Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): Weed Eater Engine, carburetor body, adjustment screws

Question
I have an older model Weed Eater model GTI 15T. I believe it is made by Poulon.
I would idle fine but when throttling up it would want to stall. A friend adjusted a screw on the engine (mixture ?) it ran fine. Except now it will tend to want to stall when tipped over for use trimming weeds etc. I was informed about a filter or screen inside the tank. I put my finger into the gas filler hole and discovered a small diameter fuel line with what must be a filter or something on the end. I didn't even try to move it or anything but noticed it is just free to move in the fuel tank. I think it should be fastened so it stays in the fuel. I suspect that it sometimes moves out of the fuel when the trimmer is tilted. How can I fasten it inside? I'll bet it was fastened earlier and somehow came loose. Thanks ahead of time

Answer
Hello Bob:

The Filter is Designed to Move in the Tank so when the Trimmer is Turned and Angled the Filter will Move and Stay in the Fuel. DO NOT ANCHOR THE FILTER!!! Disconnect the Fuel Line that is Attached to the Filter from the Carburetor and Pull the Line and Filter Out of the Tank Enough to Change the Filter. BE CAREFUL AND DO NOT PULL THE LINE THROUGH THE HOLE WHERE IT LEAVES THE TANK TO THE CARBURETOR!! Replace the Filter and the Pull the Line with the Filter Back Into the Tank to the Same Point it was Resting in the Tank Before it was Removed. Also, Remove the Muffler and Inspect the Exhaust Port for Carbon Blocking the Exhaust Port. Check the Muffler and Spark Arrestor Screen (in the muffler) for Blockage Also. If the Filter and Exhaust Port Do Not Correct the Problem, 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. Send me the OEM (Walbro, Zama, Ect) and Model Numbers Off the Carburetor, Please. With these I can Locate the Proper Manual and Better Assist you. You Might Locate 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. Usually this Problem is Caused by a Dirty Carburetor, Dirty Fuel Filter or a Restricted Exhaust Port or Muffler. Here are the Instructions for Setting the Carburetor 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.**** Hope this Helps. I am Here if You Require More Assistance. Let me Know What Happens, Please. Thanks.

Good Luck

Respectfully

John

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Respectfully

John