Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): gas problem troy bilt cultivator, cycle gasoline, rubber gaskets

Question
troy bilt 4 cycle gasoline cultivator Eng 841-010339  sn e404y35000786 Model TB144.The engine will start and idle but when you give it the throttle it will run for 10 to 30 seconds and then putter out unless you let go of the throttle and it will idleing again.  I have 2 gas lines one for bringing fuel in and one for return.  These hoses are clear so I can see the fuel move thru them.  What I see is fuel and air bubbles or foam moving the line when an inch or so of bubbles accumulate they hit the carb and it sputters or dies. I can see bubbles or foam in the clear gas tank. I have drained the gas and added new gas that I purchased just the other day. Any Idea why?  

I sent this to Dave and his answer was.  Are you sure this is a 4 cycle?  Do you mix gas and oil with the engine...  It sounds like you have a fuel problem.  How old is the unit?  The rubber gaskets in your carb may need to be changed or a carb replacement sounds like it may be in order.  The rubber gaskets also act as a fuel pump.

I went to ask a follow up question but Dave is overloaded. So I am here to follow up and hope you can help.

Anwsers: 1. Yes this is a 4 cycle on the front of operators manual it say 4 cycle gasoline cultivator.  2. No I do not mix oil and gas.  3. The unit is 6 years old 2004 model.

follow up question.  After anwsering his questions above does it still sound like the rubber gaskets or carb relacement.  If I replace the carb is there any secrets after you install it like adjustments.  Thank You for your time,  Kurt Kazda






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Answer
Hello Kurt:

>>No Worries. We are here to Assist.
>>I Apologize for you Not being able to Contact Dave with your Follow Up Question and Thanks for Using All Experts.  
>>You can View a Breakdown/IPL of this Unit at this Site Addy, http://www.smallenginepartswarehouse.com/parts.asp and Select the Shop Online Parts Look Up. Then Select the Model Tab. Then Select the OEM (Troy-Bilt) and Enter the Model Numbers (TB144). Then Double Click on Your Model in the Results Area. Now you can Select the Section of the Unit you Wish to View.
>>For the Other Possible Readers, this is a 2004 Troy-Bilt TB144 Cultivator, Model #21AT144R766 .
>>From your Description it Sounds like you may need to Replace the Fuel Filter. The Fuel Filter is Designed to Filter out Air Bubbles that Naturally Occur when Gas is Shaken by the Equipments Vibration.
>>If you Look Closely at the Fuel Filter, you can See how Dense the Filter Element Actually is for this Purpose.
>>If you Hit a Snag or this Does Not Correct the Problem,  I am Here if You Require More Assistance. Hope this Helps. Let me Know What Happens, Please. May the All Mighty Bless You and Yours. Be Safe and Happy. Thanks.

Good Luck

Respectfully

John

PS: I am Allowed to Answer 5 Questions a Day. If you See I am Maxxed Out, then Try Submitting your Question at or Just After 8pm EST (US). My New Day Starts then. Comments and Ratings are Greatly Appreciated. Thanks.

Respectfully

John