machmeter62
Platinum Member
- Joined
- May 24, 2004
- Messages
- 638
As couple of months ago now, I had trouble starting my '85 Craftsman 18.5 HP/21hp Kohler engine mowers. I tried all additives, but no results. I also removed the old fuel and added fresh, but they still wouldn't start. The next step was the carb removal, which is an somewhat easy job.
There is a red electrical wire connecting the carb which is a power source for starting and shutting the engine down. This red wire connects to an internal solenoid inside the float bowl.
The next step was the removal of the solenoid which requires separating the solenoid into two pieces from the float bowl. This is where one needs a "cup/plate/bowl" to catch the tiny spring/plunger that is inside the solenoid housing. There is a small plunger that pushes on this "tiny" spring, opening a tiny orifice allowing fuel to flow through the carb and into the engine when the key is turned on.
The starting problem was the result of my dated fuel rusting inside that solenoid housing preventing the electrical current to move that small plunger to allow the fuel flow needed.
The cleaning of that solenoid is a simple process. I used one of my wife's sewing needles to clean the componets of the solenoid, and cotton on a piece of wire to clean the solenoid housing. Then a combination of ("Sea-Foam/a Generic Carb cleaner.) The plunger had bonded itself over the neglected years requiring some pressure to remove it.
This is a well engineered system, but neglect on my part for leaving static fuel that turns to rust, for lack of use with condensation, that formed in critical parts over the years!
I was originally going to buy a new carb, but was shocked at the price of $300!
There is a red electrical wire connecting the carb which is a power source for starting and shutting the engine down. This red wire connects to an internal solenoid inside the float bowl.
The next step was the removal of the solenoid which requires separating the solenoid into two pieces from the float bowl. This is where one needs a "cup/plate/bowl" to catch the tiny spring/plunger that is inside the solenoid housing. There is a small plunger that pushes on this "tiny" spring, opening a tiny orifice allowing fuel to flow through the carb and into the engine when the key is turned on.
The starting problem was the result of my dated fuel rusting inside that solenoid housing preventing the electrical current to move that small plunger to allow the fuel flow needed.
The cleaning of that solenoid is a simple process. I used one of my wife's sewing needles to clean the componets of the solenoid, and cotton on a piece of wire to clean the solenoid housing. Then a combination of ("Sea-Foam/a Generic Carb cleaner.) The plunger had bonded itself over the neglected years requiring some pressure to remove it.
This is a well engineered system, but neglect on my part for leaving static fuel that turns to rust, for lack of use with condensation, that formed in critical parts over the years!
I was originally going to buy a new carb, but was shocked at the price of $300!
