Hate it when that happens

old-9 · May 22, 2020

I have a " big wheel string trimmer, powered by a 6 Hp Tecumseh engine). Has been a hard to start engine. Last year I changed the carb and it finished the season ok. This week, put in new gas,and had no start, went through all trouble shooting, spark, gas. Only way to get it to hit was pull plug and spray carb cleaner, replace plug. So fuel right? messed with it off & on for a while , took 1/2 inch wrench and tapped fuel bowl, got it to run then quit again, tap, run , quit and so on. I turned the stupid thing upside down and hit the grease fitting on the spindle. Up righted it waited a short time, started it and it ran as good as it ever did. It has to be a float problem right? I want a new gasket before taking the bowl off as they are very thin and I always have poor luck with them. Anything I should look for? Thanks,give me a Briggs joe

Steve@Advance · May 22, 2020

How old is the mower?

Had one about 20 years ago, and it was old when I got it, so it must have been one of the first with the pump bulb on the carb instead of a choke.

I discovered the same starting method you used, turn it on it's side for about 10 seconds, pump the bulb about 30-40 times, it would start first pull! LOL

I never could get it to do any better, but never really tried too hard, hated that rock slinging thing!

If yours is the pump bulb, what it does is poof air inside the carb and makes gas come up the emulsion tube. You should be able to see a small amount of gas bubble up out of the tube when looking inside the carb throat.

Could be the float level is low, something clogged, just have to follow the priming circuit, see what does what.

If it's a choke type carb, be sure the choke is fully closing when told to. Could also be the float level, if it's adjustable.

Don't be afraid of the bowl gasket, especially if the carb is only a year old, you can probably get it back on ok. It's not that critical.

jimg.allentown · May 22, 2020

I have found on the Tecumseh carburetors that there is a tiny hole in the main jet that plugs up.

you don't need to remove the bowl. What appears to be a hex nut at the bottom of the bowl is actually the main jet. Take it out and clean the tiny hole in it and put it back. Should start and run just fine then.

I just repaired a mower with that very same problem a couple of days ago. Those Tecumseh engines are decent engines, but their carburetors have a reputation for being troublesome.

Hate it when that happens

old-9

Well-known Member

Steve@Advance

Well-known Member

jimg.allentown

Well-known Member

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