Questioni cannot find the model number and spec tag on it ive looked all over it and it looks like somone took it off. but heres my question anyhow. it only starts with starting fluid but not with gas oil mix. ive even tried just regular gas just to try to get it going. any hints on what might be wrong that i could check? Thaank you if you could help.
AnswerBrian
If the machine won't start and the spark is good, you must make sure that fresh gasoline is getting to the carb. Make sure that the fuel shutoff valve (if present) is opened, and that the fuel line is not plugged or kinked. Also be sure the fuel cap vent is open and any screens in the tank are clear of debris. If fuel can flow to the carb, carefully place 1 teaspoon of gasoline down the spark plug hole (or a add shot of starting fluid into the carb throat). Re-tighten the plug and try to start the machine. If it runs for a second or two, then quits, chances are the carb needs to be serviced (disassembled and cleaned & inspected, then rebuilt) or you have an air leak somewhere. Make sure all mounting screws or bolts are snug and gaskets are not missing sections. If the carb is a bowl-type check for water in the bottom of the bowl (but do not let the float swing all the way down or the float needle will fall out!). It is easy to install a carb kit yourself.
# Bowl-type carbs: Runs then dies: Check for stuck float, plugged fuel filter or fuel line. All tanks have a screen inside them to catch larger particles, and some also have a inline fuel filter. If everything checks ok, the passages inside the carb are plugged, follow the cleaning procedure outline in the manual to be sure you only have to do the job once! Surging, only runs on choke, sputtering: Is the air filter dirty? With the bowl as the lowest part of the fuel system, any dirt or water will wind up here. Turn off the fuel valve, or drain the gas tank, then place a rag under the bowl to catch the gas that will run out. Loosen the "nut" that holds the bowl on, and after the gas has stopped draining remove the nut and bowl, but do not let the float swing all the way down! Wipe out the bowl. The "nut" usually contains 1 or 2 very small passages, soak in (or spray with) carb cleaner and use a wire bread-tie or other soft wire to poke out the holes. Blow out with compressed air, if available. Put the bowl back on and try to start it. If it still will not start, it needs a good soaking and a rebuild kit. Drips, or crankcase fills with gas: Check the float first. Remove the carb, and then the bowl. Remove and shake the float, it should not be full of gas, if it is, replace it. If it is ok then the float needle/seat assembly should be replaced.
