2185 overheating problems

[mkinne]

I recently completed a bunch of maintenance on my HDS 2185 (oil and filter, air filters, cleaned the fins and new plugs). I've had problems last year with it overheating. After the maintenance I decide to run it in the garage blades engaged, motor full speed. within 20 min the muffler was glowing red. What is my problem? Carb out of adjustment? stuck valve(s)?
Thanks
Matt

 

[kweaver]

Could be one of the things you mentioned BUT let me also add from experience ... Check and see if it has a mouse nest hiding behind the engine tin work.

 

[jdiederichs]

Also look for an air leak into the muffler, raw air will really make a muffler glow brightly. If no seam leaks, look for a small crack.
Another thing that fails is the muffler's internal baffles breaking loose, causing hot spots on the shell due to an obstruction internally.

So, the most common cause is the raw air entering, most likely spot is from a loose end cap crimp.

 

[avanwettering]

Matt, If by chance you adjusted the carb you may have leaned it down too much. The engine relies on gas to help cool, try opening the carb a tad bit when it is getting hot and see if it starts to cool down after a while. Good luck.

 

[bperegrine]

I have a 2185 also that did the same thing. Mine still had the vaccum fuel pump on it and it was not pumping correctly because my engine is getting pretty worn and I dont think it was producing enough vaccum to run the pump. I converted it to a mechanical fuel pump that goes on the valve cover. Solved my problem anyway. Engine was just running to lean.