Question about a small engine....

[Stanley Steamer]

I just used my 7hp Horse model TroyBuilt tiller today.....I had put some fuel stabilizer in it last Fall and let it run until it was out of gas.....usually doesn't give me a problem when I get it back out again....

It runs ok as long as it's not tilling under a load......when I'm tilling, it'll run fine for a little while, bog down until it almost cuts off, then revs back up......over and over again....I put fresh gas in it today for it's first use and added some Seafoam to it as well.....the air filters look clean also...I'm thinking it's something to do with the gas delivery.....it has a little filter in the gas line, but if it were semi-clogged, it shouldn't run strong at anytime?.....my Paw-in-Law bought it new back in the early 90's.....this is the first time I've had any trouble with it except to replace a tire.....

Any advice would be appreciated.....

[roboto65]

Might check the gascap to see if it is clogged if it sat in a shed if you have a problem with dirt duabers or little Mudwasps they can clog stuff up to. Then again might just be time for a carb cleaning

[John U.]

Some Techron fuel system cleaner wouldn't hurt. Most of the small engines have a vacume/spring controled throttle. Spray some carb cleaner on the outside of the carb including the various moving parts.
Move them back and forth to be sure things aren't bound up or rusted up. That system is supposed to open the throttle when the machine is under load. Something is either gummed up or otherwise restricting the needed movement.
Good luck

[fstsix]

had the same problem with my 2005 Craftsman tractor, had it in storage in VA for a year and brought it up north and it would run good under a load, but had a up and down idle, ran Seafoam in it and new gas no help, took the carb apart and the passage in the air mixture screw was clogged had to use a sewing needle to clear it, compressed air would not do it, she runs like a champ and is in all Violation with noise pollution in my town LOL. 

[Robert]

I agree with Fstsix clogged carb put the choke on just a bit and see if that helps and should remove all doubt

[Printer Mike]

My Honda tiller was stored for a year with fuel stabilizer, but with the carb drained. Somehow a jet got clogged. I seem to have the best results just leaving carbs "wet."

[fudgie]

I do know that when you haul one on the trailer to tie it down and put the gate on back of the trailer. Its not a pretty sight to have it slide off and bounce 3 times in the air and land in the ditch. 

[Robert]

Fudgie sorry about the mishap but I was out at the lake and a guy with a trailer and a old flat top Harley on it pulled out of the convenience store and made a left turn. Well the bike broke one of the hold downs and it was like a whip and flew off the trailer whipped to the side and since there was still one strap tied on was dragged behind the truck. I felt bad for the guy needless to say he was beside himself and the trailer wasn't a easy one to get the bike up on so we helped him. So your not alone 

[Whistler]

SS, I would change the inline fuel filter before I tore the carb apart. I had a mower that did the same thing changed the filter and it was good to go. When you put a load on they suck more fuel, if the filter is partially blocked it will run out of fuel and yet it will idle fine. Just my experience, good luck! JDW

[Stanley Steamer]

Thanks guys......I'm going to change that filter first and work my way in towards the carb if I need to....that filter is only a year or two old, but I hope that's the problem.......

[Spirited-6]

My Honda tiller was stored for a year with fuel stabilizer, but with the carb drained. Somehow a jet got clogged. I seem to have the best results just leaving carbs "wet."

DITTO on "wet". Stanley, why put Stabilizer in the gas and then run it out ? If you are going to run it dry, nothing is needed . 

[sheets]

I had a mower (Honda, of all things) that would power-up, but not idle.  An extra stiff dose of Seafoam run through for a couple hours . . . and it cured itself.  Yrmv, 

[hubcapsc]

Every time I have a small engine that runs like that, I fool with all the screws on the
carburetor until it doesn't run at all anymore, and when I get it back from the small
engine repair shop, they always say "yep, we had to replace the carburetor", and
it runs great...

-Mike

[Stanley Steamer]

I replaced the inline filter AND took the drain screw off the bottom of the carb and drained some gas out of it, put it back in, and it seems to have cured what ailed it......thanks for the help fellows!!...

[Stanley Steamer]

Every time I have a small engine that runs like that, I fool with all the screws on the
carburetor until it doesn't run at all anymore, and when I get it back from the small
engine repair shop, they always say "yep, we had to replace the carburetor", and
it runs great...

-Mike

LOL....that is usually MY luck, but changing the inline fuel filter and draining the gas from the bottom of the carb by removing the screw down there, seems to have done the trick.....

Could I interest you in a swap of a trip to the  Taco stand for helping me bleed my clutch and brake fluids and a rear pad change?....I think I bought some new o-rings for the rear caliper, just not sure if I have all the parts to "rebuild" it like you did....I changed the pads out a couple of years ago, but that was all I did.....

[hubcapsc]

Could I interest you in a swap of a trip to the  Taco stand for helping me bleed my clutch and brake fluids and a rear pad change?....I think I bought some new o-rings for the rear caliper, just not sure if I have all the parts to "rebuild" it like you did....I changed the pads out a couple of years ago, but that was all I did.....

You bet... all I do is supervise anyhow  ... I remove the axle to get the rear caliper off...

-Mike "two cheese enchiladas"