru where it passes to the mower deck etc. Just tracing with a test light is what I'd do.

[@cassandraa004]

@@thewayidoit8895thanks! There were two fuses by the battery. I didn’t see the other one by the starter. It starts now!

[@thewayidoit8895]

@@cassandraa004 Great to hear. Take a look for any wires that might short going through or around metal. I think mine had a problem like this. Yes, battery/starter area. Best of luck.

[@cassandraa004]

@@thewayidoit8895thank you, from Texas! 😊

[@otisshelley4498]

I’m having trouble with my governor on a Dixie chopper can you show me a picture of yours on your Generac engine

[@thewayidoit8895]

I can try tomorrow. Didn't see this earlier. Do you mean the linkage from engine to carburetor?

[@tracnunya7165]

i have the same mower, cleaning carb did fix hard start cold, other issue though is diesiling at high speed idle, up down up down, slightly closing choke smooths it out, backfiring too at most speeds, unloaded, choke fixed that too, the carb circuits are all clean, it acts like it wants more fuel to air, some drill the passages and it fixes it, i chose to just leave the choke very slightly restrictive by moving the choke cable outer casing until it smoothed out. this made it smooth and stop backfiring, it is only SLIGHTLY restrictive and not highly restrictive where it might wash the cylinders with gas and dilute the oil, as when the choke is fully applied. It just wants more gas or less air. What do you think ?

[@thewayidoit8895]

Thanks for the great comments. I also have a couple electrical issues. It doesn't charge and won't shut off. I fear the Magnets have come loose. Some bozo has messed with the electrical system.

[@tracnunya7165]

@@thewayidoit8895 there is a component that fails and it won't charge, I have replaced two of them on top of outside of engine, rectifier

[@dannysmith1169]

Ive had mine sience 2006 xg 2703-60 kohler, hardly any issues out of it, i use premium gas and use a product called max milage from Pittsburgh power in saxonburg pa, sold for diesel engines but is used in gas and works very well, makes burn rate of fuel higher and takes 60 percent of soot out of engine, starts up on first turn on key every time, gas is 1 ml to 1 gallon of gas so 5 ml to 5 gallon small syringe or turkey baster. Not affiliated with them but have used in my diesel commercial trucks sience it came out. Just suggestion. Very expensive so id go with half gallon and will last for a long time. Never cleaned out carbs or any fuel issues so far little over 300hrs on it just basic oil changes and reg maint such as belts and fuel filters. Thx for vid i might pull of carbs and check thx.

[@bdi11000]

Had off brand fuse (lower) crud and defective. Clean and happy now!

[@wallyandsue]

I think my carb float sticks. Flooding the engine continually. Will try to clean carb. Great video. If I get stuck, can I bring my Dixie to Jamestown for you to fix for me? I’m near Meadville.

[@thewayidoit8895]

I think you may be on the right track. Could be sticking or could be debris. I'm pretty busy until August as I'm retiring then and am not taking any vacation. If you have the same intake system as I do check the top cover piece. It's got a little fan in it to separate out the dirt. Mine had broken and collapsed blocking air flow. Try removing it - held on with a hose clamp I think.

[@wallyandsue]

@@thewayidoit8895 i took the carb apart this morning, just like you did in the video. The bowl was full of dirty fuel and debris. I blew it out with compressed air and hit it with carb cleaner. Put it back together and it fired right up. Mowed for another hour. Still getting some sputtering every once in awhile at top speed, but hopefully it works itself out. May buy a replacement carb to keep on hand just in case. Thanks again for the video. Enjoy retirement

[@thewayidoit8895]

@@wallyandsue sounds close. For best results I hope you use non-ethanol gasoline. Is your air intake good on the top too?

[@wallyandsue]

@@thewayidoit8895 welp - I thought I had it fixed. But she ran great for an hour and she stalled out again with no rhyme or reason. I drug her back to the barn after she refused to start again. Next morning the entire barn stunk of gas and fuel was weeping out of the carb, near the choke lever. I assumed I had a bad carburetor. Ordered a new one. I installed it. The Chopper fired right up. Ran for 30 minutes and died. Same thing. Gas weeping out the choke lever. I ended up taking it to the local hardware store and let the small engine guys mess with it. Had to mow my five acres with a brush hog pulled behind my ATV. Took forever! Still waiting for diagnosis.

[@thewayidoit8895]

@@wallyandsue sorry to hear that. I'm going to tackle some electrical issues on mine and will video it when I do. Time is at issue. Every time I might have some time I'm lucky enough to get overtime at work. It's also hay season and the hay is a couple weeks ahead already. Best of luck and keep me posted.

[@LeonelVazquez-vs8ux]

Como cambiar la banda

[@thewayidoit8895]

With the knob on the radio? Move to a new station? Are you speaking of the drive "velt" on the mower or for the hydrostatic pump. I recall it was a challenge but doable.

[@rickycrosby6434]

Belts

[@thewayidoit8895]

Yes, it has belts. I have replaced the deck belt but not the main drive belt.