John Deere STX38 has Gas In The Oil

[@randomwrenching]

Hey Bruce, I've fixed up 5 of the STX38's for resale. Great machines if you know their quirks. The Kohlers like 10w30 oil. The float and needle is prone to allowing fuel to leak by if you don't have a manual valve. And if you get one that the throttle is acting all weird, check to see that the lever on the top of the carb is actually tight on the throttle rod and the butterfly is actually moving properly. Another great video, my fellow Canadian!

[@BrucesShop]

Thanks a lot

[@russb3816]

Thank you for another outstanding video. You know that im always waiting for the next pender production to appear to help me through the day. Thanks so much for posting my friend. I just love your channel.

[@BrucesShop]

Thanks so much

[@mikehaske1900]

I had a yellow deck stx 38,got it from a neighbor,sat in her pole barn 10 years.mouse nest under flywheel housing it ruined the charging stator!carb was cleaned .used stator.ran it for6 years sold last week,it was a spicer 5 speed.tough little mower.had to sell it to many mowers.i picked up a free superLT1550 25hp kohler.cleaned carb!runs good!

[@BrucesShop]

Good for you

[@999thenewman]

Deja Vu. That's the only word I could find to describe this video. You are very fair to your customers. Great work, Bruce.

[@BrucesShop]

He is a repeat customer who has become a friend.

[@999thenewman]

@@BrucesShop Yes. Remember, some friends occasionally bring additional items for you to keep as a thank you. Looking forward to some unexpected fun tinkering is the best feeling.

[@KensSmallEngineRepair]

Good thing he didn’t hydraulic the rings! I love my STX-38! Tough little tractor!

[@BrucesShop]

This one has really done lot of work.

[@staind288]

Hydro-lock

[@BrucesShop]

@@staind288 not quite it started for him and that scared him as of the smoke.

[@nashguy207]

Great Job Bruce! Glad he didn't run it long with all that gas in the crankcase!

[@BrucesShop]

Yes he knew right away to stop

[@clauslundberg9224]

Peanuts - cold pint of IPA and BP-TV - great start for the weekend. Thanks Bruce

[@BrucesShop]

Thanks again Claus as always.

[@puppygadget3189]

I have the same fuel in my oil and might be why it was hard to start being hydro locked. I went to adjust the valves to see if that was why it was not turnover properly when I would try and start it so pulled the valve cover and about an ounce of fuel came out. So I took off the oil fill cap and could smell the gas was obviously on the oil. So got a new carb for now tO put on which came with a shut off valve which my Ariens 42 inch lawman tractor did not have for the 18.5 hp Briggs. I hope since I’ve had this hard to turnover to start most the time I’ve had it. I hear the Niki carbs that came on these which is what is on mine are junk. I bought a RIPP brand carb which had great reviews but read best carb is a Walbro that wakes these Briggs right up. So he,Ed to figure out what one it needs if this ne RIPP carb doesn’t work so well. Just sucks having an real nice lawn mower that every time I would go out to use it the thing wouldn’t turn over. So I would turn it by hand on the top of the engine to where it’s past compression then hit the starter but then that stopped working after buying two new batteries and burning out the original starter. Either way the Briggs has this compression release that breaks all the time I hear which is unexceptable. If I knew this I wouldn’t have bought a mower with a Briggs.

[@BrucesShop]

Somethings are a challenge for sure.

[@garysgarage3669]

I read the title and instantly said needle and seat. I knew you would get there.

[@BrucesShop]

Thanks Gary

[@butler386]

Yep that was a very naughty carburetor for sure. The important thing is you saved for another few years as long as the owner takes good care of it. At least it did not have one of those Nickie (sp) carbs. on it. Great fix once again. Trudy does not spill gas. Stay safe and warm.

[@BrucesShop]

Right I hate those Nikki (sp) too. Good to hear from you.

[@johnnylong8259]

To get the old carb to function properly you have to replace the seat. I had the same problem several times. The only way to get the replaceable seat is to by a complete master rebuild kit. The part number is 12-521-03-s for the gravity fed model. The electric fuel pump model is 12-521-04-s.

[@BrucesShop]

Thanks. A master comment.

[@TLMD]

Very nice! You always seem to be enjoying yourself. I hope to be like that too someday.

[@BrucesShop]

I just do

[@Lovinflyindrones2022]

I wish u were my neighbor!!! Thanks again for the nice video

[@BrucesShop]

Well you wouldn't say that from November to April. Snow on the ground for six months.

[@billkrause4585]

You have it sounding real good.

[@BrucesShop]

Thanks Bill

[@steveb.6267]

Those stx 38s are nice old mowers, have quirky electrical systems though. As they age you have to keep on top of the grounding points (of which there are many) and make sure they are good.

[@BrucesShop]

You are right. Anything with the yellow lead shutoff going all over is like that.

[@sfrrob]

Really enjoy the 38 videos, invaluable information as I just can't seem to dig any workshop manuals up for it. What is the correct socket size used for the blades on this machine?

[@BrucesShop]

I would have to sat i don't know. You will just have to check when you go under sorry. I am in the house and it is cold out there today. Sorry sir.

[@sfrrob]

@@BrucesShop no worries, I think I could get a 15mm socket on the bolt the other day, but the bolt head is damaged from who ever had a go at it last time. Was hoping to find a replacement locally. Keep up the good work.

[@BrucesShop]

@@sfrrob If you get them out use a file to clean up the edges. I do that all the time.

[@SF004]

Hi Bruce, the Briggs 12hp engine blew up literally on the stx 38 yellow deck. I was looking around and found a Kohler Command 15.5. Would it be suitable for this tractor? Many thanks!

[@BrucesShop]

Well i am not a yard tractor guru. If it fits physically into the hole i say got for it.

[@laurijorgenson6683]

Hi Bruce, love your channel and have learned much from you. I do have a question for you or the troops. I have a John Deere STX38 yellow deck. When my fuel shutoff is turned off, I have no leaking of fuel beneath the carburetor. When I open the fuel shutoff valve, I get dripping beneath the carburetor. Gas doesn’t appear to be leaking into my crankcase. I tested the fuel solenoid or anti run on solenoid and it operates properly by drawing down with 12 volts or springing up without voltage. I noticed that plunger has a rubber tip. Could that rubber plug cause a leak if it were bad or does it ultimately have to be the needle and seat in the carb? Thank you in advance. And thanks again for educating us.

[@BrucesShop]

I am not sure. I would suspect a needle and seat. I only say that as just how the numbers go that is the most common.

[@jerryf2426]

PA LAWN GUY> Bruce if you submerge a float in hot tap water, it will emit bubbles in short order if it is leaking. Like the videos.

[@BrucesShop]

Thanks. I did know that. tanks for the comment. You never know what will help.

[@davessmallenginerevival2847]

I never spill gas, cough cough, I have had a few of these carbs leak. I bought a few kohlers like this one in early October plus a 20hp kohler magnum opposed twin !!! That should be fun to do a video on the first run. Great video Bruce

[@BrucesShop]

Wow did yo pay the big bucks for the new Kohler carb?

[@davessmallenginerevival2847]

@@BrucesShop no if I remember correctly it was around $30. But I'm not certain. If I need something ordered from Amazon or eBay I go through a friend of mine

[@BrucesShop]

@@davessmallenginerevival2847 You have friends??? LOL just teasing.

[@kenhilson786]

I sold an old small husqvarna for the 100 I had likely put into. I was given their old stx38 yellow deck mower which supposedly has bad pto clutch. He said something about not being original transaxle. I pulled connector and applied power to clutch and got nice click. It started fine and drove to storage area. Looking forward to checking it out but maybe not before spring. Got a decent mtd unit with at our church dumpster and friend got a Toro by mtd from his tenant. Lots of winter projects.

[@BrucesShop]

Perfect. we will get some snow tomorrow.

[@kenhilson786]

@@BrucesShop just saw 15-25 cm forecast for Edmonton.

[@kenhilson786]

@@BrucesShop 3 days of sun and 19 degrees for us in Ontario.

[@BrucesShop]

@@kenhilson786 Good for you. You usually get what we have 4 days later.

[@billkrause4585]

I would change the needle and seat, then see if the float needs adjusted to shut off the fuel off at high level in the bowl.

[@BrucesShop]

Right this was 3 years ago I think i ended up changing out the carb. I don't think these carbs have an adjustable float

[@themowerman]

Good one mate. How much was the carb

[@BrucesShop]

To confess I could not afford a Kohler which was $100. So I bought an import. for $24

[@Lovinflyindrones2022]

I’m glad u made it back!!!

[@BrucesShop]

From Where. I have been housebound since March. LOL

[@fixitorstripitGardenmachines]

Top job as all ways.

[@victoredington3316]

fuel can still leak into the crankcase even if there is an electric shut off. That only stops it from backfiring. the needle and seat is above the electric shutoff.

[@BrucesShop]

Right. A manual shutoff is the way

[@GrampiesWorkshop]

How's she goin'? You have done a lot of work on this mower over the years and I think you don't want it to die, so you work extra hard to keep it running. Good fix here. I have a '97 Honda ATV that was leaking fuel like this mower. It turned out to be the pin on the float was worn so bad the float couldn't raise the needle far enough to shut off the fuel. A new carb was the answer there too!!! Great video Take care!!

[@BrucesShop]

Thanks again Grampie

[@jeffreykreft5442]

Hi Bruce, just started watching your videos. Just so you know you didn’t have to replace the carburetor, you can tell by looking at the float level that it was way too low, infamous with the Waldron carbs. All you need to do is replace the needle and seat and I would also replace the float just because they are only a few bucks. Anyway when you press in the new brass seat you have to be careful not to go too far down, check the float height, you want it just above level to insure it seals, then bench test it again like you did in the beginning and it should be good to go. This repair should only cost you about $15 and you won’t have to bother with aftermarket carbs, most of them are junk and almost always require readjusting. This saves you the headache of having to do all that bs. Hope this helps, love the videos, just started going through them all.

[@BrucesShop]

Thanks

[@rbarr775]

Donyboy warns against the Chinese inline shutoff valves. They always leak eventually. He uses the Briggs & Stratton version, which looks absolutely identical but holds up. A few bucks more. If the crankcase fills with fuel, there are obviously two problems -- the carb and the inline valve (assuming the valve was kept in the 'off' position).

[@BrucesShop]

He is right.

[@oldoldpilgrim7898]

One Snapper counter man said they'd been told, when gas leaks through the carb into the crankcase put a kit in the carb. If it does it again, put on a new carb. Another told me which part to replace so I didn't even have to buy a whole kit.

[@BrucesShop]

Right I have done a kit a while back Now I replaced the carb. Good mention.

[@oldoldpilgrim7898]

When the parts man only sold me what I needed, I thought I'd found a B&S dealer for the rest of my life. The next time I needed parts, he was gone and his replacement acted like a babe in the parts dept.

[@AB-fs5ui]

Had that problem on a elderly lady’s rider she had 17 hp Kohler drained oil changed oil filter and shut off Solinoid it had a shut off for fuel after useing I’d shut it off and let it idle till carb ran out of fuel no more fuel in oil then.

[@BrucesShop]

Right on.

[@chrisgrosser4054]

What do you use to clean the floor? My garage would look loke a crime scene.

[@BrucesShop]

I just wipe the oil as soon as it is spilled (Yes I use gas on a rag). The garage is 31 years old and there is so much dust embedded into the concrete (as my alley is not paved) It repels the oil too. . I clean it out by just sweeping it out and sometimes using a leaf blower to blow everything out. I power wash it once a year.

[@thomascaulfield9277]

hi all in the us how do you find amazon carbs here in the uk they tend to be on the dear side and in my experiance ureliable ,great site bruce keep it up

[@BrucesShop]

Yes it is a crapshoot. With Honda's and these the imported carbs are ok. Many however need work when they come in. For example yu have to mdify the throttle shaft t the old one. If they weight a similar weight you have a better one. I have an import on my Honda mower and it does need more maintenance that the OEM. The shaft gums up faster.

[@Lovinflyindrones2022]

Hey I have a ?? For u. I have a weed eater /trimmer or weed strummer as Mick calls it that says it’s 4 stroke. How can that be. I thought weed trimmers were all 2 stroke. Can u explain???

[@BrucesShop]

Now there are trimmers with 4 stroke engines. They are heavier though. People like them as you don't have to mix the fuel. Here is one sold in Canada. www.canadiantire.ca/en/pdp/husqvarna-4-cycle-25cc-gas-grass-trimmer-18-in-0602399p.html

[@kenhilson786]

Thought you would have tried the valve lap compound this time.

[@BrucesShop]

I did try it. Remember my videos don't come out the same day the repair is done. Sorry to admit that. 35,000 subs keeps me busy.

[@paulbrown8370]

Bruce, I haven't seen Brasso since my days in Vietnam 50 years ago, wow. I didn't know they still made that stuff.

[@BrucesShop]

I puled it out of the linen closet. What were you polishing in Vietnam. Bullets, gun parts, belt buckles, or buttons?

[@paulbrown8370]

@@BrucesShop We had to keep our belt buckles clean and shined for when we come home, if we made it back. I did two tours in Vietnam because i wanted to. I enlisted in the Army and volunteered to go to Nam. I wish i could go back again and stay this time.

[@BrucesShop]

@@paulbrown8370 Thanks Paul. Thanks for everything you have done for all of us. With Remembrance Day coming up on November 11. (Your Veterans day). We have a Poppy selling program that we wear on our lapels that helps the Legions financially .

[@paulbrown8370]

@@BrucesShop Thank you brother. Thank you for the support, i have been a member of the Legion for the last 50 years now. I just wish i could go back today and maybe stay there this time, but the wife says i would go alone then.

[@BrucesShop]

@@paulbrown8370 Well I hope we all live a good quality life. Thanks again.

[@Lovinflyindrones2022]

Hey. Kens Small Engines is coming on live tonight at 9. I’d love to see u there

[@BrucesShop]

We will see. Ken i a great guy.

[@Hanson3]

Kohler 12-521-03-S Kit Inlet S will solve all your carb issues. You need to replace the brass seat... Owner STX38 since 1995

[@BrucesShop]

Thanks Ken. I will check it out as I wrecked the original seat after putting in the replacement carb by playing around. you know how it goes. Drill bets ets. LOL.

[@paulgrimes212]

Doesn't the carb have a replaceable seat like in a lawnmower?

[@BrucesShop]

Go to 8:10 not this video. But in the video below. It is older The seat is brass kzbin.info/www/bejne/lYS9pImIrt2sjrc

[@adammosher5818]

Did the air filter get soaked and what brand of carb is on it walbro or Nickie 6

[@BrucesShop]

The air filter stayed dry. It is a Walbro Carb. Specs John Deere AM132119 number which was what I ordered but the JD price was $193 Canadian dollars. So I bought a cheaper replacement from Amazon.ca (Canadian amazon) www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B0779PCS2S/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o06_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1.

[@TheGreatOne16439]

How exactly did gas get into the oil? Or did I miss something here?

[@BrucesShop]

The carb fills up with gas due to a leaking seat and needle (like a filling overflow toilet) . Then it flows into the valve cover through the vent tube and down the oil galley into the crankcase mixing with the oil..

[@TheGreatOne16439]

@@BrucesShop Thanks for clearing that up Bruce!

[@armyvet4081]

i did a carb and left a piece of fiber from the q tip- and the needle leaked- just a few days ago

[@BrucesShop]

Yes That can happen. Donnyboy73 did a video on that.

[@mr1pearl]

That muffler won't rust for five more years haha !

[@BrucesShop]

It is on there still. You may remember it was 5 years ago I patched it on there. kzbin.info/www/bejne/sKi1i2iJbM6XbKc

[@josephhenson8843]

I had one of those, reverse went out

[@victoredington3316]

Kohler commands of that style are one of the worst fuel leaking carbs, but they are excellent otherwise.

[@BrucesShop]

You are right

[@victoredington3316]

Maybe you should disconnect the fuel line past the shutoff valve and see if that one is leaking a little before you are done. Plus about half of those chinese shut off valves leak right out of the box or shortly after/

[@BrucesShop]

Well It went home now sorry

[@victoredington3316]

@@BrucesShop thats ok, you are still my favorite repair guy because I mostly do push mowers like you, just dont tell any of the other youtubers I said that. haha

[@deborahabercrombie9461]

i had to put new lifters in one last year

[@BrucesShop]

Do you have an stx38 I think I get it duh :-)

[@not2fast4u2c]

Poor old tractor ..Should be retired to the Penderosa Ranch were it can live out it's last few years

[@BrucesShop]

We will put it out to stud Fun stuff Jim

[@garyfox8170]

I spill a lot more fuel since we switched to the environmental protection gas cans!

[@BrucesShop]

Isn't that right. I have one out of the four I use and the only time I spill more than a drop is when I use the new one.

[@melchristian8876]

👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍

[@BrucesShop]

Thanks