Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): Homelite string trimmer not running, homelite string trimmer, zama carburetor

Question
Hello. I have a Homelite ST-145 string trimmer with a Walbro carb. The first time I went to use it this year I tried to prime it but instead it put air into the fuel tank. I couldn't see any fuel in the priming bulb. It ran fine last year and I haven't done any work on it. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.


Answer
Hello Craig:

The Check Valve is Stuck in the Carburetor or the Pulse Pump Needle Valve is Stuck. I Suggest you Soak and Clean the Carburetor.  The Following is a General Instruction File for Carburetor Cleaning. Even though the Carburetor Looks Clean, the Internal Passages May be Restricted with Varnish that Gas Causes to Build Up over Time. I Suggest you Make Sure the Gas is Free Flowing to the Carburetor Inlet Port. If the Gas is Free Flowing to the Inlet Port, then  **Remove, Disassemble and Soak the Carburetor Overnight in Carburetor Cleaner (I Use Gunk). I have Found that Most People can Use a Breakdown/IPL and Disassemble the Carburetor Enough for Proper Cleaning. You Only have to Remove the Bowl (if Applicable), Float Pin (if Applicable), Float (if Applicable)  and Needle Valve and Any Adjustment Screws that Go Into the Carburetor Body. The Welch Plugs Do Not have to be Removed. Then Soak the Carburetor Body and Parts in a 1 Gallon Can of Gunk Carburetor Cleaner Overnight. The Can has a Parts Tray Inside it for the Small Parts. Once the Carburetor and Parts are in the Cleaner, you can Replace the Lid for Safety and to Prevent Accidental Spillage. Then Blow Out the Passages with Compressed Air.*** (Do Not Use High Pressure Air for the Zama Carburetors, they have Check Valves for the Primer and these are Usually Blown Out of the Carburetor if Not Careful. Allow the Zama Carburetor to Set on a Drip Pan and Dry)***. Install New Parts if Required.** You can View a Breakdown/IPL of the Carburetor at this Site Addy, http://69.16.165.8/ and Select Service & Aftermarket. Now Select Aftermarket Parts and Service. Now Select the OEM (Homelite). Now Select Trimmer. Now Select your Carburetor (????) from the List Provided. 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. Thanks.

Good Luck

Respectfully

John

PS: I am Allowed to Answer 10 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. Thanks.

Respectfully

John