Howdy

Demerge

Forum Newbie
Joined
Oct 19, 2024
Threads
1
Messages
1
I am a (very) old Australian, now at Noosa Qld. I am an electrical tradesman, and self taught mower repairman. I have managed all these years to troubleshoot motors, my own and neighbours, starting with the fuel, spark and air, but recently been stumped by obstinate faults. I have widely consulted on the net, but been frustrated by failures. As examples, a number of posts offer cure-alls, as in 10 ways to address motor that starts, but won’t run. After the normal dated fuel, dirty filter, and blocked jet, without solution starts to remains illusive.

In desperation, I have turned to starting primers and carburettor cleaners, never before used. The primer works, but cleaner is of doubtful benefit. It does not have the near magical qualities claimed. I have over the years gone straight to the jet looking for water and/or blockage, partial or total, and fixed the problem. Dealer technicians don’ have the problem. They simply change out components to get a result. I acknowledge the commercial imperatives, but those of us that have some ability can’t run off to the store for every hiccup. I do accept it to be my problem, and I am now beginning to accept it is my age that is the problem. Forum members may have suggestions.
 

Tiger Small Engine

Lawn Addict
Joined
Dec 7, 2022
Threads
2
Messages
1,060
I am a (very) old Australian, now at Noosa Qld. I am an electrical tradesman, and self taught mower repairman. I have managed all these years to troubleshoot motors, my own and neighbours, starting with the fuel, spark and air, but recently been stumped by obstinate faults. I have widely consulted on the net, but been frustrated by failures. As examples, a number of posts offer cure-alls, as in 10 ways to address motor that starts, but won’t run. After the normal dated fuel, dirty filter, and blocked jet, without solution starts to remains illusive.

In desperation, I have turned to starting primers and carburettor cleaners, never before used. The primer works, but cleaner is of doubtful benefit. It does not have the near magical qualities claimed. I have over the years gone straight to the jet looking for water and/or blockage, partial or total, and fixed the problem. Dealer technicians don’ have the problem. They simply change out components to get a result. I acknowledge the commercial imperatives, but those of us that have some ability can’t run off to the store for every hiccup. I do accept it to be my problem, and I am now beginning to accept it is my age that is the problem. Forum members may have suggestions.
Welcome and thanks for your post. With labor costs being what it is for most shops, nowadays it is common for mechanics to be more “parts changers” than before. For example, instead of cleaning a carburetor, they will literally order a new one and install it. I am old school myself and diagnose problems before firing the parts cannon. If your methods are working and your customers are happy, I would keep doing it how you have been.
 

ILENGINE

Lawn Royalty
Joined
May 6, 2010
Threads
43
Messages
10,703
Welcome and thanks for your post. With labor costs being what it is for most shops, nowadays it is common for mechanics to be more “parts changers” than before. For example, instead of cleaning a carburetor, they will literally order a new one and install it. I am old school myself and diagnose problems before firing the parts cannon. If your methods are working and your customers are happy, I would keep doing it how you have been.
Some of that parts changer mentality is due to OEM's going to component changing ie, Starter spring breaks and the only way to get the starter spring is to replace the complete starter with blower housing. Or you have a carb issue but the cost of the repair kit is 2/3 or in some cases exceeds the cost of a new carb. IE, how many $13 Honda OEM carbs do you rebuild when the float valve cost more than the complete carb. A $200-300 carb for repair is one thing. But when the repair kit is 80% of a new $50-70 carb things get considered.
 
Top