I have the mentioned unit and I can't get it to turn over. It has a pull string starter and it doesn't seem to generate a spark. Should I check the plugs. I don't use it much and did not drain it for storage. But I have a lot of debris from branches that came doen in a storm so I really need it.
If I take it to a repair shop any idea how much it would cost?
Scott, the plugs could be your problem. The best way to test for spark is to unhook the spark plug wire and lay it next to the spark plug where you can see it. Next pull as your normally would, you should see the electric sparking between the two. If you don't have spark, try replacing the spark plug. It would also be a good idea to drain the old gas and put fresh in there. If you are going to leave it sit over the winter it is a good idea to drain the gas or put fuel stabilizer in the tank. Try this out and if it doesn't work let me know. I would much rather answer your questions than have you take it to a shop and have them charge their outragoues prices.
P.S. DO NOT TOUCH THE SPARK PLUG BOOT WHEN YOU ARE TESTING IT. It won't kill you but it is very uncomfortable.
Or you could take the plug out, put the plug wire back on it (and while holding it with pliers with rubber grips up to the engine) in the evening (or where theres not much light) and turn it over, and watch for a blue snap.... (a helper is good for pulling it over)
If it set for a long period without any fuel stabilizer??!! I'd first try a little gas down the carb (take the filter off) and see if it will fire off that.... then check for spark.
If it did indeed sit for maybe (gas starts going bad after about a month) 2-3 months with no fuel stabilizer..... I'd expect to check and clean the carb..... if you feel up to doing it yourself.... its gonna be pocket change.... get a small engine shop to do it... its gonna be the wallet.
I pulled the plug, wiped off the carbon and attached the wire and pulled the cord. I did see a faint blue spark.
And yes, the thing has set for several months. So I guess the carb is the next thing. Gotta find the manual to see what's involved in cleaning it out. I'll drain the tank (what do I do with the old gas?) is there some additive I can put in a refilled tank to clean out the carb?
Nothing added to the gas will clean a carb.... waste of time and effort (and money).....
Next thing I'd do is try a little gas down the carb.... (just a little dribble) and see if it will start and run off that...
Now for the manual.... owners manual? usually they don't put anything about cleaning the carb in there....
Whats involved is getting a carb kit (gaskets, needle and seat, etc) and take the carb off, apart... soak it in carb cleaner for a few hours and blow it out (all holes)with compressed air....
May need to rinse and repeat....
I'd just try a little gas down the carb first to see if it actually will run off it.... blue spark is a good sign though...
for the old gas..... drain it out, and put it in your car/truck when its relatively full (if it has no water in the old gas) it'll be fine.
Great, I will do that this weekend. I'm also going to replace the plug if I can find the right one. ACE hardware had a variety of plugs for a couple of bucks so its worth getting a new one. There was RNC4 printed on the plug.
But umm, where do I find the carb and how do I put a little gas down it?
Do you know where the air filter is? the air filter goes in right on the carb (has a back plate bolted to the carb the filter sits in, then a cover to hold the filter in....) the carbs behind that.
In the picture its the box right next to the muffler... under the tank.
Now the spark plug (unless someone else has heard of that type plug) usually if its a ohv engine, it'll take a rc12yc (or equivalent)
side valve flat head would be a j19lm (or equivalent)
Never gave engine brand..... briggs or tecumseh?
Be warned..... if this is the first time you've taken a carb apart.... make sure you know where everything goes because there are lots of tiny parts and screws (why I suggest pictures) your average small carb like on these engines are less complicated though... (less parts)
I checked online and the RN4C is a listed champion model. I'm not 100% sure. I think the engine is a Briggs, but its not clear from the MTD sites. I'm going to try and take some closeup pics and post them tmmw.
If I have to take the carb apart, it will be a last resort after everyhting else fails.
The unit is an older version of the one I linked to earlier. It is a Yard Machines brand with a Tecumsheh 5.5 HP engine. I've attached some closeup pics of the engine. I haven't a clue where the carb is or how to dribble some gas into it.
In Side2, is that the gas filter below the red button?
Whats circled in white is the carb..... whats circled in yellow is the carb bowl
(fuel bowl.... fuel sits in here, theres a float and a inlet needle... the float sinks letting fuel in (opens the needle) and closes when it gets full (pushes the needle up) keeping it full of gas to feed the main jet... the main jet is up the float bowl nut that holds the bowl on)
Whats circled in blue is the primer bulb.
That box right beside it is the air filter box assembly.
Linear Mode
