QuestionHi Ben,
Can I please trouble you with a fuel problem with my John Deere trimmer. Model #S1400, UT20810, serial #MC1290755.
I just bought this trimmer from a guy who said it has been sitting for quite a while (two years!) out in the weather. I was very doubtful, but when it started and idled just fine, I thought it would be OK so I bought it. When I got it home though, it wont develop any power and spits/sputters past idle. I've cleaned the muffler and screens, so I understand I need to clean the carburetor from Johns recent similar question about this problem.
Question: Can you please advise me on what I need to target within the carburetor? I am hesitant to buy a kit, they can be so expensive and most often the problem is just a clogged needle. Can you please tell me specifically what I need to blow out or replace to get this thing running correctly at higher RPM's? Also, I cant find any info on what ratio fuel to mix- right now I'm running @ 50:1....is that correct?
Thank you very much for any info you can provide on this.
Cheers,
Dan
AnswerDan
Since this trimmer has been out in the weather for two years you definitely have a carburetor problem.
First thing you need to do is take the carb off the trimmer,Now I need to let you know 1 thing make sure you either take pictures of how it was installed and what you take apart or make notes because this will get confusing when you start to put it back together. Nothing more frustrating then rebuilding a carb and having it not work because you installed the parts wrong.
Problem: Engine operates erratically, surges, and runs unevenly.
Possible causes:
1. Fuel line or fuel tank cap vent is clogged.
2. There is water in the fuel.
3. Fuel pump is defective.
4. Governor is not set properly, sticking, or binding.
5. Carburetor needs adjustment or service.
6. Loose carburetor/intake pipe resulting in vacuum leak.
The fuel ratio you need is 40-1 less oil
