Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): troybilt tiller dies, troy bilt tiller, metal seat

Question
My father has a troy bilt tiller with a tecumseh engine. he says that the engine will run for about 15 minutes and then gas will start squirting out of the air cleaner. He can't find anyone locally who knows any thing about these engines and can't find parts. any ideas on what this problem might be would be appreciated.

Answer
You have a carburetor that needs to be rebuilt and maybe replaced.  The needle isn't seating as it should more than likely, although a tiny crack in the wrong place can also cause this.

To fix it, the carb will have to come apart and be soaked for an hour or more in carb cleaner and then reassembled with a new carb kit.  The metal seat, the space below the neoprene needle seat, may also need to be polished.  We have to replace about 25% of the 4-stroke carbs that come into the shop, generally for corrosion.  If the carb isn't corroded, it probably can be rebuilt.

For parts and carb rebuilding, you can go to our site at grandjunctionsmallengines.com/ or any small engine parts supplier should be able to get your parts.  If you go to our site you can email the model and spec number of your engine to us.  Other sites to try for parts would be Jackssmallengines.com and www.m-and-d.com/.