QuestionHi Mike,
Ok, so I just ordered a whole new carb and guess what? Still doesn't work! I had the air filter off and was looking inside that opening into the carb while I pushed the primer bulb. I was getting a little dribble the first couple pumps, but then no more. I kept pushing it, and nothing else. I took the cap off the gas tanke and pumped it, and again, a couple little squirts came out, but then no more. It actually almost started too with that lil gas. So obviously, no fuel is getting into the carb, right? I sure hope you have an idea here or else I just wasted $50! Hehe. Ok, well, let me know what you think. Thank you so much.
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Followup To
Question -
Mike,
Thank you for the quick response. I think I figured out what the problem is. I took it apart again and cleaned everything, but then when I put it back together and turned it upside down, the float does not lay level. I bent the tab back (I even did it a little too much and it dented the float a bit but it doesnt leak) and even bending it that much it still will not lay level. Just to test it out, I reassembled it, put some water in the fuel line to see if it made it to the bowl, and it did not. So I am assuming that the float is hitting the bottom of the bowl and closing the needle. I don't understand why it is doing this. Its like the needle is too long or something, because I have that tab bent back as much as I can. Does this sound like what is causing the problem? I probably need a new float now anyways since this one is crushed a bit, even though it does not leak. But even with a new one, it would seem like I would have the same problem with the needle. What should I do? Thanks again.
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Followup To
Question -
Hello. I have been reading all of the past posts with similar problems and I am sure its a carb problem. Someone gave me this mower and said he had it running at one time, but I dont know the history of it. Anyways, I took apart the carb, wiped the gunk out and sprayed it with carb cleaner and put it back together. It only starts when I spray a lil starting fluid in the carb and runs for 15 seconds or so. So I am assuming that I probably didn't clean it well enough or I didnt put it back together right. Since there isnt much to it, how could I have gone wrong? Can the needle and float be put back wrong? Does it matter which way the indent in the bottom of the bowl faces? I did take a picture of how the throttle was hooked up with the springs, and I must have that back right because when it was running with the starting fluid I could adjust the throttle. The only thing I am not for sure on is the needle because it fell out when I took it apart before I could see how it was. And also the gasket on the bowl is not torn or anything, but does it have to be in perfect condition? It is a little scuffed up.
I was planning on spending no more than around $50 on this thing anyways because anymore than that I should probably buy a new one since I dont know how long this will last or how it has been maintained. I notice a new carb costs around that price. If all else fails, if I were to replace that, it should fix everything, right? Thank you.
Answer -
Hi Dan,
Yes, you might have missed one hole in the carb and may need to go back and check again. The float only works one way. I'm not sure about the position of the indent. The float tab that contacts the needle must allow the float to rest parallel to the bowl gasket when the needle is closed. There is a small wire clip that lifts the needle when the float rises. That may have gotten lost. If the bowl gasket doesn't leak fuel, then it is okay. Check for a good fuel flow from the tank. IF the carb IS the problem and you can't get the engine to run, then a new carb would be the solution. There may be other problems, like low compression or a valve issue.
Keep me posted and good luck.
Michael
Answer -
Hi Dan,
Maybe the float's seat is raised up too high. Try using a dowel or machine screw and testing the rubber seat to see if it will go down. Maybe the needle is not the correct one. Try a new needle and seat. What you are describing would not allow fuel to enter the bowl.
Michael
AnswerHi Dan,
It still does sound like a lack of fuel flow to the engine, especially if it tried to start when some fuel got through. The primer should pump the fuel freely into the carb's throat. Check for a good fuel flow from the tank's fuel line at the carb's inlet fitting. Also check for a good suction at the carb's air intake, while holding your hand over the opening.
Michael
