Craftsman LT1000 tractor not starting up quick & putrid gas smell!

[Don2222]

Hello
Seems to be a common issue with these old LT1000 tractors.
I tried everything else before this!
Replaced gas filter and all gas lines, even the gas tank and no luck with the gas smell! So I did see that warn needles and valves in the carborater can smell!
I got the part numbers and looked up a new carb.
It is a Sears 2003 Craftsman with Kohler 17.0 Engine model 917.272082 and carburetor part number 12-053-118
Saw one on eBay for $24.95 plus $7.00 shipping!
Will this do the trick??
Just 3 bolts, 2 linkages, 2 hoses and plugging in one wire after removing the air filter so not very difficult just dirty and smelly!!
Carburetor For 12853118S 12853104S Craftsman LT1000 Kohler Pro 17HP OHV Tractors | eBay
It starts with just one turn of the key now!
Pics 1-4 original 2003 carb
Pics 5-8 new one!
Worn carburetor smell of gas - ah ha!
https://cv-performance.com/cv-performance-motorcycle-blog/Common-carburetor-fuel-leaks
Great vid that shows how to replace the needle & seat on the 2 most common lawn mower carbs.
Niki6 or Walbro
I have the 2nd carb called a Walbro!
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=t9W9bs-KLaI

 

[Don2222]

I spilled gas when disconnecting the gas line and also gas spilled out of the old carburetor so hard to tell for sure.
However the Tractor started so much easier, just one turn of the key! When I drove the tractor back into the garage it did not smell so much. Not like before!
As seen in the vid, the needle valve not seating properly can cause the leak inside the engine.
Another vid shows where the float bowl can leak but no gas on the ground so that is unlikely.
Looks like the mystery is solved!

 

[johneh]

They are super easy to clean and overhaul
But it costs less to replace than overhaul
The age of swap parts Do not repair
Mechanics now a days are just part swaper's
Show me a teck that can overhaul a carb , starter ,alternator
and I'll show you a teck that is at least 40 years old .
Ask me how I know