How To FIX A SURGING ENGINE On A Lawn Mower, Pressure Washer, etc.
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- Опубликовано: 4 июл 2018
- How to repair an engine carburetor that surges, hunts, pulses or waffles. In this video, we'll show you how to fix a surging engine on a lawn mower, pressure washer, or any other small engine. Includes Honda lawnmowers, pressure washers, generators, tillers, etc.
If you're experiencing problems with your engine, this video will teach you how to fix the problem and get your machine back up and running again quickly. We'll cover step-by-step instructions on how to fix a surging engine, so you'll be able to get back to work quickly and without any fuss!
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For more videos like this, check out:
👉Best Way To Clean a Honda Style Carburetor ➜ • How To Clean a Honda S...
👉Easiest Way To Clean A Metal Briggs Carburetor ➜ • Easiest Way To Clean A...
👉Easiest Way To Clean a Plastic Briggs Carburetor ➜ • EASIEST WAY To Clean a...
👉Fix A Common Briggs Plastic Carburetor Problem ➜ • Easiest Way To Fix A C...
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#stevessmallenginesaloon #smallenginerepair #smallengine #carb #carbrepair #carburetor #repair #troubleshooting #engine #howitworks #lawnandgarden #honda #pressurewasher #generator #tiller 
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For more videos like this, check out:
👉Best Way To Clean a Honda Style Carburetor ➜ ruclips.net/video/uAHdhuDpeKw/видео.html
👉Easiest Way To Clean A Metal Briggs Carburetor ➜ ruclips.net/video/kJfpTX2Lx0g/видео.html
👉Easiest Way To Clean a Plastic Briggs Carburetor ➜ ruclips.net/video/eGF_ynkc3C0/видео.html
👉Fix A Common Briggs Plastic Carburetor Problem ➜ ruclips.net/video/aNi9sJA4PFI/видео.html
You can connect with Steve here too:
✅Visit Steve’s WEBSITE ➜ www.stevessmallenginesaloon.com/
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sounds like pressure washer is still surging.
Any idea where I can look for a briggs and Stratton magnatron 3.5 carb rebuild video?? I cant find anything and its driving me nuts. Not even on google it's like this mower never existed
@@topcatlawson5490 .I have a lawn mower it runs up and down what should I do to fix it
Drill bit link is bad
briansjersey1 yep, says “ unavailable”.
One suggestion for amateurs: before backing out idle adjustment screw. Turn that idle screw in and count the turns; this way you know where to set it after reinstalling!
I count half turns, I find it easier. Also, I have had 3 carbs where the owner, or somebody, has turned the idle screw so hard so that the needle was broken off and jammed into the seat.
Have you found any way to get the needle out? I haven't.
Okay I’m an idiot so please don’t take me for one. Wouldn’t you have to count the turns when your removing the idle adjustment screw from where it’s currently at so that when you screw it back in you put it in the exact spot?? Or am I way off??
That will work. Doing it the other means when you screw it back in, screw all the way until it stops then back it out however many times it takes to equal your first count before removing it completely.
@@davidbabcock1231 if you know how far off the bottom the screw is, it's easier to get it back to the same spot.
@@davidbabcock1231 When you loosen a screw, you can't be certain you aren't turning past 'falling out' loose. If you tighten it only goes so far. I would put a dot of paint/chalk or scratch on the top of the screw as well.
Steve, you have literally posted enough videos to allow anyone to start their own small engine repair business.....for free! You are a blessing to people sick and tired of throwing away perfectly good small engines and buying another one because they don't know how to fix the one they have, and it isn't worth paying someone to figure it out. Thanks a million!
You're Welcome...
Funny you say, “start your own business”, I have a nice little “back yard shop” repairing the neighborhood folks small machines. Thanks Steve, keep up the great work! Also, I’m from Long Island, we have Blue Point Brewery, local to us. Would love to send you some!
@@StevesSmallEngineSaloon hey steve, what if drilling the jet doesn't fix surging. What else could cause the problem. My name is MICK
@@miltonruston4061 did you try choking it a little to verify fuel starvation?
@@tedpergolizzi6455Me too, Nextdoor for free adverts. Crazy busy on year 2. Hope it's going well for ya!
Lemme say somethin bud, ive been ripping apart small engines for a long time, especially tecumseh. I was messing with this 179cc craftsman snowblower and was just about 12 pack angry at the surging. I didnt know this, and its not so often i learn something from a whim youtube search. Thanks bud, cheers.
Right on Kevin!
If it helps Kevin, after ripping apart who-knows-how-many chainsaw, lawnmower and wipper-snipper engines, THIS has been the most recent problem I've had and had been stumped for a few days, and lo behold, I had found the answer. (Hopefully, I'll be working on it tomorrow)
Thank you
hahaha! 12 pack angry im dead !
I owned a Murray multi mower for 17 years. It had It had a five horsepower tecumseh not 1 problem
🌹Steve IMO you are the best!!🥰 Right now I’m LMAO because last night I watched a few of your carburetor instructional’s and repaired our lawnmower, which we bought last fall. My husband doesn’t believe in maintenance and he refuses to drain the gas before winter, needless to say the lawnmower wouldn’t start up this spring.🤔 Long story short, after watching your videos I had our lawnmower up and running within an hour and this morning I’m sitting on the deck with my cup of coffee watching my husband mow the lawn. 🥴🤣👏🏼
LMAO! Right on. You go girl.....
A few months ago I replaced the engine in my case 444 with a 13 hp predator engine. From the day I put this in the engine would surge, I figured it was in the carburetor and just purchased a new carb from amazon. Same thing, engine was surging. I watched this video and I thought that this couldnt be it because it surged with both carburetors. This surging was so frustrating that when I went out to plow snow the other day I figured what the hell I may as well check that jet in your video. Sure enough it was never opened from the factory. I have a small set of drills we use in the heating business to drill pilot orifices, so I found the proper size and opened the port which was never opened after being made. The engine runs beautiful now. Actually a pleasure to start and run. Thank you for the video.
You're Welcome...
Steve! You're the man! I never had a dad around to teach me anything about care and maintenance for my small engines. I've learned so much from you and I really appreciate it! Now I can teach my own kids.
Wow, thanks!
YT tutorials beats dads anyway. I treasure the few things (except the temper) he passed on but it wasn’t much.
I like Troy Bilt self-propelled mowers
I recently lost both my mechanic and also a friend that helped me with some of my small engines. So I started watching videos and I am slowly learning how to do it myself. So far 3 mowers, a rototiller and my riding mower! Your videos are great! Thanks!
Nice work!
Same here. My best friend and he could fix anything. Now Steve is my go to guy, though I do miss my friend.
You have three mowers and a riding mower?
Probably saved yourself 500$. 👏🏻
Hooray! I'm in the 99% that this truck works for. Thanks Steve!
Tip for those who don't have a drill and want a quick fix for cleaning out that little jet hole: Find a piece of steel cable and break one individual wire off of the frayed end with a needle nose pliers, then use the needle nose pliers to grip the wire and push through the jet hole while twisting.
Subscribing. Opening a beer at the beginning of a small engine video is priceless.
Thank You...
Took Yamaha generated that was "hunting" to dealer quoted $250 plus labor for a new carb.. Ordered drill set $15 as you suggested 15 minutes of time runes like a champ. THANKS!
Right on....and You're Welcome...
I like that feeling of saving cash for a repair you can easily do yourself too. just wish the wife would appreciate it as much.
Think you better apply for a job at that dealership. Your clearly far more qualified than their current staff. 😉
small eninge mechanics hate you
BUY THAT MAN A BEER!
Do what you do, Stevie. April, I know it's challenging at times, but keep him in line. You rock!
First time working on a small engine alone. Your videos are the only ones I trust and the process is so simple! Keep up the good work
Thanks, will do!
I use a torch tip cleaning set. Works great. Different size wires for different orifices. Just cleaned the carb on my snow blower. Runs smooth as a babie's behind now, that winter is all but done. Thanks for the great tips.
Another true nugget from Steve’s SE Saloon!
Story: Recently I executed a total cleaning of every nook, crevice and port (purchased and used the mini drill set) I could see along with new OM parts on my 1995 Walbro-LMT # 5-4993 Carburetor, my 15 hp Briggs developed the “death” surge😢. Back to Steve’s videos and I found the nugget solution🎉. Only had to remove the breather housing to get to the carb. There it was…The flat-headed Brass Pilot Screw. After removing and inspection, the “jet” port as well as the Pilot Screw end port was blocked. The correct size mini drill bit was the ticket to success.
Put it all back together and Wow!!! It ran smooth as silk 😊 Thank You, Steve for always sharing your small engine “golden nuggets” which have been my inspiration in restoring my Dad’s 1995 JD Sabre 1546G!!! God Bless you and your family🙌🙏🏻👍
Thank you Jeff! I am very happy that helped...
Thanks a lot Steve, My Iseki lawnmower has a GVX160 engine. The engine was not running smoothly (was hunting), also black smoke came out of the exhaust and when hot there was sometimes a big plunk and fire coming out of the muffler.
The first thing I checked was the air filter.
The air filter was very dirty and clogged.
I installed a new air filter, the big plunks and the fire were gone but the engine was still hunting.
I followed your instructions and removed the jet valve. The small hole was plugged, I took a wire from a wire brush and cleaned the hole.
After that I cleaned with compressed air.
I've put it back together and started the engine.
The problem was solved, the engine was running smoothly.
Good job brother!
If you know someone who plays guitar, ask them for an old "B" string that they might have after changing strings. It's the perfect size for cleaning jets in carbs!
Good to know, thanks for that, cheers.
Better yet, get a whole set of strings, Ernie Ball Super Slinky’s have a good selection of strings for different applications. It wouldn’t hurt to have too many. Also those guitar string sets are only like 8-10 bucks anyway.
Keep in mind guitar strings come in various guages.
I use B and E strings all the time. Best is: use a Sonic Cleaner
Sooooo funny ,,I was just going to post the same thing an seen yours
Steve - Great video, thank you. One thing to consider for newer mechanics. Before removing the idle screw, screw it in all the way counting turns to seat it. When you reinstall idle screw after clearing the pilot jet, reseat it and back out the # of turns from where you started. Easy and eliminates a variable for testing.
You had carburetor's on your car growing up didn't you!
Still as simple as you can get. 1960 F100 4x4 292.... 1978 400 4 barrel, Motor Home 1977 Toyota 20 R all rebuild kits $40.00 tops & a 12 pack of Miller.😂
you are spot on. Took out the screw, didn't have fine drills, tried a tip cleaner from torch. couldn't get it to work, put some air pressure to it from compressor. It stopped the surging. Thanks for your help. The beer also works to give patience when working it out....
You're Welcome...
Thanks for the video! My Honda pressure washer was surging. I took the little jet out and cleaned it and it worked great. Your videos have saved me like that numerous times. I Google what the engine is doing and your video comes up. You're helping millions of people.
I'm so glad to hear that my video was able to help you! It's always rewarding to know that I've made a positive impact on people's lives. Keep up the good work with your Honda pressure washer!
You must get some unfriendly feedback from small engine shops. You have helped me on a few occasions and I appreciate it immensely.
I play guitar and always save the ends cut from new guitar strings to use for all the carburetor cleanings. You get multiple sizes and they work so well at get the dirt and debris out. So helpful for me, just like this video!
Right on...
That's good to know man. I play and always have those left over things. I normally throw them out.
Additionally, I use my lawnmower blade to clean the F-holes out on my Gibson Hollowbody. Works every time.
Great idea.
you can also buy a ox-acetylene torch tip cleaning set at any hardware store....been using it and E strings for years.
Taking out and cleaning that plug under the idle screw on the carburetor was exactly the problem with my pressure washer! Thank You, Sir! 🫡
You're Welcome...
An older gentleman who has been repairing lawn mowers locally for over 45 years, recently shared a repair secret with me regarding how to correct issue with a reported surging engine. He said that you should seldom be required to remove a carbureator in order to correct a surging engine complaint. He told me to purchase a bottle of 100% Acetone from a retail outlet or Nail Salon. He said to use 1/4 a cup of Acetone and pour it directly into the equipment's Gas Tank, and then fill it up with gasoline to allow it to become mixed with the gasoline. The equipment should then be started, and allowed to run for atleast 15 minutes. He said you can also place the equipment in use to allow it to clean itself whole working. The Acetone not only cleans the internal varnish deposits within the Carbuerator, but also removes some of the internal engine's carbon deposits. He suggested doing this once or twice a season. I did so this week on my Toro Recycler, and wow, what a difference it made in eliminating the surging issue, as well as allowing a notable improved performance of the engine. He also said this solution when diluted with the gasoline, does not harm any of the internal seals and/or gaskets. All that I can tell you is, it worked in solving my Toro Recycler Self Propelled Mower.
Steve, I just used your trick to stop my Honda engine from surging, worked perfectly!! Thanks!!!🙂
Nice work!
I started a lawn care business 3 years ago, and your channel has helped me more times than I can remember. Thank you so much for all the info you share and for taking the time to teach us so thoroughly.
You're Welcome...
I'm in the same boat. Good luck with your business! I shut it down last year. I couldn't deal with some customers and gas prices. My area is rural so my service range is 50 miles or so. Then has elderly customers having me do other things like take their Christmas tree and lights down. Had me going to the store for them because they had no truck. I couldn't say no to them because they were elderly and just got burned out with the business all together
Hi Steve. That was very generous of you to share that fix. I have a Simson powered by Honda Pressure washer (From Costco) It had the surge problem from day one. Being a truck driver I had no time to return it to Costco. It was just a thorn in my eye. I watched your video today and went after it. I found the Philips screw head. Took it out reamed the hole and now she pers like a kitten. Thank you very much.
Right on Tom! You're Welcome...
Thank you so much! My ancient Honda lawnmower started surging a couple of weeks ago and was driving me crazy. I thought a full carb strip down and clean was the only solution but I followed your advice and its now running with rock steady revs. Very happy from the UK!
You're Welcome...
We are the shop Steve,
And have to agree with you on the grand majority of engines !
However, we see a number of extremely high hour engines with the surge !
We have found that by very carefully stepping up the wire bit to the next size, due to engine wear, and loss of vacuum, which sad to infor the EPA, requires a bit more fuel !
You MUST be EXTREMELY CAREFUL not to go TOO BIG with the wire bits, only one or two sizes is usually all that is needed Steve !
Excellent video Sir !
I have had good luck using cutting torch tip cleaners to clean jets with as well as the wire drill bits.
Ya but that's just luck because reality is that the torch cleaners only go so small and 50% of the time the tip cleaner isn't small enough.
Same here.
This guy is sooooooo right about these stupid little jets getting clogged. My Honda GX 390 drove me nuts until this video. Thank you, thank you.
Right on Jimmy! You're Welcome...
This guy saved me the headache!!!!!! I just came across this video by accident. Other videos say the can fix this problem but they never show or say what the solution is.
My daughter and her boyfriend live on Cape Cod which just had a major storm that knocked the power out and it is still out. I left them a generator. It started surging and stopped running. I couldn’t be there to fix it for them but I found your vid and sent it to her boyfriend. Which your vid he was able to get the gen running great. Your vid saved them from losing all the food in the fridge.
Can’t thank you enough for this easy to understand vid. Just awesome!
That is awesome! Thank You...
Yesterday I took the carb off, cleaned everything, even the tiny screen filter, put it back on and it still required the choke on full in order to run. I think you have now shown me what the problem has been all the time. Can't wait to do this tomorrow. Very simple thing to fix. So glad I didn't take it to the small engine guy who would charge me $60 simply to look at it.
@@emmanuelcarretero5758 easy enough to try. Will let you know.
@@emmanuelcarretero5758 No. Cleaning this didn't help. I'm at a loss.
@@leefury7it seems I can get mine running playing with the idle speed and fuel air mix screws, but since I also need to manually turn the disconnected choke and throttle it eventually turns off. I think im gonna gave to figure out how to adjust better and hold them in place.
Just wanted to say thanks for this video. I've tried to clean this carburetor for years and always missed this extra jet. The surge would barely get better then quickly start surging again. After watching your video last week, I bought your mini drill bit set and poked through the clog in that extra jet. It runs better now than it has in ten years! Still can't believe how tiny that little drill bit is. Cool.
Great job!
2 weeks working on a single stage snowthrower with a no start. After cleaning carburetor I got it to start but it would surge. This video saved me from giving up. Great info. 2 years later and this video is helping many. Thank you!
Here we are 5 years later and this video is still helping people. I fired up my snow blower to get it ready for this winter and it was surging. A tiny bit of choke would make the surge go away.
I pulled off the cover that was over the carb, found this jet and used a very fine wire from a wire brush to clean it out.
Bingo!!! no more surging.
Thank you Steve
You're Welcome...
Thanks Steve for all your experience. You're a great guy.
I appreciate that
Another great tip. Helping out the working man and keeping the repair shops honest. Thanks Steve.
Thank You...and You're Welcome...
With this video I fixed my 80 year old grandmothers lawn mower no surging and starts on one pull thank you so much
You're Welcome...
Thanks Steve. Had the exact same problem with my snowblower. Did what you showed/explained and the problem was fixed. Thanks again.
Great to hear!
Glad I found this video. I didn't want to go out and buy a set of drills so I used a strand of steel wire from a cleaning wire brush. They just so happen to be around .013 thou diameter. My craftsman tiller now runs smooth without that annoying surging! Thanks for the video!
You're Welcome...
That is exactly what I was able to use. I was gonna toss this $300 pressure washer I was so frustrated. Then I watched this and repeated the process!!! Amazing! You saved my sanity. Thanks for your content!!
Been trying to solve my surging issue for weeks.. Solved in 5mins after watching this! Awesome! Thank you!
Glad it helped!
If you buy a wire brush for welding that has long bristles...You can pull an entire section of bristles out with needle nose pliers and you have very stiff tiny wires for cleaning out pilot/idle jets. Keep them in a ziplock sandwich bag so they do not scatter everywhere. I always enjoy your videos. You are keeping the world running at a very low price.
Great tip!
I really appreciate that you take the time to do the detailed, close-up video clips embedded in your vids. A little extra work for you but a true mark of distinction for your videos and channel.
Thank You...
I'm.glad Steve shares this information.theres some out there who won't give you the time of day moreless give a helping hand
Really liking your videos, brother. No bull, just plain, good info. Thanks!
I appreciate that!
Thanks Steve! Working on a snowblower for my nephew which hadn't been run for about 4 years. Gas left in it! Smelled like varnish. Powermore engine with the pull out jet. Cleaned the carb but still kept surging! Did a Google search and your video came up. That was it! Jet was blocked. Carb cleaner and a small strand of wire and finally got it open. Runs nice and smooth now! Thanks again!
You're Welcome...
Fuel spark and air. That's why I love these small engines! Thanks Steve for the instructions!
Steve you are a Godsend! I have spent 2 weeks and countless hours on the internet, (before i found you), trying to get my sisters 1 year old Husquavarna rototiller to stop surging. Frustrated and trying to convince myself its normal to run that way I even ordered a new carb just hours before I found this you tube page. Thank you for helping out us normal challenged folks! Your the man!
You're Welcome...and Thank You...
Steve, after pulling a rear wheel off of my john deere sabre and putting it back on it would not go. My local repair shop told me the transmission was shot and the mower was junk. Thanks to you I looked for and found the key that locks the axel to the wheel and like magic all is well again. Thank you.
WOW! Find a different shop!
Hi Steve , I absolutely love the format of your videos. Friends talking over a beer . Clear to the point, how to simple fixes . You have saved a boat load of green backs. Thank you again Steve.
Thank You...and You're Welcome...
Send Steve a Beer!
or 12, lol
Thanks! I use cut up guitar string trimmings to ream out tiny holes.
Great tip, and I love how you always seem to give credit if someone showed you, thanks 👍
I try!
@@StevesSmallEngineSaloon you're the best! Thank you for everything you do and show us. Cheers my friend 🍻🍻
This dude cracks a beer before working, awesome!!!!
"WOW" my pressure washer does the same thing, been like that for a long time, I am going to apply the same procedure .great tip, thank you Steve.
Good luck!
Hey, you the man. I cleaned my carb today and I was disappointed when it was still surging. One quick RUclips search lead me to you. I had the same carb you first demonstrated on and I did just what you said. No more surging. And I've learned something new. Big thanks 😎
Great job!
I always thought a surging engine had something to do with the governor being messed up and that little long spring constantly over correcting the engine speed. Thanks again Steve. You are the man!
You're Welcome...
Buddy, I gotta thank you. That trick of cleaning that port did the trick for me. My generator is running real smooth now. Thank you
Glad to help
This video saved me $200 per the mechanic quote!!! Removed the screw and used a micro Allen key and once put back together started right up and surging was gone! Thank you for the tips 😊 🙏
You're Welcome...
Hi Steve . Just wanted to say how much you have helped me this summer. Your vids are awesome! Due to heart failure I needed something to do as a hobby and fixing lawn tractors, mowers and weed eaters has made me some really good pocket change! Thx again !
You're Welcome...
Thanks for sharing your expertise Steve. My honda lawn mower is running smoothly again thanks to your vid. Your knowledge and vids are appreciated by many viewers.
Glad to help
Thanks man. Five minute fix.
Glad it helped
It worked magically on my Honda GX390 generator! Instantly eliminating the surging!...I cant thank you enough sir!...God bless!
Right on
I just watched your video went outside and fixed the problem on the Honda GCV 160 lawnmower. Thanks Steve. You saved me a repair bill. Like subscribe.
Right on....
Steve, if you ever come to Ireland let me know and I'll buy all your beer for the trip. My Mountfield mower was hunting and caught up with your video. I was sceptical. Could this be the problem? So I followed your instructions and BINGO! No hunting and back to running like a dream. Thank you very much sharing your knowledge.
Thank You...and You're Welcome...
Last of the big spenders. A beer. Lol
@@StevesSmallEngineSaloon Take up Ashley's offer. There is a lot of great beer in Ireland!!!
OMG, I stumbled onto this video in the hopes of finding out how to clean a carburetor. My Kohler 7.3E marine generator has surged for years and after trying clean and even rebuild the carb to stop the surging, the only answer was to buy a new one. I've been through a few in the 900 hours I have on the generator. Well not any more. You're video helped me find that pilot jet and I never took that off because it had a screwed down clamp over the jet, which I took as a "do not touch". I did as you instructed and then fired up the generator and wow, no more surging, just purring like a kitten. I wish I could post my short video of her running, but I don't see that it's allowed. Many thanks Steve!!!!!
You're my go to guy for all my questions on lawnmower repairs. Thanks, my brother!
Glad to help
Awesome as always. I succesfully restored back my lawn mower was bogging down . Your videos are excellent tutorials for beginners.Keep up the good work!
Glad to help
Steve,thanks for your most helpful tips and repair videos.You have saved me a lot of time and money,due to the fact that I'm a do it yourself guy,who believes that if someone else does it,so can I.Thanks my man!
Right on Cal...
Steve, Thanks man, you just saved me a fortune in repair bills. My trusty Mountfield ride-on just started surging (I've always called it hunting) and you showed me the problem and how to fix it. I'm now the proud owner of a set of micro drill bits and a can of carb cleaner, plus a mower running as sweet as a nut again. When I got the idle jet out I could actually (with the help of an eye loop and a bright light, age you know...) see the blockage and the drill bit cleared it. Thanks again, your channel is invaluable.
Who needs a mechanic when you have a RUclips channel, am I right? Glad I could be your virtual repairman. Happy mowing!
My 3 years old Craftman snow blower did have the same issue with surging engine after I had opened the carburetor up to clean its jet from being clogged up. The snow blower refused to start after three winter seasons, one of which it was rarely used and I forgot to run down all the fuel from the tank. The carburetor was covered with fuel residue in the inside and the fuel jet was plugged up very good. I ordered similar wire drill like what he has to clear up the jet and clean up the carburetor innards before putting it back together. The engine started fine after that and the surging problem showed up. My snow blower has a Tecumseh OHV engine and the carburetor has the removable pilot jet similar to what he shown. I cleaned out the jet using the same tool I got and it works fine ever since. One step that he missed is how to put the idle screw back at the same place it was: turn the screw all the way in and count the number of turns it takes so you put it back to keep the same idle speed from the OEM. If you don't do that, good luck getting it back to the same idle speed, there is no RPM gauge like in your car to help you.
Great vid, thanks for keeping it simple (KISS) One note I would add is that a person can buy off the shelf from Lowes, Home Depot etc a welders torch tip cleaning set. This handy little tool is so invaluable for doing this type of work vs ordering and buying the drill type set you showcase. Handy little flip open set with all the sizes youll ever need and they stay attached to the case so you won't lose one. They're only a couple bucks.
You do know that he is boring out the main jet, not just poking a wire through to clean it. Hope this helps. Plastic carbs use 28 thousandth to bore it out and no more problems. This video he said 13 thousandth.
The welding tip cleaners are mini round files.Being that the jet is made out of brass to it will enlarged the hole.
Hi Steve
Thanks for fine tuning my knowledge of small engines.
My son in law as a mowing business i service his all his tools you take the rough edges off.
Thanks from Chris from Australia
Very cool!
Wish videos like this were available in the early 2000's i went through a mower every year back when
Your fix Steve is spot on. I couldn’t wait though for the drill bit set. But in reading comments one fella said to use a wire brush wire. I miked a harbor freight one it was .014 A little too big. I did have an old wire brush that was exact .013 and that worked perfect. Thank you so much Steve you are the man!!
Good tip!
I am a small engine guy got two 1952 Briggs.2hp horizontal engines .this is spot on.i do the same thing worked in many small engine shop.fun.stuff
Thank You...
First of all, I really love your videos! I have watched so many already. I love how you explain things in great detail and thank you so much for zooming in the camera, so I can see exactly what you are talking about. That makes all the difference in understanding what you are talking about. You make everything seem so easy. I don't know anything at about small engines and now I know more than my husband does..lol. I have a Honda HRR2169VKA with Easy Start Auto Choke System GCV160 that wouldn't start, so I found your site and watched how to clean the carburetor. I cleaned it just as you instructed, but I couldn't remove the screw to clean out the pilot jet. I stripped it. I put everything back together and it still wouldn't start. I could see that the choke was open, so I found another video that said to check the thermo wax assembly and sure enough the pin was stuck in the out position and that's why the choke stayed open. When I pulled it out, I noticed this black tarry stuff stuck around it. I replaced it with a new one, but it doesn't fit tight like the one I pulled out. Do I need to clean out the hole that it sits in and put some RTV goop on the back of it to keep it tightly in place? I just put it in without any goop. Now when I pull it to start, the mower surges. If I let the motor shut off, I can't start it again right away. I have to wait a while for the thermo wax assembly pin to cool down enough for the pin to go back in, so the choke will close before I can try to start the mower again. Is that normal? Also, Should I take the carburetor apart again and try to remove the stripped screw to clean out the pilot jet? How do I get that screw out now that it's stripped? In case you were wondering, the mower has gas and oil and I tested the spark plug per your video. I don't want to give up. What should I do?
I had taken out the old gas..nothing, I bought a new air filter..nothing, I do what Steve says and now it works. This man is a Genius 🧠🇺🇸
AWESOME! Thank You...
I use a welding torch tip cleaner for years. Has various sizes works well also.
Just impressed how you teach! Thanks for the video!
Thank You...and You're Welcome...
This is a great tip, Steve!
Most every homeowner will benefit from this knowledge sooner or later. Thanks!
I hope so!
😍 Been searching far and wide for the reason why my pressure washer was surging. I tested your suggestion and it worked perfectly. You are great! THANK YOU!
Great job!
And simple fixes like this is why I never let a customer watch me work on their equipment 😄👌.
LOL! Good call...
Like sanding the magnets on the flywheel...
Excellent. Just did this on a free lawnmower that I had managed to get going by carb cleaning. The final thing was that it was left surging and this did the trick. gcv135 engine with the in built pilot jet under the screw. Beware of people selling 0.3mm drill bits that aren't. Got one set and checked it with a caliper and it was 0.5mm.
Damn! Just measured my set that I ordered on Amazon and it's a lie! My set says it scales up from 0.3mm, 0.35, 0.4... The first six are all 0.5mm! What a joke! Thanks for the warning.
Found your video today. Just did this to my CHonda carb for my mower and it worked just like you said!! Nice and smooth. Took about 5-10 minutes. I’m sure my neighbors are glad!!! Lol. Thank you Steve!! Cheers
You're Welcome...
My mower is surging just like your pressure washer. When you said this fix applies to Honda motors, I just about fell out of my chair as my mower has a Honda engine. I can't wait to do this in the morning! Thanks Steve! 👍
Good luck!
@@StevesSmallEngineSaloon Good News...it worked just as you showed us. Thanks again my friend for the tip!!!
That is a great tip and I will remember it if I have that problem. Thanks so much for sharing that information with us.
You're Welcome...
Brilliant Steve! Terrific trick learnt once again. If only you could do this on the B&S carbs :(
Thanks Steve! I cleaned a carburetor and it didn't fix the issue...tried a new carb and it worked great. Went back and realized that I didn't clean that small hole out on the pilot jet like you showed, I didn't realize there was a tiny hole on the bottom of that pilot jet, I was only looking at the horizontal large hole. Love your videos!
Sending this information to my neighbor. His Husqvarna riding mower has been surging since the day he bought it & no repair shop has been able to fix it yet. Thanks for the tip
You're Welcome...
I wad thinking of starting a small engine repair shop, but I guess that's a bust now. Thanks Steve.
Excellent - just found this after taking my carb apart three times and it still hunting afterwards. Ran a tiny wire through the plastic pilot jet and now it's perfect again!
Awesome! Thank You...
Thanks going to try it
Ty so much for these videos , I literally know nothing about mechanics and with your help I fixed my pressure washer.
You are so welcome!
If you don't have the tool he's speaking of, you can burn off the plastic on a bread bag tie and use the wire. I have about a hundred of them in my junk drawer, can't throw them out.
Guitar string works good to I have same gen did what he did to it a month ago stoped surging , peace
Peter P., when I try that with a bread tie, it doesn't penetrate the tiny jet hole; thus, the bread tie simply bends. Have you gotten the tie to go through and actually drop down like at 6:50 of Steve's video?
@@jjparody8257 same. the tie bends
Great idea!!
I have taken 2 of them, well actually i have some old motor windings, aka mechanics pull wire, etc. U know the sort of orange wire. I found it worked well on a very old abused wood chipper. The wire was too thin so i cut a few pieces idk maybe 6 inches long and then twisted them 3 or 4 times per inch so that it sort of acts like a saw. If 1 is too flimsy and bends it might be too wide amd u gotta find something else to use or try a chemical cleaner to bust through a bit until the narowest thing i have fits through. If 3 is too thick try just 2 strands but twist each around each other not just wrapping 1 around the other. Idk maybe use 4 or 5 until u get the diameter right.
WOW! Thank-you so much for posting this. My Honda mower started surging recently so I decided to try your trick. It worked perfectly. I had to take the carb off on my particular mower. My only problem was I was stupid and didn't take pictures or pay close enough attention to how it all was assembled. I finally figured it out. The most surprising thing was I discovered there was no air filter element in my mower. I bought it new at Home Depot and had never taken the air filter cover off. BTW, the Amazon link to the micro drill bit set is no longer valid but, if you search, you can still find the same kit.
CW. I’ve tried to find that drill bit kit with no luck. Do u have a link? Thanks. Mel
Thanks again Steve. Been fretting over my 9hp honda splitter motor that just started surging after 15 yrs. Went outside and tried this, back in house 5 minutes later ,motor is purring along fine.
Right on
Hey Steve! My CHonda power washer was surging. Used your technique to clean out the pilot jet and ports... it still surged. I pulled the carb off again and watched your carb cleaning vid... found a small chunk of smutz in the nozzle of the main jet. FIXED! It runs like a group of 6 year olds from a birthday party clown!!! Thanks bro!
Nice work!
Have a one year old pressure washer with Honda and it was running great and then all of sudden it was surging..... Was surfing RUclips and there you were. Just like God (or someone) had sent you to hit me on the side of the head with the solution. Did what you said and it worked "perfectly". Thank you for sharing your knowledge.
Right on Stevo....
Thanks so much Steve. You were 100% right. A bit of fuse wire through the jet cleared it out. Now running smooth again.
Right on....
My husband has fixed several old engines by cleaning carbs with narrow wires. Ethanol fuel has helped sell many new machines.
I did what you said and the toro 721 snowblower worked like the first day. endless thanks to you
Right on buddy! You're Welcome...
had surging problem yesterday followed advice lastnight now today its back to like new condition. thanks 4 the tip. thought i was going to have to tear it down and do a full carb clean as much as i dont like plastic i do like the simplicity of cleaning for this design.
Great job!