Repairs L118 gas tank cleaning/starting issue

[johnsongang]

Hi all, new forum user here, and I have a couple questions for the experts.

First, the rubber seal on my fuel cap disintigrated and multiple chunks small and large have fallen into the gas tank. Whats the easiest way to clean it out? I've noticed the fuel pickup tube is at the top, so the debris all settles to the bottom, do I need to fix it?

Next, my L118 has been increasingly hard to start these past 2 years since Ive moved here to hot, hot Texas. This year, Ive changed the oil, spark plug, air and fuel filter with no help. The only way I can get it to startis with a quick shot of starting fluid in the air intake, then it runs fine. Any clue??

Thanks,
Adam
San Antonio, TX

 

[scott47429]

first off i would remove the tank and clean it out also get a new gas cap but it sounds like either the choke isn't working when you try to start it or you have a jet getting stopped up check and make sure the choke is closing all the way if it is remove the carb and clean it really good and try that if you can post the model and serial numbers so we can help you more