Carburetor still flooding on TO-35

[DJ54]

I did a quick check, and looks like that carb had a drain plug in the bowl, and just guessing it's 1/8" NPT. I read a thread several years back, on a fellow having the same problem. To get the float set to where the fuel level was correct, although not to specs., he removed the plug, and installed a barbed fitting. He then slipped clear tubing on the fitting, long enough to turn up 180º along side the carb., a good bit above the fuel level. Then, turning the fuel on, will allow you to see the fuel level inside the bowl. Just keep tweeking the float, until you have the proper level. Once you have the float set, you can always leave it set for a while, and check to see if it's letting fuel by the needle.

I know back in the 70's when I was showing tractors, nearly everyone had to reset their floats, due to the different specific gravity of the unleaded fuel. I have to think that adding ethanol has to change it even more.

 

[PILOON]

Could your problem be alcohol in gas? (ethanol)

If the carb kit came from offshore they might not be using suitable rubber components and if so the seat or seals would deteriorate rapidly.
Also is there any rubber fuel line sections?

 

[WilliamTO-35]

Piloon- Yes, I am using a rubber fuel line section , which feeds gasoline from a 4 gallon outboard motor tank that sits on top of the hood . ( The original gas tank was badly rusted through, and was beyond repair.) The rubber fuel line is of recent vintage, and is sold as being tolerant of ethanol in the gasoline.
Since a new needle and seat tend to last two or three days before causing flooding , it may be that the Chinese version of a " Viton" tip is not tolerant of alcohol. However, this flooding problem has been going on for about 15 years , and by now the "Viton" tip should be of a correct material.
I may sort through my collection of old carb. parts ( I never throw anything out ) and try to find a seat and needle for this carburetor that is not polymer tipped.

 

[fried1765]

Piloon- Yes, I am using a rubber fuel line section , which feeds gasoline from a 4 gallon outboard motor tank that sits on top of the hood . ( The original gas tank was badly rusted through, and was beyond repair.) The rubber fuel line is of recent vintage, and is sold as being tolerant of ethanol in the gasoline.
Since a new needle and seat tend to last two or three days before causing flooding , it may be that the Chinese version of a " Viton" tip is not tolerant of alcohol. However, this flooding problem has been going on for about 15 years , and by now the "Viton" tip should be of a correct material.
I may sort through my collection of old carb. parts ( I never throw anything out ) and try to find a seat and needle for this carburetor that is not polymer tipped.

If you think ethanol might be your problem, you could go to your local airport and buy 100LL (100 octane low lead) gasoline.
I use only 100LL in my 1951 8N, and it certainly seems to enjoy it.

 

[shaeff]

I'm not sure what part of the country you reside, but here in the northeast we have Stewart's gas stations that carry 91 octane, ethanol free fuel. I had a problem with the ethanol killing the carbs on my mowers, weed whackers, and had the same issue with my MF35. I would shut the engine down and fuel would quickly begin to pour out of the carb.

I rebuilt the carb the same way as the first time, used a USA kit made and shipped from CA. No more issues after switching to ethanol free fuel. Same deal with the mowers and weed whackers.

Of course, your mileage may vary.

 

[coss]

I'm not sure what part of the country you reside, but here in the northeast we have Stewart's gas stations that carry 91 octane, ethanol free fuel. I had a problem with the ethanol killing the carbs on my mowers, weed whackers, and had the same issue with my MF35. I would shut the engine down and fuel would quickly begin to pour out of the carb.

I rebuilt the carb the same way as the first time, used a USA kit made and shipped from CA. No more issues after switching to ethanol free fuel. Same deal with the mowers and weed whackers.

Of course, your mileage may vary.

I live just across the river from your Germantown location, and Stewart's ethanol-free gas is all I use in my MH 50, chain saw, lawnmower, leaf blower, etc.

I've also gotten into the habit of turning off the engine by shutting off the fuel valve and letting it run out of gas. In addition to the gas choice, it may be overkill, but it keeps the carb out of trouble.

 

[shaeff]

I live just across the river from your Germantown location, and Stewart's ethanol-free gas is all I use in my MH 50, chain saw, lawnmower, leaf blower, etc. I've also gotten into the habit of turning off the engine by shutting off the fuel valve and letting it run out of gas. In addition to the gas choice, it may be overkill, but it keeps the carb out of trouble.

Right on, I love it. Much easier than buying an additive to "neutralize" the ethanol.

I used to do the same with my MF35 Utility, run the gas out of the carb, but it takes too much cranking to get fuel back in the bowl so I just turn it off and kill the fuel at the tank in case the needle and seat fail. (Don't want 8gal of gas pouring out in the yard)

You in the Saugerties/Malden/Catskill/Palenville area?

 

[coss]

Right on, I love it. Much easier than buying an additive to "neutralize" the ethanol.

I used to do the same with my MF35 Utility, run the gas out of the carb, but it takes too much cranking to get fuel back in the bowl so I just turn it off and kill the fuel at the tank in case the needle and seat fail. (Don't want 8gal of gas pouring out in the yard)

You in the Saugerties/Malden/Catskill/Palenville area?

Saugerties.

 

[fried1765]

I'm not sure what part of the country you reside, but here in the northeast we have Stewart's gas stations that carry 91 octane, ethanol free fuel. I had a problem with the ethanol killing the carbs on my mowers, weed whackers, and had the same issue with my MF35. I would shut the engine down and fuel would quickly begin to pour out of the carb.

I rebuilt the carb the same way as the first time, used a USA kit made and shipped from CA. No more issues after switching to ethanol free fuel. Same deal with the mowers and weed whackers.

Of course, your mileage may vary.

No ethanol gas in THIS part of the Northeast!
Massachusetts does not permit the sale of ANY ethanol free gas.
I buy 100LL at the local airport, but it is pricey, and I really would prefer it without the lead!

 

[shaeff]

Saugerties.

Nice, I spent a few years dating girls in Saugerties when I was a bit younger. (33 and married now) beautiful area

No ethanol gas in THIS part of the Northeast! Massachusetts does not permit the sale of ANY ethanol free gas. I buy 100LL at the local airport, but it is pricey, and I really would prefer it without the lead!

Ah nuts!