Small engine experts part II

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[ARCHIVED THREAD] - Small engine experts part II

Posted: 5/24/2015 1:17:51 PM EDT

You all helped me fix my power washer so lets try my old ass Craftsman 6.0 lawn mower.
It sat for a year and a half. The carb screw just needed some adjustment and she was running fine yesterday. Did my whole lawn with her then she ran out of gas. Filled her up with last years snow blower gas which was still good a few months ago and now she won't start. This leads me to believe it could be bad gas but the blower started up perfectly fine two months ago with it. If I spray starter fluid in the air cleaner hole she will start up for a second and then die.

- Changed oil since it hadn't been done for ages.
- Checked for spark and it is good. Sparking like a mofo.
- Took apart the carb and sprayed carb cleaner until it was coming out of every hole.
- Cleaned the jet on the bottom of the bowl.
- Soaked the whole carb in some carb cleaner in a bowl.

What am I missing here?

Posted: 5/24/2015 1:19:35 PM EDT

[#1]

Drain the tank and refill with fresh fuel.

Posted: 5/24/2015 1:22:51 PM EDT

[#2]

I'm guessing if it starts on starting fluid but won't stay running it's not getting gas. Obviously check your petcock and make sure it's open. Then take the float bowl back off, and actually take out the jet. Run a small wire through it, (bread tie works nicely). Reassemble and turn on the choke. Give her a few pulls. Add some seafoam to your gas for preventative measures.

Posted: 5/24/2015 1:24:39 PM EDT

[#3]

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Quoted:
I'm guessing if it starts on starting fluid but won't stay running it's not getting gas. Obviously check your petcock and make sure it's open. Then take the float bowl back off, and actually take out the jet. Run a small wire through it, (bread tie works nicely). Reassemble and turn on the choke. Give her a few pulls. Add some seafoam to your gas for preventative measures.

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This part interests me. I don't think this specific model actually has a fuel petcock. I did take out the jet and run a wire through it til it came out every other hole. It took a while to take that damn bread tie stripped down to the wire.

Posted: 5/24/2015 1:25:50 PM EDT

[#4]

fuel line or diaphram clogged up?

Posted: 5/24/2015 1:27:30 PM EDT

[#5]

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fuel line or diaphram clogged up?

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I don't think it could be the fuel line. I sprayed cleaner down there til it came out of every which way.

So the priming bulb says 5x push. But it never gets stiff/full if I press it more. It almost seems like its not getting fuel? Although when I disconnect the cup/fuel line there is plenty of fuel in there.

Posted: 5/24/2015 1:30:06 PM EDT

[#6]

Your picture didn't load for me when I first posted. You obviously don't have a petcock on it.
Is your spark plug nice and clean?

Posted: 5/24/2015 1:32:26 PM EDT

[#7]

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Your picture didn't load for me when I first posted. You obviously don't have a petcock on it.
Is your spark plug nice and clean?

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It's clean. Not nice and clean, but clean. This thing was running a day ago like a champ til I ran out of gas. It was the first time running it this season. I did disconnect it and put it up against something metal and saw some nice sparks coming out of it though so I believe its good.

Posted: 5/24/2015 1:34:45 PM EDT

[#8]

first step is to Drain that gas and put in fresh gas. dont do anything else until you have done that.

Posted: 5/24/2015 1:39:52 PM EDT

[#9]

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first step is to Drain that gas and put in fresh gas. dont do anything else until you have done that.

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This!

Posted: 5/24/2015 1:41:25 PM EDT

[#10]

Is that a Tecumseh motor?
If so, there is a reason they went out of business.
Maybe you sucked the dirt from bottom of fuel tank into carb?
I guess you did clean out the carb.
Are your fuel lines good, no pinholes?
I've had that happen on the primer bulb side.

Posted: 5/24/2015 1:44:15 PM EDT

[#11]

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It's clean. Not nice and clean, but clean. This thing was running a day ago like a champ til I ran out of gas. It was the first time running it this season. I did disconnect it and put it up against something metal and saw some nice sparks coming out of it though so I believe its good.

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Quoted:

Quoted:
Your picture didn't load for me when I first posted. You obviously don't have a petcock on it.
Is your spark plug nice and clean?

It's clean. Not nice and clean, but clean. This thing was running a day ago like a champ til I ran out of gas. It was the first time running it this season. I did disconnect it and put it up against something metal and saw some nice sparks coming out of it though so I believe its good.

I wonder if some small trash in the gas take has found a magic spot to sit in the carb.
My new magic way to clean carbs is to take it off and apart and give it 20 minutes in a harbor freight ultra sonic cleaner cleaner. A very light mix of simple green (HD ) and water.
Use the HD version version, sold at home depot. Regular simple green is corrosive to aluminum, and requires a fresh water bath after cleaning.

Posted: 5/24/2015 1:47:23 PM EDT

[#12]

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This!

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Quoted:

first step is to Drain that gas and put in fresh gas. dont do anything else until you have done that.

This!

Yes. And don't get crazy with the starting fluid either. Matter of fact throw that crap in the trash or go make a flamethrower with it...

Posted: 5/24/2015 1:52:09 PM EDT

[#13]

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I don't think it could be the fuel line. I sprayed cleaner down there til it came out of every which way.

So the priming bulb says 5x push. But it never gets stiff/full if I press it more. It almost seems like its not getting fuel? Although when I disconnect the cup/fuel line there is plenty of fuel in there.

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Quoted:

Quoted:
fuel line or diaphram clogged up?

I don't think it could be the fuel line. I sprayed cleaner down there til it came out of every which way.

So the priming bulb says 5x push. But it never gets stiff/full if I press it more. It almost seems like its not getting fuel? Although when I disconnect the cup/fuel line there is plenty of fuel in there.

As per above above post, may be a small hole in the line (s).

Posted: 5/24/2015 1:55:02 PM EDT

[#14]

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Yes. And don't get crazy with the starting fluid either. Matter of fact throw that crap in the trash or go make a flamethrower with it...

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Quoted:

Quoted:
first step is to Drain that gas and put in fresh gas. dont do anything else until you have done that.

This!

Yes. And don't get crazy with the starting fluid either. Matter of fact throw that crap in the trash or go make a flamethrower with it...

Why?

Posted: 5/24/2015 2:43:19 PM EDT

[#15]

Filled up with fresh gas and still a no go. I'll check the lines but did not see any holes. Guessing the lines we are taking about going from the fuel tank to the carb? And the carb to the engine?

Posted: 5/24/2015 2:50:22 PM EDT

[#16]

And when you take the bowl off the carb it's always full of fuel?

Posted: 5/24/2015 2:56:02 PM EDT

[#17]

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And when you take the bowl off the carb it's always full of fuel?

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I wouldn't say full but there definitely is fuel that spills out of the line and fuel in the bowl. This is mind boggling.

Posted: 5/24/2015 5:16:41 PM EDT

[#18]

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Drain the tank and refill with fresh fuel.

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Posted: 5/24/2015 7:10:11 PM EDT

[#19]

What else could I be missing?

Posted: 5/24/2015 7:20:20 PM EDT

[#20]

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What else could I be missing?

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Pull the float bowl off again and look for some sediment.
Unscrew the main jet and blow it out with cleaner and put it back together and try using fresh gas.
Make sure the needle and seat are working properly and blow that out too.
Take gas tank off and clean it out, could be some scale crap in there getting into the carb.

There is a reason it's not getting gas.

Posted: 5/24/2015 7:37:14 PM EDT

[#21]

Guy at work did this when his gas tank rusted out and it works fine.
I don't know if it will help but it's a cool project.

Posted: 5/24/2015 7:39:45 PM EDT

[#22]

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Pull the float bowl off again and look for some sediment.
Unscrew the main jet and blow it out with cleaner and put it back together and try using fresh gas.
Make sure the needle and seat are working properly and blow that out too.
Take gas tank off and clean it out, could be some scale crap in there getting into the carb.

There is a reason it's not getting gas.

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Quoted:

Quoted:
What else could I be missing?

Pull the float bowl off again and look for some sediment.
Unscrew the main jet and blow it out with cleaner and put it back together and try using fresh gas.
Make sure the needle and seat are working properly and blow that out too.
Take gas tank off and clean it out, could be some scale crap in there getting into the carb.

There is a reason it's not getting gas.

Can I spray some air from my compressor in the carb or bad idea?

Posted: 5/25/2015 5:04:53 PM EDT

[#23]

Well this is fucked. Took the whole thing apart replaced all the parts inside the bowl and flushed the carb out completely til she was pissing out of ever hole. She will stay running for a little if I prime and start at the same time.

But with her off now shes just leaking out fuel from the air filter hole. Like a fast drip.

Posted: 5/25/2015 5:17:32 PM EDT

[#24]

Primer bulb is shot/cracked/old. Check it and replace if needed.

Posted: 5/25/2015 5:27:35 PM EDT

[#25]

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Primer bulb is shot/cracked/old. Check it and replace if needed.

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I'll check it. I had it off today and it looked fine visually. Ill take another look.

Posted: 5/25/2015 5:38:03 PM EDT

[#26]

Bulb appears to be OK. Old but good. This is really pissin me off. About to just burn this thing down to the ground.

Posted: 5/25/2015 5:51:30 PM EDT

[#27]

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Quoted:
Well this is fucked. Took the whole thing apart replaced all the parts inside the bowl and flushed the carb out completely til she was pissing out of ever hole. She will stay running for a little if I prime and start at the same time.

But with her off now shes just leaking out fuel from the air filter hole. Like a fast drip.

View Quote

Needle is not seating correctly.
Did you check the float level ?

Posted: 5/25/2015 6:13:46 PM EDT

[#28]

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Quoted:

Needle is not seating correctly.
Did you check the float level ?

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Quoted:

Quoted:
Well this is fucked. Took the whole thing apart replaced all the parts inside the bowl and flushed the carb out completely til she was pissing out of ever hole. She will stay running for a little if I prime and start at the same time.

But with her off now shes just leaking out fuel from the air filter hole. Like a fast drip.

Needle is not seating correctly.
Did you check the float level ?

Float level looks good. I just took the bowl off and its bone dry. What the fuck.

Posted: 5/25/2015 6:22:25 PM EDT

[#29]

Guessing this is correct for the needle placement? Keep in mind im holding it at an angle.

Posted: 5/25/2015 6:26:39 PM EDT

[#30]

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Float level looks good. I just took the bowl off and its bone dry. What the fuck.

http://i61.tinypic.com/2vi30ap.jpg

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Quoted:

Quoted:

Well this is fucked. Took the whole thing apart replaced all the parts inside the bowl and flushed the carb out completely til she was pissing out of ever hole. She will stay running for a little if I prime and start at the same time.

But with her off now shes just leaking out fuel from the air filter hole. Like a fast drip.

Needle is not seating correctly.

Did you check the float level ?

Float level looks good. I just took the bowl off and its bone dry. What the fuck.

http://i61.tinypic.com/2vi30ap.jpg

So the float bowl is empty and fuel is coming out of the throat of the carb?

Posted: 5/25/2015 6:29:21 PM EDT

[#31]

Quote History

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So the float bowl is empty and fuel is coming out of the throat of the carb?

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Quoted:

Quoted:
Well this is fucked. Took the whole thing apart replaced all the parts inside the bowl and flushed the carb out completely til she was pissing out of ever hole. She will stay running for a little if I prime and start at the same time.

But with her off now shes just leaking out fuel from the air filter hole. Like a fast drip.

Needle is not seating correctly.
Did you check the float level ?

Float level looks good. I just took the bowl off and its bone dry. What the fuck.

http://i61.tinypic.com/2vi30ap.jpg

So the float bowl is empty and fuel is coming out of the throat of the carb?

Fuel was dripping/spraying out of the air filter inlet hole. I have the air filter (cone style) off. Bowl is empty.

Posted: 5/25/2015 6:31:15 PM EDT

[#32]

Check your oil level again. Is the crankcase flooded with fuel?
the float bowl should be full.

Posted: 5/25/2015 6:43:15 PM EDT

[#33]

Just went through this with my old eager 1 craftsman mower.

You obviously have a handle on what you are doing, however this may add more.

http://www.repairfaq.org/samnew/lmfaq/lmclctc.htm

I noticed tour throttle linkage appears to be on incorrectly. Not sure that matters if it was working yesterday.

http://ww2.justanswer.com/uploads/mr2cycle/2011-07-04_185237_linkage.pdf

Posted: 5/25/2015 6:50:16 PM EDT

[#34]

I had a tiller giving me fits.

Just bought an entire new carb for it

You might start thinking about that

Posted: 5/25/2015 6:53:11 PM EDT

[#35]

Quote History

Quoted:
Just went through this with my old eager 1 craftsman mower.

You obviously have a handle on what you are doing, however this may add more.

http://www.repairfaq.org/samnew/lmfaq/lmclctc.htm

I noticed tour throttle linkage appears to be on incorrectly. Not sure that matters if it was working yesterday.

http://ww2.justanswer.com/uploads/mr2cycle/2011-07-04_185237_linkage.pdf

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Fuck that is on backwards for me. I swear to fuckin god if I have to take this whole thing apart one more fuckin time I am going to cunt punch this fuckin mower over a god damn fuckin cliff.

I am at the point where it starts for a few seconds then sputters and just dies. Fuck my god damn fuckin life right now.

Posted: 5/25/2015 7:07:24 PM EDT

[#36]

Make sure the choke is opening back up after it starts

Posted: 5/25/2015 7:18:26 PM EDT

[#37]

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Fuck that is on backwards for me. I swear to fuckin god if I have to take this whole thing apart one more fuckin time I am going to cunt punch this fuckin mower over a god damn fuckin cliff.

I am at the point where it starts for a few seconds then sputters and just dies. Fuck my god damn fuckin life right now.

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Quote History

Quoted:

Quoted:
Just went through this with my old eager 1 craftsman mower.

You obviously have a handle on what you are doing, however this may add more.

http://www.repairfaq.org/samnew/lmfaq/lmclctc.htm

I noticed tour throttle linkage appears to be on incorrectly. Not sure that matters if it was working yesterday.

http://ww2.justanswer.com/uploads/mr2cycle/2011-07-04_185237_linkage.pdf

Fuck that is on backwards for me. I swear to fuckin god if I have to take this whole thing apart one more fuckin time I am going to cunt punch this fuckin mower over a god damn fuckin cliff.

I am at the point where it starts for a few seconds then sputters and just dies. Fuck my god damn fuckin life right now.

My 28 foot Bayliner did this to me for two years. I rebuilt the Holley 4bbl twice and it did all the same shit your mower is doing. I finally ordered a new carb for it and bolted it on, and it ran like a top. I don't know what they are putting in gas these days, but it eats fucking carbs.

Posted: 5/25/2015 7:22:34 PM EDT

[#38]

Yup fuck it I am done. Fuck this thing. Completely done with this fucker. Wasted a week of my fucking time trying to figure this little fuckin cunt out.