GT-2550 Won't Start, Carb Flooded?

rau2009sch · Aug 8, 2014

The carb seems to be flooded, with gas running out the muffler. Engine will not start. I can smell gas in the engine oil.
Can I take the carb apart enough to clean it up, free up the float and needle, etc., without doing anything bad?
How do I do that?
I'm pretty handy around the farm.
Thanks, guys.

RandyT · Aug 8, 2014

Sounds like the float valve isn't sealing. Best thing to do would be to remove, clean, install a carb repair kit, especially the float valve, and reassemble. Then change the oil and filter if it has one. An inline shutoff valve is used by a lot of people for a safety net, but shouldn't be used as a primary repair.

rcbe · Aug 8, 2014

OP - first things first. Get that crankcase oil/filter changed now. Don't run that engine anymore till you do. Crankcase oil diluted with raw gas loses it's lubricating properties, putting your engine at risk. Right behind that, purchase/install a manual inline fuel shutoff valve to protect your investment.
Yeah, rebuild that carb wit a new kit - work clean, follow the kit instructions closely, take plenty of before/after pixs to keep track and don't re-use old gaskets/seals. Good luck.

rau2009sch · Aug 8, 2014

rcbe said:
OP - first things first. Get that crankcase oil/filter changed now. Don't run that engine anymore till you do. Crankcase oil diluted with raw gas loses it's lubricating properties, putting your engine at risk. Right behind that, purchase/install a manual inline fuel shutoff valve to protect your investment.
Yeah, rebuild that carb wit a new kit - work clean, follow the kit instructions closely, take plenty of before/after pixs to keep track and don't re-use old gaskets/seals. Good luck.

Thanks guys. I removed top half of carb, cleaned it, blew carb cleaner everywhere in every hole and orifice, installed new fuel filter, new oil filter, new oil, cleaned everytthing, pput her back together and she fired right up, runs like a champ.
Thanks. Yes, I will get a fuel shutoff valve. I trust it won't hurt the fuel pump, having fuel shut off while it runs dry???
Or should I shut valve after the engine stops??
thanks a lot.

rcbe · Aug 8, 2014

Great to hear! As to inline shutoff valve, either method will work.. I just prefer the extra protection of running it out dry. Don't like to run a sick worn out engine. One caveat tho - will take a bit of extra cranking and choking when starting the engine on next use... takes a tad of time for fuel pump to replenish the empty carb fuel bowl before engine will catch.

JRobyn · Aug 10, 2014

Glad you got it. It would maybe help if you have any other problems to not start new posts in three different places and then not check responses to your posts in some of those places.

- Jay