Small engine repair, part 1
Today I (re)learned how a carburetor works. Or how it's supposed to.
Wanted to clean the stones on the front walk, leading to our door. They're a bit green in spots, and get very slippery when it rains. I have a pressure washer, but it's been sitting unused in the shed out back for years.Pulled it out, it still had gas in the tank. Oops.
Assumed that'd be bad, drained it.
Added a little fresh gas to the tank, wouldn't start. Not surprised.
Sprayed some starter fluid in the air intake, tried again. Turned over, sputtered, died. Figured as much.Started pulling things apart.
Got the carburetor bowl off, it was dry as a bone. Dusty even.
Big "aha" moment there -- so gas is not making into the carburetor. Tried to check the fuel line going into the carb, and that was the next "aha!" -- had to cut it off in the end. Seems the gas in the line had turned to goo, and fused some of the rubber fuel line in the process.Got the carb off and started cleaning it. Peeled the paper off a twisty-tie from a bag of bread, jammed that wire in some holes. Made decent progress cleaning the thing, but couldn't seem to get liquid to flow from the intake into the carburetor.
So I gave up (for today) and order a replacement carburetor.Will pick this up again when the part arrives.