Carburetor problem with Lowes power washer

jcummins · May 17, 2012

I purchased this inexpensive power washer couple years ago?eems to work great, then? no start. It has one of those motors with not a single adjustment on the carburetor?t doesn稚 even have a choke! I did not realize that until after I bought it, and started in the first time.

For awhile it did start fine, actually quite good. Then it sat for about 5 months and the no start happen. Spraying starting fluid into it, and it runs until that is gone. So?I bought a kit for this choke less carburetor, and still no start.

Does anyone know if I can I buy a replacement carburetor with a choke? Or a different designed carburetor. Or will a new carburetor even fix it?

RandyT · May 17, 2012

From the description you give I would say that there is a jet still plugged in the carb. Most likely the main fuel jet. Could be located in the bowl nut. If you can't get it opened up a new complete carb should fix it. It will be the same carb that is on it now. Emission requirements prevent changing to different carb not approved by the OEM.

Pete Judd · May 17, 2012

I would pull the bowl off, drop the float and valve, spray carb cleaner up it, make sure that gas is flowing out, and spray up the central tube as well. Reassemble, and should be good to go.

Smallplot · May 17, 2012

If it is one of the OVHC models try this first as it takes no mechanical know-how or $. Take off the air filter and see if it starts and runs. Had an issue last year with mine. The air filter got damp and it would not run 2 days later. New filter was all it took. Was told by a small engine guy that if the filters get damp, even after drying out, will not let any air pass through (again on the OVHC models). If that is not the problem then either a stuck float or jet plugged. Don't know if he knows what he was talking about but within 3 minutes he had it running like new when I was ready to scrap it.

jcummins · May 18, 2012

I have had the carburetor off twice, and soak it. Used carb cleaner and used air in every passage I could find. I also don't even have the air cleaner on, in trying to make this run. It's not getting gas, but gas is definitely in the bowl. I'm not a mechanic, but from the knowledge I do have, I'm completely puzzled.

I hate this lack of a manual choke....I think it has something to do with that.

bcp · May 18, 2012

RANDYT said:
...located in the bowl nut.

Some of those nuts have several holes, not just one. They can be hard to find, especially if plugged.

Bruce

clemsonfor · May 18, 2012

My exact problem, i pulled carb apart 2-3x before i finially dislodged the junk in the jet. It will be in the drian plug you pull out of the bottom, most likely.

RobertBrown · May 18, 2012

bcp said:
Some of those nuts have several holes, not just one. They can be hard to find, especially if plugged.

Bruce

He's right, I'll bet you aren't reading this carefully, neglecting to examine the bolt that holds the carb bowl on. It is the pick up tube and it has 2 openings 180 degrees apart near the hex head. This is where all the crap settles and it is obstructed.
I've made the same mistake myself.

jcummins · May 21, 2012

RobertBrown you are right, I entirely missed what RANDYT was saying. Last 3 days I've been tied up with other issues, but tomorrow I'll open it up again. And I'm hoping it is the holes in that nut.

I'll post what I find.