QuestionHello John,
I hope you can help me here. I'm about to lose my mind with this thing. Yard Man Chipper/Shredder/Vacuum model 103A powered with Techumseh model OHH50. My father-in-law gave me this thing and I haven't been able to make this thing work. Here is some background: He owned a farm and used it around the fields and it worked fine then. (2000 timeframe). I accidently added diesel fuel to this machine sometime in 2001 working the land (he had diesel fuel in a red unleaded gas can, so I added fuel, then the machine didn't run, imagine that!). He sent the machine over to a small engine shop and had it "cleaned". When it returned from the shop, he didn't start it, just parked it and let it sit in his garage for about 5 yrs. He sold the farm, I now own this thing (fall 2006). Naturally, this machine didn't start right up (spring 2007). I changed the oil, spark plug and air filter. A full "tune up". I wasn't getting any spark, so I replaced the electronic ignition/magnet. I now have good spark. In the troubleshooting process I disabled the safety switch as I wanted to isolate the ignition issue to the main cause, which in the end was both the switch and ignition unit. Reassembled the machine. Machine started and ran for 10 seconds. The only way I could keep it running was by pushing the primer plug. Doing this, I could keep it going for about five minutes...it was like full throttle, about to die, push primer, full throttle and so on. So, I clean the carb. same thing, re-cleaned carb, same thing, frustrated after two wasted afternoons I put the machine away. Fall is here now, about six months since I've messed with this machine. Starting where I left off six months ago, I disassemble the carb and give it a complete cleaning. The little screw with the hole in it (the one that holds the carb bowl) had junk/gunk in it. I didn't notice it before, so I clean that. I reassemble the carb after a very close inspection and cleaning. With excitement I pull the cord and NOTHING. Now I can't even get the thing to start or sputter!!! I checked the spark, as it sounded like it wasn't "catching". Spark was good at the wire connector and at the end of the spark plug. I added fuel straight into the chamber, I got the machine to start for 2 seconds. Then it stops. it seems to me that the machine is not getting fuel or spark. The primer technique didn't even work now and I don't feel fuel going through the primer bulb. (experience with other machines, one should generally feel something) I remove the screw holding the bowl and fuel comes out, so I have fuel entering the carb through gravity.
Still, I think it must be the carb??? Does this unit have some sort of fuel pump somewhere? When I pull the cord, it still sounded like there is no spark, so to double check, I recheck the spark and YES there is electric current running through the wires...I felt it and saw it. Can all this headache, just be a $40 carb? Could the fuel lines be clogged? The inside of the chamber, where the spark plug goes in, was dry when I flashed a light down there. I don't know... This simple system has caused me so much heartache. Any ideas?
This model has OHV, does this have anything to do with this as it appears that one of the rubber lines exiting the carb ties into the OHV area.
Thanks.
Rafael
AnswerHello Rafael:
If you can Add Gas to the Carburetor Throat and the Engine Starts anr Quits, 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 this Engine at this Site Addy, http://www.outdoordistributors.com/ and Select the T. Then Select Tecumseh. Then Select Don't have Part Numbers. Then Enter the Model Numbers. Then Select your Model and Download the File for Online Viewing. Since this is a Tecumseh Engine, I have a PDF Site Addy that May Assist you Also. http://www.tecumsehpower.com/CustomerService/BSI.pdf If you Feel the Carburetor is Clean, then Check the Valve Clearances. If the Valve Clearances are Off, then the Compression Release will Not Operate Properly. I Suggest you Soak the Carburetor First. 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
