Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): lawn mower repair, lawn mower repair, pin holes

Question
I have a craftsman 4.5.....In the fuel line, there is the area where a floater is in a bowl.  Gas was leaking, so when I took it apart, a small plug with a tiny wire attached fell out.  Somehow, I know that this bowl is for fuel transport, and the plug moves up and down, regulating the fuel flow.....When I begin to mow, as soon as the bowl is empty, my mower stops.  I can't get the flow going! I'm not sure how to attatch the pin...ugh, it's so frustrating.  Any suggestions?  Thanks

Answer
Hi Paula

That little plug with the tiny wire attaches to the middle of the float, and the floats up and down action moves the plug up and down, regulating the fuel flowing into the bowl.  The carburator then sucks the fuel up through the center tube of the fuel bowl area and sprays it into the engine.  

Whats probably happening to you is the tiny wire isn't connected to the float.  The float raises, pushing the plug up into its seat and stopping the fuel (bowls full), but when the fuel is used up and the float drops the plug remains up in the seat and the engine quits.

Drop the bowl again, look where the float connects to the hinge, that hinge is a pin that can be slid out and the float removed.  Now look closely at its middle.  There will be a little flap or flange or hole.  The plugs tiny wire will hang onto this (its easy for it to fall off mind you).  

steps
1- remove bowl
2- remove hinge pin and float
3- connect plug to hinge middle
4- reinsert plug up into seating tube, while keeping it connected to float middle, and gently guide float hinge section to line up hinge pin holes.
5- hold it all steady with one hand
6- reinsert hinge pin
7- test the assembly to make sure the float and plug are connected and travel up and down.

your done.

TIP- prop the side of the mower with the carburator up high so all this is easier for you to reach.