carb leaking on Toro snowblower - single stage 621

[tomcat27]

the carb leaks while the snowblower is not running. yes, I have cleaned out the needle valve area (it wasnt dirty). the needle itself is all metal, so I presume that there is a rubber seat? the parts kit from toro does not include the seat, only the needle, pin, float, and gasket. so it looks like I need to replace the whole carb unless I mis-understand the problem.

blower model 38451 vintage 2012. evil chinese carbs!

 

[spasm3]

probably is the seat, sometimes it is easier to buy a carb.

 

[Warstud]

Did you inspect the float. If the float has gas in it...that will cause it to leak and should be replaced. To check the needle/seat...either turn off the fuel shutoff valve or pinch the fuel line. Then remove the carb bowl and lift up the float and turn the gas back on to and check for leaks. If it leaks ...you need to replace the needle and seat.

 

[supton]

Is the seat something you can replace? I think the OEM on my 521 was not. I just picked up some Chinese one for $26, seems to run ok.

My 521 has a fuel cutoff switch. I wonder if that is a fix?

 

[yeehaw1960]

The needle on older Honda carbs rarely (RARELY) fail. On the newer ones, they fail all the time because the chrome on the sides of the needle begins peeling off. If your needle is in good shape, the float may have a pinhole in it. You might let gas run to the carb while the bowl is off to test the needle by lifting the float up to try and check the flow of fuel. The leak could be coming from some place else.

 

[bubbatime]

If it is running fine, buy yourself a $4 fuel shutoff valve that splices into your fuel line and call it a day. Just shut off the fuel line when you are done and let the engine run out of fuel.

Often times the simplest solution is the best fix. All small engines should already have a fuel shutoff valve installed but the manufactures would rather save $1 per engine and just dont put one on anymore.