Outdoor Power Equipment (Lawn Mowers, Snow Blowers, Chain Saws and more) Discussions

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. 

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?

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.

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

mml4 wrote:
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. 

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.