QuestionI have Patriot's Forester Chipper-Shredder-Vac model #T9900301, SN:14523. The engine is Tecumseh 10HP HM-100.
The engine does not start. When I pull the rope, the rotor inside
rotates, but it does not start the engine. I checked the spark plug. It was black and dry, so I lightly filed to expose shiny surfaces, but it did not make any difference. There was some fuel in the tank and I added more, but not to full. Does it
have to be full? Oil level is near max. What do you think is a problem? Anything is clogged and blocking the fuel? The nearest service station is far far away and probably expensive and I want to fix it myself.
AnswerIs there a clutch that engages the chipper or is it running all the time? There has to be some kind of safety system on it so you can't stick your hands in it. That would be the first place to look. Use your owners manual to find it.
If this is not it and you have spark it has to be fuel related. Clean tank and fuel cap vent. If there is a fuel filter replace it. Remove the carb and disassemble it. Do not miss the main nozzle. Clean all air and fuel passages with a wire from a twist tie and blow out with carb cleaner or compressed air. Purchase a carb kit and new mounting gaskets. Assemble the carb using the new parts. Re-attach using new gaskets. Hook up throttle and choke cables. Put clean fresh fuel in the tank. Fill to within 1/4" of top of tank. Hope I have helped.
