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Author Topic: Small Engine Repair?  (Read 513 times)

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midlifeaspie

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Small Engine Repair?
« on: April 14, 2011, 08:08:49 PM »
Hell, people are always asking for computer and gaming advice.  Is anyone here handy with small engines?  A 5 HP Briggs & Stratton lawnmower engine that I can't get started.

I have changed out the gas, the oil, the sparkplug, primed the fuel line and checked the air filter.  That is as far as my non-existent mechanical skills can take me. :(
« Last Edit: April 14, 2011, 08:10:30 PM by MLA »
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Offline earthboundmisfit

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Re: Small Engine Repair?
« Reply #1 on: April 14, 2011, 08:16:15 PM »


Engines are simple machines once you break them down to basics.


They need three things to run: air, fuel, and spark.


Is it getting air? Is the air cleaner and intake clean?


Is it getting fuel? Can you smell gas when you try to start it?


Is there spark? Throw a new spark plug in there (they are cheap, should be under $5).


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midlifeaspie

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Re: Small Engine Repair?
« Reply #2 on: April 14, 2011, 08:23:48 PM »
I definitely don't smell gas when I try and start it.  The spark plug is brand new and the air filter is pretty clean.  Even with the air filter off it doesn't act any differently.

Watching that video right now.  Thanks :)
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midlifeaspie

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Re: Small Engine Repair?
« Reply #3 on: April 14, 2011, 08:29:06 PM »
Great video. 

I AM getting spark.
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Offline Callaway

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Re: Small Engine Repair?
« Reply #4 on: April 14, 2011, 08:31:15 PM »
Quote from: MLA on April 14, 2011, 08:23:48 PM
I definitely don't smell gas when I try and start it.  The spark plug is brand new and the air filter is pretty clean.  Even with the air filter off it doesn't act any differently.

Watching that video right now.  Thanks :)

Your carburetor jet probably needs to be cleaned.

I think I remember my dad saying that was a common problem when people left old gasoline in the tank after the summer was over.  As the gasoline evaporates, more flows in to replace it, which leads to the jet getting gummed up.

Hope this picture helps:

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Offline Queen Victoria

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Re: Small Engine Repair?
« Reply #5 on: April 14, 2011, 08:33:01 PM »
That is the weirdest Kama Sutra drawing I've seen.  MLA is definitely screwed.
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midlifeaspie

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Re: Small Engine Repair?
« Reply #6 on: April 14, 2011, 08:35:12 PM »
Quote from: Callaway on April 14, 2011, 08:31:15 PM
Quote from: MLA on April 14, 2011, 08:23:48 PM
I definitely don't smell gas when I try and start it.  The spark plug is brand new and the air filter is pretty clean.  Even with the air filter off it doesn't act any differently.

Watching that video right now.  Thanks :)

Your carburetor jet probably needs to be cleaned.

I think I remember my dad saying that was a common problem when people left old gasoline in the tank after the summer was over.  As the gasoline evaporates, more flows in to replace it, which leads to the jet getting gummed up.

Hope this picture helps:



Um, okay.  Which part do I clean and how to I get to it?  :-[
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Offline Callaway

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Re: Small Engine Repair?
« Reply #7 on: April 14, 2011, 08:44:54 PM »
Quote from: MLA on April 14, 2011, 08:35:12 PM
Quote from: Callaway on April 14, 2011, 08:31:15 PM
Quote from: MLA on April 14, 2011, 08:23:48 PM
I definitely don't smell gas when I try and start it.  The spark plug is brand new and the air filter is pretty clean.  Even with the air filter off it doesn't act any differently.

Watching that video right now.  Thanks :)

Your carburetor jet probably needs to be cleaned.

I think I remember my dad saying that was a common problem when people left old gasoline in the tank after the summer was over.  As the gasoline evaporates, more flows in to replace it, which leads to the jet getting gummed up.

Hope this picture helps:



Um, okay.  Which part do I clean and how to I get to it?  :-[

You would remove Part 20, the jet nut, then remove the jet and clean it with carburetor cleaner.

Maybe this video will help:



If this carburetor isn't exactly the same as yours, you can browse the other videos near this one on YouTube to find a more similar one.
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midlifeaspie

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Re: Small Engine Repair?
« Reply #8 on: April 14, 2011, 08:48:51 PM »
Woo hooo.

I have the jet nut in my hand.  Now I just need carburetor cleaner :(

Is the fact that it is green a good sign this might be my problem?  :autism:
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Offline Callaway

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Re: Small Engine Repair?
« Reply #9 on: April 14, 2011, 08:54:46 PM »
Quote from: MLA on April 14, 2011, 08:48:51 PM
Woo hooo.

I have the jet nut in my hand.  Now I just need carburetor cleaner :(

Is the fact that it is green a good sign this might be my problem?  :autism:

Yes, I think that it is.  Did you see how that guy in the video got the brass jet out with a tightly fitting screwdriver after removing the jet nut, then sprayed inside it with carburetor cleaner?  I think safety goggles would be a good idea while you do that.
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Offline earthboundmisfit

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Re: Small Engine Repair?
« Reply #10 on: April 14, 2011, 09:18:55 PM »


Yes. Goggles. That shit splatters all over no matter how careful you are, and it hurts like hell when it gets in the eyes.


As long as you have it apart, spray the shit out of the carb. If the jet is clogged, there's probably other gunk in there.
« Last Edit: April 14, 2011, 09:21:11 PM by earthboundmisfit »
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Offline Icequeen

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Re: Small Engine Repair?
« Reply #11 on: April 14, 2011, 09:23:58 PM »
Another good video.



Took my Honda's out of the shed today to cut grass, filled both up with gas, couldn't get the first one started, so I moved on to the other one...ran for about 5-10 min or so and died. Finally realized I grabbed the wrong gas can and filled them both up with old gas.  :facepalm2: Disconnected the fuel line, drained the tank and cleaned out the bowl on one so far and finally got the grass cut, I'll drain the other one tomorrow.

 

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midlifeaspie

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Re: Small Engine Repair?
« Reply #12 on: April 14, 2011, 09:38:48 PM »
You guys are so awesome.  I was ready to take it to a repair shop for $80 bucks this weekend.  Thanks to your help it is running like a champ now.
 :plus: to everyone  :asthing:
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