Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): Yard Machine Tiller Wont Start, trips and traps, carburetor rebuild kit

Question
Michael:

I have a Yard Machine tiller: Model 21A-340-129, Serial Number 1J139K50704. My father-in-law bought it about five years ago (maybe longer); used it about a half-dozen times that year; and never used it again. At that time it ran just fine (not surprisingly); but now I can't get it to start or stay running (again, not surprisingly).

Here's what I've done so far:

* Drained and replaced the old oil
* Cleaned the (like-new) air cleaner and pre-cleaner
* Put in a new, properly gapped spark plug
* Verified a spark at the spark plug electrode
* Drained and replaced the old fuel from the tank
* Drained the old fuel from the "bowl" where the fuel flows to
* Lightly wiped off the inside of the "bowl" and the parts that were exposed when I removed it

The engine will run for a few seconds when I spray starting fluid into the air intake; but once the starting fluid burns off, the engine quits and won't start on ordinary gasoline and air.

From other questions that you've answered on this site, I gather that I have a fuel flow problem and have to remove, disassemble and clean the carburetor.

My specific questions about this task are these:

1. Is removal and disassembly of the carburetor as straightforward as it looks, or are there trips and traps that would require me to buy (borrow, rent, sub-lease or otherwise acquire) an engine repair manual before attempting such a feat?

2. Apart from cleaning the internal openings with air and a small wire, what cleaning solvent should I use to clean the parts of the carburetor? (Based on what I saw in the "bowl," I'm guessing that the parts will be lacquer-coated with old gasoline.)

3. It seems that you typically recommend a carburetor rebuild kit in such cases too. What is in this kit?

3a. Are these standardized "one-size-fits-all" kits, or do I have to get one specific to my engine?

3b. Where is the best place to get such a kit?

4. Can I reuse the existing gasket(s), or will I have to get a new one(s)?

I do have basic training in heavy equipment mechanics (courtesy of the United States Marine Corps, so read that as VERY basic training) and did minor repairs on car engines when I was a teenager (back when the engine was the only thing they put under the hood), so I'm not totally ignorant about engine repair; but I've never faced this type of repair on a small engine before. I'd just like an idea of what to expect before I go ripping into it.

Thank you in advance for any assistance (or words of encouragement) you can provide me.

Regards,


Brian

Answer
Hi Brian,

I'm very sorry for my delay.

You have done your research!  Yes, you are right.  You most likely have a dirty carb.  You should be able to do it with regular tools and without a manual.  Use carb cleaner for cleaning.  A carb kit included gaskets, jets and a float needle and seat.  You will need your engine model and serial number for the exact carb kit.  Any engine repair shop can order one for you or a Home Depot type place may stock them.  Old gasket are sometimes reusable if you just do the cleaning without a kit.  That's about it.  

Let me know how you make out.
Michael