Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): Homelite Leaf Blower HB390V, homelite string trimmer, carburetor body

Question
Hi John,
I am having a problem with my 13 year old Homelite Leaf Blower (HB390V).  It only starts with the choke fully closed.  When I move the choke to the second position, it tries to stall.  If I give it gas, it chokes out and stalls.  I have already (twice!) took it apart and cleaned the air filter, the spark arrestor and the muffler removing all the soot build up.  I had the same problem with my 13 year old Homelite string trimmer but the cleaning did the trick and it now runs like a new machine.  What else could be my problem?  Could it be the carburetor?  Are there any adjustments that I can make?  I thank you in advance for you help and advice.  Frank

Answer
Hello Frank:

Have you Checked the Compression. Low Compression can Cause this. The Carburetor can be the Cause of your Problem. It can Also be the In Tank Filter or the Cylinder Gasket Blown or the Cylinder Bolts are Loose. From your Description, it Sounds like the Carburetor and The Filter. Here are the Instructions for Cleaning the Carburetor and Setting the Mixture Screws. ****All the Carburetor Adjustments are the Same for Lawn Mower and Trimmers. There are Several Location for the Air Mixture Screws. The Idle Air Mixture Screws are Usually Located at the Top of the Carburetor Bowl and the Top of the Carburetor Body. If the Main Air and Idle Air Mixture Screws are Side by Side on the Side of the Carburetor, then the Idle Air is the Farthest from the Engine. The Main Jet Air Mixture Screw is Located in the Bottom of the Carburetor Bowl or Beside the Idle Air Screw on the Side of the Carburetor Body. Some of the Older Model Carburetors have the Main Jet Mixture Screw Straight in from the Top of the Carburetor Body (this is Rare anymore). If you have Cleaned the Carburetor (Disassembled and Soaked Overnight in Carburetor Cleaner (I Use Gunk). Then Blow Out the Passages with Compressed Air and Install a New Kit if Required. Now Setting the Air Mixture Screws:  ****Turn the Idle Air and ****Main Air Mixture Screws In Until SNUG **Do Not Jam** Then Reverse Both Screws 1 1/2 Turns. Holding the Throttle Full Open, Start the Engine. Turn the Main Air Mixture Screw Clockwise Until Proper Revs are Obtained. Occasionally you May have to Turn this Counter Clockwise to Achieve the Proper Revs. Now Allow the Engine to Idle. Set the Engine Idle Screw (Not Idle Air) so the Engine will Stay Running if Required. Now Set the Idle Air Mixture Screw so there is No Hesitation when Throttling from Idle to Full Throttle. Reset the Engine Idle if Required.**** I Require the OEM (Walbro, Zama, ect) and the Model Numbers Off the Carburetor. With these I can Locate a Breakdown of the Carburetor and Better Assist you. Hope this Helps. I am Here if You Require More Assistance. 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 9pm EST (US). My New Day Starts then. Thanks.

Respectfully

John