By: Author John Cunningham. Published: 2020/10/14 at 9:31 am
In this video, you’ll learn how to drain your carburetor bowl, very often the quick solution to a nonstarting or rough-running mower. The video walks you through the process step by step, including bowl identification, removal, cleaning, and refitting.
Most carburetor set-ups include a carburetor bowl (gas reservoir), where dirt collects. Some engine makers place a drain bolt right there on the bowl (which makes life easy), but many carburetor bowls don’t have a drain bolt; in those cases, remove the bowl to drain it. Draining the gas from the bowl will often remove the grit or moisture, likely the cause of the rough running.
Before working on your mower, be sure to remove the plug wire to prevent accidental starting; see “Repair Safety Video.”
You’ll find useful resources below the video, tips, and links to tools, parts, and supplies required to complete your repair.
Tools & Parts
To nail this procedure, you may need the following tools, parts, and supplies.
WD40
This is first on the list for good reason: WD solves a ton of problems. I won’t work without it, because I can’t. Picture links to Amazon.com.
Ratchet Tool Set
Before we can do anything, we’ll need tools. I’ve selected this set as I own some Craftsman tools, and while I have worn some of them out, they did do a ton of work. So I expect this set will last the occasional user quite a long time. This set carries both metric and standard sockets, and that’s important because some mowers will have both types of fastener sizes. Picture links to Amazon.com.
Gas & Oil Syphon
You’ll find this tool really useful if you need to drain the gas tank, and you will if the gas is stale. The siphon will remove it without fuss or mess, and it can be used for extracting the oil too. Picture links to Amazon.com.
Gas Line Clamp
Some small engines will have a gas tap, which is really handy when removing the carburetor and stops gas flowing all over the shop. However, most engines won’t have one; these useful clamps simply squeeze the fuel line and prevent a spill while you perform surgery. Picture links to Amazon.com.
Carb Cleaner
When cleaning your carburetor, you’ll need this stuff. Gumming is a sticky substance that’s hard to shift. The carb cleaner will remove it; however, if your carb is really bad, save yourself some work; go ahead and buy a new carburetor. Picture links to Amazon.com.
Cleaners
You’ll find these nylon brushes super useful when it comes time to clean those tiny passageways of the carburetor and jet. Use these in conjunction with the WD Carb cleaner. Picture links to Amazon.com.
Gas Stabilizer
Mix this with the gas when winterizing your small engine. Gas isn’t what it used to be; it goes stale, in some cases, after just one month. Bad gas causes gumming, and that’s a carburetor killer. A stabilizer will save you money and stress in the long run. Picture links to Amazon.com.
Gas Can
Briggs and Stratton refuel can. These guys got it right, I like it a lot; it offers press button control, no fuss, no mess, and no funnel required. Picture links to Amazon.com.
Drill/Screw Gun
I use a DeWalt screw gun (also a drill) in the workshop to speed up the process of removing engine covers, carburetor bolts, Armature bolts, etc. It’s a brushless motor and as tough as nails; I drove over it a few times – still works great! Batteries are interchangeable, so if you have a DeWalt product already, you won’t need the battery. Picture links to Amazon.com.
- About the Author
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John Cunningham is an Automotive Technician and writer at Lawnmowerfixed.com.
He’s been a mechanic for over twenty-five years and shares his know-how and hands-on experience in our DIY repair guides.
Johns’s How-to guides help homeowners fix lawnmowers, tractor mowers, chainsaws, leaf blowers, power washers, generators, snow blowers, and more.