small engine ?

[logan97]

I have a log splitter from TSC with a B & S engine. every time I go to start it I have to take the float bowl off dump it put it back on , and then the thing starts. This is an extreme frustration to say the least. Any suggestion ?

 

[Papasmirf]

Yep, clean the carb and put a new needle and seat in. Be cautious about which way you install the seat. Or take carb to a small engine mechanic and have them do it.

 

[mostly_gas]

Next time you pull the float bowel, check fuel for water.

 

[Papasmirf]

FYI, I have a gas riding mower that has a 2 gl. tank. Once a month I put a cap full of Berryman's B-12 into the gas tank and fill it up and run it while mowing, etc. I use fuel stabilizer and start all my engines at least monthly, usually more, all thru the winter.

 

[Code54]

Personally I would get a rebuild kit (mostly fairly cheap - just did a Kohler for $12 bucks), install in the carb, Dump all your old fuel and replace with new fuel with stabilizer in it. I also install an inline fuel filter (about $3) and a shut off on my fuel line under the tank. When you are done splitting, turn the fuel off and let it run itself dry. I been doing this for years on my small engines and never have any problems, even on my generator that sits for months/sometimes a year without being run.

 

[Western]

Agree with Papasmirf. I bet you're needle is getting stuck because of varnish from old ethanol gas. This problem has become more common in almost any small engine due to ethanol.

 

[Pagan1]

Put a Good shot of Seafoam in gas.I ad every time I fill and start 1st or second pull.

 

[Gunny]

Personally I would get a rebuild kit (mostly fairly cheap - just did a Kohler for $12 bucks), install in the carb, Dump all your old fuel and replace with new fuel with stabilizer in it. I also install an inline fuel filter (about $3) and a shut off on my fuel line under the tank. When you are done splitting, turn the fuel off and let it run itself dry. I been doing this for years on my small engines and never have any problems, even on my generator that sits for months/sometimes a year without being run.

+1 - I just about promise that will take care of your problems. I did this a long while ago on all my small engines and haven't had to do any work on them since, just turn the valve on, give it a minute to let the fuel fill the carb, then start.

 

[DennisArrow]

YES........after ......AFTER you drain the tank, take off the fuel lines, put on a fuel filter ($2.00) in line before the carb, drain the fuel from the carb, blow out the passages, flush the tank again..................NOW.........put in stabilizer and fuel conditioner..........

+2 on an inline fuel cut off on all of your equipment and run it dry, til it stops, each time you run it.........Otherwise as some have tried to get across, the fuel sits in the bowl and turns to jello and crud that reacts with your bowl and cruds it up..........Honda's are real bad about that.

Seems to me that your fuel is contaminated with water, dirt, or crud that gets into your fuel bowl as it sits after running..........Clean everything and you should be really good to go............God bless...........Dennis

 

[Papasmirf]

Last but not least: DO NOT put ethanol in ANY engine unless it specifically calls for it. It will ruin seals and anything neoprene unless they are special. It will ruin "seats".

 

[Pilot]

Papasmirf is right on about the ethanol. It's crap. The only reason it isn't a problem with cars is that it doesn't spend much time in your car--you run it thru & get fresh. Here you can see what a friend got out of his motorcycle tank after it sat all winter.

 

[Papasmirf]

I have two neighbors with fairly new cars. They started using gas with 10% ethanol and both were unaware of the potential problems until their cars started breaking down. Both had several large repair bills.

 

[Gunny]

Now, when it's time to fill up the gas can that I use for small engines, I add the stabilizer to the can before I leave the farm. It's become a habit, but I always know that the gasoline has been treated.

This ethanol crap they're selling starts to darken and go bad much quicker than it did back in the days before they started adding ethanol.

 

[logan97]

YES........after ......AFTER you drain the tank, take off the fuel lines, put on a fuel filter ($2.00) in line before the carb, drain the fuel from the carb, blow out the passages, flush the tank again..................NOW.........put in stabilizer and fuel conditioner..........

+2 on an inline fuel cut off on all of your equipment and run it dry, til it stops, each time you run it.........Otherwise as some have tried to get across, the fuel sits in the bowl and turns to jello and crud that reacts with your bowl and cruds it up..........Honda's are real bad about that.

Seems to me that your fuel is contaminated with water, dirt, or crud that gets into your fuel bowl as it sits after running..........Clean everything and you should be really good to go............God bless...........Dennis

this problem has been occurring ever since I got the splitter. I drained the tank and cleaned the bowl yesterday and today it would not start.A friend has one that will not start unless he puts a heater in front of it for a period of time. mine does not start even in summer.
That said I should take it to the small engine repair have a carb rebuild kit ,a shut of valve and a filter put on it ? use an additive and start it regularly. BTW our local gas station has non ethanol fuel

 

[Papasmirf]

Hey, take a look at the keyway on the crankshaft that the alternator/ generator. If the key has been "smashed a little, the timing will be off and it will not start. I've had two Tecumseh and one Briggs motor do it. Just a thought.

 

[Papasmirf]

On the cowling of the engine is Briggs model number. Give me those numbers and let me have a little time to research.

 

[Pilot]

Where to buy gas without ethanol--a list of 7640 gas stations for most US states and Canada:
Ethanol-free gas stations in the U.S. and Canada

 

[logan97]

On the cowling of the engine is Briggs model number. Give me those numbers and let me have a little time to research.

Briggs & Stratton 675 E series 190cc
Model year 2012 381071
EXS Family CBSXS 1901VP

 

[Papasmirf]

Briggs & Stratton 24/7 customer service tech line: 1-800-444-7774

I found nothing specific about your problem. Have all of the info of the engine cowling when you call. I've talked to two people and they still believe your going to have to clean and rebuild the carb. But give Briggs a call first.
Happy New Year

 

[DennisArrow]

I have the 35 ton that TSC sells, have owned it for maybe 5 seasons now, and have maybe 200 hours on it with perhaps 100 cords of wood split.............zero problems.............ZERO.........Always starts on the second or third pull.....Always shut off the fuel and let it run dry....

NOT bragging just saying how dependable this particular model should be for YOU...........

How long since you bought this piece of equipment??????.....My TSC is really good about standing behind what they sell me. Have you tried talking to them about the situation as it has been happening since new?..........
Hope it is carb related; but for me I would try the warranty situation first, yes the inline filter and shut-off for sure and a carb rebuild at the worst. After that..............Let's see after you have done the above............God bless...........Dennis