The rumble of a lawn mower engine can be a symphony of summer, but that music can turn sour if the carburetor is clogged. A dirty carburetor can lead to a sputtering engine, poor fuel economy, and even a complete engine stall. But don’t worry, cleaning your lawn mower’s carburetor is a relatively straightforward DIY project that can breathe new life into your mower and save you a trip to the repair shop. This article will guide you step-by-step through the process, providing everything you need to know to tackle this common maintenance task.
A Quick Overview
Cleaning a carburetor involves disassembling it, soaking the parts in carburetor cleaner, and reassembling it. You’ll also need to inspect the carburetor for any worn or damaged parts. With the right tools and a little patience, you can successfully clean your lawn mower’s carburetor and get it running like new again.
Getting Started: What You’ll Need
Before you dive into the cleaning process, you’ll need to gather the necessary tools and materials. You’ll be working with small parts, so a clean and well-lit workspace is essential. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Carburetor cleaner: This specialized cleaner is designed to dissolve gum, varnish, and other deposits that clog carburetors.
- A small bowl or container: You’ll need this to hold the carburetor cleaner.
- A toothbrush: This will help you scrub away stubborn debris from the carburetor parts.
- A small screwdriver set: Different models of lawn mowers use different types of screws, so it’s essential to have a range of screwdriver sizes.
- A pair of pliers: You may need pliers to grip and remove stubborn screws.
- A shop towel or rags: You’ll need these to clean up any spills and wipe down parts.
- A pair of rubber gloves: Protect your hands from the harsh chemicals in carburetor cleaner.
- Safety Glasses: Protect your eyes from potential splashes of cleaner.
Disassembling the Carburetor
Once you have your supplies ready, you can begin disassembling the carburetor. Follow these steps carefully:
- Disconnect the spark plug wire: This will prevent the engine from starting accidentally while you are working.
- Locate the carburetor: The carburetor is typically mounted on the engine’s side and is easily identifiable by its fuel lines and air intake.
- Remove the fuel lines: Disconnect the fuel lines from the carburetor.
- Remove the air intake: Loosen and remove the screws holding the air intake in place.
- Remove the carburetor: Loosen the screws holding the carburetor to the engine and remove it carefully.
Inspecting the Carburetor
Before you start cleaning, inspect the carburetor for any signs of damage or wear. Look for:
- Cracks or breaks: If you find any cracks or breaks in the carburetor body, it’s time to replace it.
- Worn-out gaskets: Check the gaskets for signs of wear or tears. If they are worn, replace them.
- Bent or damaged parts: Examine the carburetor’s internal components, such as the float needle, jet, and throttle valve, for any damage or bending.
Cleaning the Carburetor
Now it’s time to clean the carburetor. Use these steps for a thorough cleaning:
- Remove the carburetor bowl: The bowl is typically located at the bottom of the carburetor and holds the fuel. Remove it by loosening the screws holding it in place.
- Clean the bowl: Rinse the bowl with carburetor cleaner and use a toothbrush to scrub away any debris.
- Soak the carburetor parts: Place all the carburetor parts (except the plastic parts) in a bowl of carburetor cleaner and let them soak for at least 30 minutes.
- Scrub the parts: After soaking, use a toothbrush to scrub away any remaining debris.
- Rinse the parts: Rinse all the parts thoroughly with water.
- Dry the parts: Allow the parts to air dry completely.
Reassembling the Carburetor
Once the parts are clean and dry, you can reassemble the carburetor. Here are the steps:
- Install the carburetor bowl: Place the bowl back onto the carburetor and secure it with the screws.
- Install the internal parts: Reinstall the float needle, jet, and throttle valve, ensuring they are seated correctly.
- Install the carburetor: Attach the carburetor back to the engine and tighten the screws.
- Reconnect the fuel lines: Reconnecting the fuel lines.
- Reconnect the air intake: Secure the air intake back onto the carburetor.
- Reconnect the spark plug wire: Reconnect the spark plug wire to the spark plug.
Testing and Troubleshooting
After reassembling the carburetor, you’ll need to test it to ensure it’s working properly. Start by trying to start the engine.
If the engine starts but runs poorly:
- Check the fuel lines: Make sure they are connected properly and not kinked or blocked.
- Check the air filter: A dirty air filter can restrict airflow and cause engine problems. Replace it if it is dirty.
- Adjust the carburetor: If the engine is running too rich or too lean, you may need to adjust the carburetor. Consult your lawn mower’s manual for instructions on adjusting the carburetor.
If the engine won’t start:
- Check the spark plug: A faulty spark plug can prevent the engine from starting. Replace the spark plug if it’s worn or damaged.
- Check the fuel: Make sure you have fresh gasoline in the tank. Old gasoline can gum up the carburetor.
- Check the fuel pump: A faulty fuel pump can prevent fuel from reaching the carburetor. You may need to replace the fuel pump.
Preventing Future Carburetor Problems
By following a few simple tips, you can help prevent future carburetor problems:
- Use fresh gasoline: Old gasoline can gum up the carburetor. Use fresh gasoline and add a fuel stabilizer to help prevent gum buildup.
- Run the engine regularly: If you don’t use your lawn mower frequently, run it for a few minutes every couple of weeks to prevent gum buildup.
- Change the air filter regularly: A dirty air filter restricts airflow and can cause engine problems.
- Store the lawn mower properly: Before storing the lawn mower for the season, drain the fuel tank and run the engine until it stops to prevent gum buildup.
Conclusion
Cleaning your lawn mower’s carburetor is a simple and effective way to keep your mower running smoothly. By following these steps, you can tackle this maintenance task with confidence and save yourself time and money. Remember to use the correct tools and supplies, follow the steps carefully, and be sure to test the carburetor after reassembly. With a little effort, you can enjoy the satisfaction of keeping your lawn mower running like new again.
FAQ
What is a carburetor and what does it do?
A carburetor is a device that mixes air and fuel in the correct proportion for combustion in a lawn mower engine. It works by drawing air through the carburetor’s throat, creating a vacuum that pulls fuel from the fuel tank. The fuel is then atomized into a fine mist and mixed with the air before entering the engine’s combustion chamber. If your lawnmower is not starting or running properly, it could be a sign that your carburetor needs cleaning.
You can tell if your carburetor needs cleaning if your lawnmower is having starting issues, running rough, or if the engine is sputtering or stalling. Also, if you notice black smoke coming from the engine, or if the engine is not running at full power, you may need to clean your carburetor.
What are the common signs of a dirty carburetor?
A dirty carburetor can cause a variety of problems with your lawnmower. Some of the most common signs include:
- Difficulty starting: A dirty carburetor can make it difficult for your lawnmower to start. This is because the carburetor’s jets can become clogged with dirt and debris, preventing fuel from flowing properly.
- Rough running: A dirty carburetor can also cause your lawnmower to run rough. This is because the carburetor’s jets can become partially blocked, causing the engine to misfire.
- Stalling: A dirty carburetor can also cause your lawnmower to stall. This is because the carburetor’s jets can become completely blocked, preventing fuel from flowing to the engine.
What tools and supplies will I need to clean the carburetor?
You will need a few basic tools and supplies to clean your lawnmower carburetor. These include:
- A carburetor cleaning kit: These kits usually include a small cleaning brush, a small bottle of carburetor cleaner, and a few other tools.
- A screwdriver: You will need a screwdriver to remove the carburetor from your lawnmower.
- A bowl or container: You will need a bowl or container to hold the carburetor cleaner.
- A pair of gloves: It is a good idea to wear gloves to protect your hands from the carburetor cleaner.
- A rag or towel: You will need a rag or towel to clean up any spills.
How do I disassemble the carburetor?
Before you start disassembling the carburetor, it is important to disconnect the spark plug wire to prevent the engine from starting accidentally. Next, you will need to remove the carburetor from the engine. This will typically involve removing a few screws or bolts that hold the carburetor in place. Once the carburetor is removed, you can begin to disassemble it.
Start by removing the float bowl, which is the bottom part of the carburetor. The float bowl will contain the fuel inlet and outlet jets, as well as the float. You can then remove the jets by unscrewing them from the float bowl. Be sure to keep track of which jet goes where.
How do I clean the carburetor?
Once you have disassembled the carburetor, you can begin to clean it. Start by soaking the carburetor parts in carburetor cleaner. You can use a small bowl or container to hold the cleaner. Be sure to follow the instructions on the carburetor cleaner bottle.
After soaking, use a small cleaning brush to scrub the carburetor parts, paying particular attention to the jets and passages. You can use a toothpick or other small, pointed tool to help dislodge any stubborn dirt or debris. Once the carburetor parts are clean, rinse them with clean water and allow them to dry completely.
How do I reassemble the carburetor?
Once the carburetor parts are clean and dry, you can reassemble the carburetor. Make sure to reinstall the jets and other parts in the correct order. Be sure to tighten all screws and bolts securely. Once the carburetor is reassembled, you can reinstall it on the engine.
After you reinstall the carburetor, reconnect the spark plug wire and start the engine. Let the engine run for a few minutes to allow the carburetor to prime itself. You may need to adjust the idle speed or air-fuel mixture after cleaning the carburetor.
What maintenance tips should I follow to prevent my carburetor from getting dirty?
To keep your carburetor clean and your lawnmower running smoothly, it’s essential to follow a few maintenance tips:
- Use fresh fuel: Old fuel can gum up your carburetor. If you’re not going to use your lawnmower for a while, drain the old fuel from the tank and refill with fresh fuel.
- Store your lawnmower properly: When you’re not using your lawnmower, store it in a dry, clean place. This will help prevent dust and debris from accumulating on the carburetor.
- Change your air filter regularly: A dirty air filter can restrict airflow to the carburetor, which can lead to fuel buildup.
- Use fuel stabilizer: Adding fuel stabilizer to your gas can help prevent fuel from degrading and gumming up your carburetor.