Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): Tecumseh 3.5 HP Vantage Motor, adjustment screws, carburetor body

Question
I have a low cost mower that I've had in storage for about 10 years.  Still looks fine on the outside.  I replaced the oil. I tugged gently on the starter cord to try to work the oil around the engine a bit.  The engine popped a little like it wanted to start - but I still didn't put gas in it yet.

I gassed it up and hit the air filter with some starting fluid. When I pulled the cord for real, gas dumped out of the muffler.  The motor coughs gas everytime I tried to pull the cord.  I found the primer bulb has a tear in it.  The bulb itself is one of the ones that does not have a hole in it (could this have something to do with the gas flowing excessively).  I was only able to pull the cord a couple of times, I couldn't turn the motor over unless I turned the blade by hand a little.  Once I got the blade moving a little, I could pull the cord again.  So I'm not sure if the gas is filling a chamber in liquid form and that is preventing me from pulling the cord again.

I guess I'm looking for some guidance on whether this sounds like a simple fix or should I just buy another low cost mower.

Thanks,
JD  

Answer
Hello James:

From your Description, it Sounds like the Carburetor Needle Valve is Stuck. With the Engine Sitting as Long as this One, I Suggest you  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. Also Check the Crankcase Oil for Gas Contamination. Since this is a Tecumseh Engine, I have 2 PDF Site Addys that May Assist you Also. They are; 1- http://www.tecumsehpower.com/CustomerService/BSI.pdf and 2- http://www.cpdonline.com/692509.pdf 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