Harbor Freight Generator

[boraticus]

Originally Posted By: 4WD
I used to buy carb cleaner until I tried CRC throttle body cleaner on the tiny carbs …


I find WD40/varsol, a piece of very thin wire and compressed air to be the best carb cleaner I've come across. The "wire and compressed air" are the key components.

 

[boraticus]

Originally Posted By: JTK
Like mentioned in other threads on this, a whole replacement carb kit with new hose, clamps, etc, included is under $15 shipped to your door. I'm not against opening the carb up to see what you can do, but I prefer to just replace them and then use that OEM carb as a workable spare if possible.


If time is of the essence and parts can be acquired quickly and inexpensively, that's certainly the way to go.

My preference is to clean/repair carbs with float bowls. Not so keen to repair tiny diaphragm carbs. However, I do it in a pinch.

Here in Canada, things are far more expensive and difficult to get. Often we're in remote locations with a 60+ mile ride to town and a two week wait if parts are required. Hence my preference to "fix" things whenever possible.

In addition to that, I get a sense of accomplishment from learning to diagnose problems, finding solutions when I fix stuff rather than just replacing repairable parts.

Nothing better than repairing something with little to no cost especially when you're miles in the bush.

 

[JTK]

Originally Posted By: boraticus
Originally Posted By: 4WD
I used to buy carb cleaner until I tried CRC throttle body cleaner on the tiny carbs …


I find WD40/varsol, a piece of very thin wire and compressed air to be the best carb cleaner I've come across. The "wire and compressed air" are the key components.


^ Very much agree. WD40 is an excellent cleaner.

 

[racer12306]

Originally Posted By: cronk
Avoid using starting fluid in a 2 stroke. Since there is no oil in it like there is with 2 stroke mixed fuel, it is basically like running the engine with no oil.


Definitely wasn't a huge fan of it, but it helped prove a point in that it wasn't an ignition issue. At least it didn't run long.

Originally Posted By: DoubleWasp
This is also true. I've touched a LOT of generator carbs in my life that just needed a good poking out.


And I think that's all this needed.

Main jet was plugged, so I cleaned that out and blasted the rest of it was carb cleaner. Didn't actually take the carb off, just the fuel bowl and the jet.




Update:
As noted above, I cleaned the carb out, notably the main jet, and now it has run for several minutes. However, there is still a slight issue that may be working itself out as it runs for 30-45 seconds, then wants to die and a, hardly can call it a, spritz keeps it going.

So far my only cost is a can of carb cleaner and a jug of TruFuel. Just wanted to make sure that fuel wasn't an issue, plus I needed more for my trimmer.

 

[DoubleWasp]

This is the part where you ask whether or not your time is worth less than the few bucks it will cost for a new carburetor.