Abby’s Guide > Outdoor Power Equipment (Lawn Mowers, Snow Blowers, Chain Saws and more) > Discussions > When I press the Primer bulb gas squirts on the floor.

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Paul7

Joined: Mar 12, 2007
Points: 452

When I press the Primer bulb gas squirts on the floor.
Original Message Jan 28, 2009 3:11 pm

I really like my Ariens 11528. But my Tecumseh 11.5 HP OHV engine has been nothing but trouble. It had to go in the shop right after I bought it almost 2 years ago because the recoil starter would pull halfway out and then snap back into the engine with a vengeance. Got that fixed. Now today It won't start. When I press the primer bulb gas squirts out from under the engine and onto the floor. Any ideas would be appreciated because even though it's still under warranty it will cost me $60 for the dealer to pick it up.

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Paul7

Joined: Mar 12, 2007
Points: 452

Re: When I press the Primer bulb gas squirts on the floor.
Reply #8 Jan 29, 2009 9:55 pm

mml4 wrote:

Paul- The same thing could happen to a Honda,Kawasaki,Robin,Yamaha that happened to your Tec. The gas we get today goes bad in a very short time and wreaks havoc with the carburetors of every manufacturers equiptment. I'm certainly not a pro but I have found if you pay strict attention to the fuel you won't experience problems.

1) shut the fuel valve off after each use

2)run the engine till it stalls after shutting off the valve in order to run the fuel out of the fuel line

3) place a rag on your finger and push up on the spring loaded drain pin on the bottom of the bowl after every use

4) At the end of the season the tank gets drained absolutely dry and the carb and fuel line emptied as above

This regimen is a pain in the a$$ but you won't be paying $60 pick up fees or being voted customer of the year at your local dealer.

Marc

The weird thing about this even was that last June the snowblower was dealer serviced for the season...which included running the tank dry. This was the first attempt to use it this season and the gas was very fresh...pumped that morning. The dealer picked it up today and said he'd have it back to me tomorrow.

niper99

Location: London Ont
Joined: Dec 2, 2007
Points: 354

Re: When I press the Primer bulb gas squirts on the floor.
Reply #9 Jan 29, 2009 10:52 pm

yeah l would have to agree with borat that seems a little extreme measures its diffently a year end thing, l would recommend using a stablizer in your gas if its going to sit around for a while, l personally use it anyway, and l highly recommend putting some seafoam two or three times a year that stuff works great its only about $10 a can at your local auto parts store.

Paul7

Joined: Mar 12, 2007
Points: 452

Re: When I press the Primer bulb gas squirts on the floor.
Reply #10 Jan 30, 2009 11:57 am

Got it back from the dealer and the float needle was varnished up...even though the machine was run dry last June. The dealer suggested that I leave gas in the tank with a fuel stabilizer to prevent the problem going forward. How long can a product like Stabil stabilize gas?

borat

Joined: Nov 10, 2007
Points: 2692

Re: When I press the Primer bulb gas squirts on the floor.
Reply #11 Jan 30, 2009 12:26 pm

Not sure how long it will stabilize fuel. You might want to do some research to find out. I prefer Seafoam to Stabil. Seafoam is a multi purpose product that does a better job than Stabil and keeps your fuel system clean and aids in removing carbon from piston crown and valves. It also works as a fuel line antifreeze and absorbs water.

mml4

Snow is good,
Deep snow is better!

Joined: Dec 31, 2003
Points: 544

Re: When I press the Primer bulb gas squirts on the floor.
Reply #12 Jan 31, 2009 2:41 pm

Paul7 wrote:

He ran the tank dry but probably didn't drain the carburetor bowl. Varnish can't form in the carb if fuel isn't present. I use stabilizer as well but have found it only delays the inevitable.

However,I fully admit to being more than a little obsessive when it comes to fuel .

Marc

SnapperV210P,Toro22177,TroyBilt42010Snowthrower,Craftsman Shredder,American Turbo Pressure Washer HondaGX200,Stihl011Saw,EchoPas260Trimmer Edger,EchoPB602Blower,EchoHCR150Hedge Clipper

Paul7

Joined: Mar 12, 2007
Points: 452

Re: When I press the Primer bulb gas squirts on the floor.
Reply #13 Jan 31, 2009 4:09 pm

mml4 wrote:

He ran the tank dry but probably didn't drain the carburetor bowl. Varnish can't form in the carb if fuel isn't present. I use stabilizer as well but have found it only delays the inevitable.

However,I fully admit to being more than a little obsessive when it comes to fuel .

Marc

Correct. I asked the dealer how to prevent this going forward and he said to add a fuel stabilizer to the gas just leave gas in the tank over the off season. In my area we have a 3 month snow season , Jan - March. I'm not sure that a fuel stabilizer will prevent varnish for 9 months. So now I'm definitely going to drain the carb bowl after I run it dry.

mkrind

Joined: Dec 10, 2009
Points: 3

Re: When I press the Primer bulb gas squirts on the floor.
Reply #14 Dec 10, 2009 7:24 am

I had a backwards issue. I am pressing the primer bulb and I am not getting ANY fuel to inject into the carb throat. It sounds like air hissing back and forth. I popped the carb off, float is loose, the needle looks good, w/o taking it out. Nothing seems to be clogged yet the hissing comes from this port that I believe you all are talking about is where the excess gasoline escapes when over primed, THis does not seem normal to me. Is there a check of some kind that may be tarnished over or something? Please let me know. Thanks.

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