QuestionQUESTION: Referring to "John's" suggestion on 4/13/07, I have attempted to winterize Honda carb(Husqvarna 55R21HV) by pouring 3-4 ounces of fuel stabilizer into tank and run till empty.
I inadvertently left mower in garage for the last 4 weeks without running and tried the above suggestion. What I'm getting is...it's running and smoking until the auto choke position rotates back to Non Choke position, then engine stops. I move lever to choke once again and same thing happens. The engine fails to run.
Did I wait too long before implementing "John's" suggestion? Is there varnish or buildup already in carb that's causing the ability to run?
Thanks so much.
Steve
ANSWER: Steve
Leaving the equipment for 4 weeks really wont make that much varnish. You have other carb problems, I myself never empty the tank because any junk in the tank will start to pile up and cause rust if it is a metal tank or just junk in the tank. I have seen bugs,grass,seeds twigs etc etc in tanks. I will fill the tank and then add fuel stabilizer and then drain the crab bowl. The engine sounds like it is starving for fuel.Try cleaning out the carb and leaving it uninstall till you are going to put it back in service.
---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------
QUESTION: Hello Ben,
I disassebled carb, cleaned with carb cleaner, reinstalled carb, changed and added new oil, plug and filter. Now it's back to starting when choked, but quits when when choke goes to non choke position. I discussed with the shop who serviced my Honda last Spring. They claim over the past 2 years they have noticed the same problems with many engine/carb manufacturers. They attribute how the fuel is being mixed by the major oil companies. They said too much ethanol is being added which can draw water into tank.(?) They also mentioned it could be a diaphram sticking depending on the carb. I have a bowl on my carb with two screws. I just can't imagine that I'll have to make sure I have fresh gas (would a stabilizer help) or continue to crank up mower every 2 weeks just so the gas doesn't settle or go stale. Otherwise, I'm having to pay $65.00 per season for a few parts and labor. Any thoughts?
Thanks again.
Steve
AnswerSteve
The diaphragm may be the problem as far as the dealer saying it has been a noticeable problem I would think Honda would have put out a tech notice about this and a fix.We have allot of customers who use the same type of gas in OH and we get plenty of cold /warm weather. I have my snow blower sitting outside and sometimes it sits for weeks then we get snow and it starts right up,sometimes it runs crappy until I put new gas in it but really no problem. Try fuel stabilizer or a gas additive thats removes water from fuel tanks for cars make sure you install the right amount. You may want to mix up a batch in a 5 gallon tank first.
