QuestionGood Morning John
Just found this site, and posted this question to BEN. Then I noticed he hasn't answered an questions since October, so perhaps he's not active. I'll ask you the same question.
My backpack leaf blower (Poulan Pro 442, 2 cycle) is acting real strange all of a sudden. It runs for several minutes, and then just dies. Start it back up after a few minutes, and does the same thing . . . runs for awhile, then just dies. Seems like it's running out of gas, but if there's blockage somewhere in the carb, why does it run at all? The gas pickup filter inside the tank looks clean.
I removed the big single screw on top of the carb, which lets you take the postage stamp sized metal plate off of the top, but all that was under there was a gasket and a couple of shallow passageways. I didn't see a screen, or much of anything, in there. The only other screws I see are underneath on the bottom of the carb where the priming bulb attaches. Should I remove that?
There are two tubes that lead from the carb down to the gas tank. Besides the gas intake tube which has a filter on its end, there's a second, smaller tube, which has a small screen on it's end. I could blow thru it, so it's not clogged.
Thanks for your help!
AnswerHello Paul:
Replace the In Tank Filter First. Looks can be Deceiving. Check the Tank Cap and Ensure it is Venting the Tank. Have you Checked to See if the Plug is Firing when this Happens? A Bad Ign Module/Coil/Magneto can Cause the Same Symptoms as you Described. Have you Cleaned the Exhaust Port and Muffler? Make Sure there is No Carbon Deposits in the Exhaust Port and Muffler. Also Check the Spark Arrestor Screen in the Muffler. If the Plug is Firing, 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, Float Pin, Float 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. Install New Parts if Required. You can View a Breakdown/IPL of the Mower at this Site Addy, http://hayward.arinet.com/scripts/EmpartISAPI.dll?MF&app=ASP&lang=EN&TF=Mainfram... and Select the Catalog Poulan/Weed Eater. Now Select the Fuel Tank and Carburetor File. Be Sure to Clean or Replace the Internal Carburetor Filter (Small Round Screen #24). 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. 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
Hi Again Paul:
I Just Read your Comments at the Ratings and Comments Page. Thanks for the Ratings and Good Words. I am Glad you had a Pleaseant Experience Using this Site. Usually I Answer Questions as Quickly as Possible (Usually within 24hrs) After Receiving the them. Till Next Time. May All Your Mechanical Problems be SMALL ONES and May the All Mighty Bless You and Yours. Thanks Again.
Best Wishes and Good Luck
Respectfully
John
