Mend > Lawn Mowers

How do I know if it's bad gas or a dirty carburetor?

My Craftsman Eager1 was hard to start and if and when it did, it ran roughly for a brief time and died. I changed the oil, cleaned the outside of the carb with a spray cleaner, and checked the spark plug. It started more easily but still dies out. If I push down or hold the primer button, it runs - allowing gas to flow? Any ideas? Gas line? Carb? If it's the carb, how do I take it apart and clean it?

Cecile
September 2004

Craftsman Craftsman Eager1 Garden Tools, Lawn Mowers Craftsman Start Time

make sure yor primer bulb isn't leaking air

offroadie
May 2005

sounds like you have fuel problem.take the hose off the carb and make sure have gas flow from the gas tank.if your concerned about bad fuel replace it.take carb off motor taking note to remember where the springs and linkages are hooked up what holes.take bowl off carb clean out if dirty remove pin holding float remove float do not loose float valve is attached to float. shake float back and forth by your ear to hear if fuel is inside of it if there is it is bad.now take spray carb cleaner and spray through all holes in carb check the nut that holds bowl on and clean holes in it if it has some in you can use a small wire to clean holes it does not hurt to blow compessed air into the holes with a air compressor be carefull as you can blow the seat out for the float valve which this is where the fuel line hookes into carb.also be careful if primer bulb is mounted to carb you damage it when blowing air through carb. it could pop like balloon so be careful.put your float back in making sure float pin is clipped back onto float install bowl back on carb making sure the recessed part of the bowl is facing fuel inlet.not all bowls are recessed.and reinstall with new gaskets

mike w
October 2004

I have the exact problem for my Eager-1 and I'm seeking a solution.

Lars
September 2004