Carburetor trick--sharing the wealth

[azmtnman]

   My 20hp Onan hasn't idled for a while. A buddy of mine that used to be a mechanic (one from the era that had to troubleshoot rather than plug them in) told me the idle jet was probably plugged up. He told me to take the air cleaner off, start it up and rev it while I covered the air intake with my hand a couple times and it would probably suck the clog out. WORKED LIKE A CHARM!  8) 8) 8) 5 minute fix versus taking carb off.
   I've worked on carbureted engines all my life (on my own stuff) and had never heard that trick. Thought I would pass it on.

[Chuck White]

Glad to here that it worked for you, I had never heard of doing that.

Thanks for sharing!

[kelLOGg]

DanG! Mine hasn't idled for a long time, either. Know what I'll try.
Bob

[sandsawmill14]

carb mechanics are far and few between now around here at least :-\ if you can even find one that will try its 50 / 50 shot on whether it will be better or worse when you get is back :-\  i will have to keep that trick in mind and give it a try next tine one is giving me problems ;) thanks for sharing it with us 

[Czech_Made]

That explains it, thank you.  I had recently  trouble starting a tiller and the only way it would start was thumb over the carburetor intake, like 98% choke.

But after it started the issue went away on it's own - must been what you mention, the stronger vacuum cleaned the idle jet.

[Kbeitz]

The Onan idle jet is under the float on the bottom of the carb,
A small chunk of music wire pushed in the jet hole with the adjustment
screw out will also remove 99% of any dirt. A blast of air will also help.

[Ox]

This is a new one one me as well.  Makes perfect sense, though!  I've always done it the hard way and did a carb breakdown.

[bkaimwood]

Old timers call it a hand job...

[kelLOGg]

DanG again. It didn't work for me. I tried it 4 or 5 times. Twice the engine died but still wouldn't suck out the clog - if there is one. :'(
Bob

[xlogger]

Bob my engine would not idle good till I switch to non ethanol gas. Lots better now.

[kelLOGg]

I switched to non-ethanol gas about 6 months ago but saw no improvement.
Bob

[sandsawmill14]

I switched to non-ethanol gas about 6 months ago but saw no improvement.
Bob

i cant tell any difference in the ethanol gas or pure gas either but i figure its because i burn so much my saw gas is never over 2 weeks old and the mill gas is bought daily ;D but i guess it might be worse if i was keeping it on hand for months 

[Czech_Made]

I buy nonethanol gas for all small engines and also for my antique motorcycle.

Funny, further you go from DC, more available the real gas is

[sandsawmill14]

i have to drive 15 miles to get non ethanol gas so i wont change unless it starts causing problems :-\ i dont question pure gas is better but the ethanol stuff is good enough the way i use it

[Percy]

Whenever I have carb issues and the above method doesnt work, I've had good results pouring some fuel injector cleaner into the gas. Like more than what the instructions say(6 oz in 1 gallon). Very quickly, my neglected lawnmower with ethanol gas from last year still in it, seems to smarten right up....

[Kbeitz]

Take out the low idle adjustment screw before giveing it a hand job.
That opens an air way to help suck the dirt in...

[Czech_Made]

i have to drive 15 miles to get non ethanol gas so i wont change unless it starts causing problems :-\ i dont question pure gas is better but the ethanol stuff is good enough the way i use it

My pure gas station is 25 miles, but I make the extra effort for small engines, since they are the most sensitive to bad gas.  But good gas can sit in jerry can for few month without problems.

Anyway, here is a handy page:

http://www.pure-gas.org/

[azmtnman]

Old timers call it a hand job...

:D :D :D That's what he told me to give it!! I was trying to envision......

[crazy]

What's a carburetor?  Just kidding.  I will try both methods.  I have several small engines that I need to get running.

[Kbeitz]

Mix a tad of two stroke oil with your gas and it will last a long time.

[jcbrotz]

i have to drive 15 miles to get non ethanol gas so i wont change unless it starts causing problems :-\ i dont question pure gas is better but the ethanol stuff is good enough the way i use it

I have to drive 15 miles to get to a gas station. :D Sorry had to but I use non-ethanol in all small stuff and diesel in the rest.

[plowboyswr]

What's a carburetor?  Just kidding.  I will try both methods.  I have several small engines that I need to get running.

Welcome to the Forum! ;D

[crazy]

What's a carburetor?  Just kidding.  I will try both methods.  I have several small engines that I need to get running.

Welcome to the Forum! ;D

Thanks.  This is a great forum and I have been doing plenty of reading. 

[Chuck White]

Welcome to the Forestry Forum, Crazy.

[tnaz]

What's a carburetor?  Just kidding.  I will try both methods.  I have several small engines that I need to get running.

Another Welcome to ya Crazy.

Terry