✅CLICK HERE FOR A DRILL BIT SET ➜ amzn.to/3aAdnkV 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/ ✅Visit Steve’s PARTS & TOOL STORE ➜ www.amazon.com/shop/stevessmallenginesaloon ✅Follow Steve on FACEBOOK ➜ facebook.com/stevessmallenginesaloon ✅Follow Steve on INSTAGRAM ➜ instagram.com/stevessmallenginesaloon/ ✅Follow Steve on TWITTER ➜ twitter.com/SteveSaloon
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
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!
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!
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 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.
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.
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)
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!
🌹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. 🥴🤣👏🏼
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!
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
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.
I finally fixed my toro snow blower yesterday which has done this surging / searching thing for three years (getting ready for the season). Took out the carb, ran wire drills through the jet (just like you said 99 % of the time will fix it), and put back together. Started it up, NO MORE surging. Also adjusted the low idle and high throttle settings. it's running great and better than ever before since I owned it. Very thankful for your help on this, at the time, a 6 year old video gave me a victory over my Tecumseh engine. TecumSEE you say. TecumSUH I say. Maybe it's a regional thing.
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.
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.
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!
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!
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!
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.
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!!!!!
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 - 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.
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.😂
TYSM!!! I just came out of hurricane Milton and during the outage, took out my generac generator and it was surging. Figured it might be a carburetor issue since my lawn mower was doing this a few months ago. I didn't have to take apart the carburetor and used just a sewing needle (I didnt have a small drill bit set) and worked like a charm, thank you!!!!
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!
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.
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
GOSH thanks mate. Our local substation burned out COMPLETELY and we have had no electricity for a week now. I'm a retired diesel mechanic and suddenly everyone is bringing in their generators with stale old fuel in them and I'm going nuts trying to figure out WHY the little buggers are surging. I did as you say and that's the ticket It's around 9:30PM here right now and I have given back 4 good units already and people are waiting impatiently for theirs to get fixed. I have 2 more tonight and that's it. Thanks for your sterling technical advice, Good luck and God bless. ❤
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🙌🙏🏻👍
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.
Thank you Steve!! My business partner and I have been messing with the carburetors on three of our snow blowers, all of them have been hunting/ surging. This video just solved our problems! Thanks again!
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....
Brilliant! I do have to offer a tip. If you do not have wire drill bits, but you happen to have a wire brush, you can take a needle nose pliers and pull a grouping of wires from the handle of the wire brush, separate out one wire and use it as a wire drill bit.
This helped me solve the surging on my Honda GCV160. And you're right about that 0.013" drill bit....I initially tried a thin wire that was 0.0145" and it wouldn't go through. I finally found my wire gauge drill bits and the 0.013" bit when right through that pilot jet. Thank you Steve!
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!
I watched this and it was exactly the problem with my riding lawnmower. I fixed it in less than 5 minutes. (8lb test fishing line also works to clean that hole out). Thanks for this video
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 😎
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 !
I happened to run across this video and the symptoms exactly fit my snowblower. I had not used it for two years because of the uncontrolled surging. After watching your video, I pulled the pilot jet but didn’t have the wire bit to clean it. You mentioned that you used a .013” bit which is exactly the diameter of the bristles on one of my wire brushes. Using that, I was able to quickly clear the jet. I reinstalled the carburetor and it now runs perfectly. Consider me a happy new subscriber.
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.
Hey Steve, you've really saved days and days in my attempts to lever out rpm of Honda snowblower!! The whole carburator was cleaned, combuster chamber declogged but with no result. Waffling became shorter and not that deep, but still there. I thought about the hole in that plastic piston, but did'nt manage to see it - i was clogged entirely. And only after I restored it, the engine went smoothly. Thankd a lot, man! ))
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.
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!
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.
Hey, great video on this problem. Had a generator that had sat for several years, emptied out the old gas, cleaned the carburetor out, and got it running. The engine had the surging problem. Checked the carb and it had the removable jet. Did not have to remove carb as you mentioned, cleared the jet out and the engine ran fine.Thanks again, great tip.
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.
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.
Steve it came out perfect ,I took that screw out and cleaned that small screw where the idle screw is and passed a thin wire key in which I have multi sizes ,Steve I fixed my pressure washer Thanks
You're the man! Tried new gas, oil change, clean carb, check spark plug, clean all air tubes/filter, googled 100 things and this simple advice did the trick. Got basically a new mower now though lol. Thanks!
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!
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.
Cleaned my carb twice and still hunting. Tried this and it now runs beautifully. I tried a wire brush single wire but seemed a bit big so found some speaker wire and it was perfect size for Honda style carbs with the non removable idle jet. Great video thank you
On my fixed throttle Honda engine mower, it started hunting/surging worse and worse. Rather that take apart, I poured half a can of Berryman's in the fuel tank, topped off with gas, and mowed as usual. During the second tank of that it smoothed right up. Now all is well! Try it!
6 years and this video is till helping people! Thanks Steve! Fixed my surging Brute generator with a B&S engine. I think it's been surging since I bought it!
Great video Steve, lots of good info here for those wondering why they are experiencing this issue, probably one of the most common and misunderstood small engine runablity issues. At the 6:05 mark in the video you mention removing the Phillips screw in order to gain access to the pilot jet. The small dot on the screw signifies that this in fact a JIS ( Japanese Industrial Standard) screw and not a Phillips. This not a criticism only a heads up for those that aren't aware. The confusion between the two has caused much grief because the geometries of the two cross head drivers and screws appear similar but in fact are totally different. Phillips drivers are designed to cam-out, JIS drivers are not. Using a Phillips in a tight JIS screw is an exercise doomed to failure. For those regularly working with Japanese JIS screws ( dimple on the screw head) do yourself a favor and purchase a set of JIS screwdrivers. Lots of good info out there on the subject, below is just a quick grab to get one started: www.motorcycle.com/ask-mo-anything/difference-between-japanese-jis-phillips.html Keep up the great videos Steve!
Thank you Steve...that worked great on my generator! I ordered a new one thinking it would be easier and cheaper then sending it to the shop..I came across this video as I was searching how to replace it...I ran down to my basement it took me all of one minute to take it out and blow out the jet...sure enough my engine runs awesome..you saved me money
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!!
😍 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!
I have followed your instructions for my snowblower that is hunting. Will find out tomorrow if it was successful, expecting another 4" of snow. I may have to fix the neighbors snowblower as well, it drives me crazy listening to it gallop. Thanks
This was the perfect tip. It was exactly what was wrong with my generator. I did take my carburetor apart to clean it right out, but it was only the pilot jet that needed to be cleaned. Thanks for the videos. Try a Canterbury Dark Mild It's one of my favourite beers.
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
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.
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!
Thanks for the great tip, I have also fixed surging problems with Gumout fuel injector/ carburetor cleaner and it is a very good preventive to add to your fuel.
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.
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.
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!
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.
Fixed my man. Did the whole overhaul and never thought of it. Was so disappointed that I did everything and it still didn't run right. Did it and now runs 100%.
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!
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 !
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!
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.
Right on @StevesSmallEngineSaloon My Ryobi pressure washer with a Honda engine started surging and not supplying full pressure just recently. It is very well maintained so I was unsure what the issue was. I flushed the fuel, checked the bowl and it was extremely clean and new looking, then I saw this video and guess what the idle jet was plugged 100%. I usually use an old guitar string to clean carb jets, but in this case I actually needed a small drill bit to punch through the gunk. Thanks to Steve I was up an running again in no time. Thanks for taking the time to make this video!
I have a Honda engine on my pressure washer that does this all the time. I’ve always just adjusted the choke to were it’s just being choked a little then it smooths out. I’m going to try this thanks for sharing
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.
@@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.
Thanks Steve. My new lawn mower started to actually sputter and stall and then I would start it and it would do the same all over, I have watched many of your videos but this on helped me to fix my mower. I originally was using regular gas but found out that I nee to use the higher grade. That's probably what caused the problem. I got some carb cleaner and couldn't find a set of wire files so I was told to use a set that cleans acetylene torches. Pulled of the carb and cleaned it up, and used the wire file to cleans the jet and the idler also . Now it runs perfectly. I didn't even have to open a beer LOL. Thanks again for explaining how to do it . You got my vote. John from Chatham Ontario
Hey Steve. I had an old Sears mower engine that did that waffle run at high speed. I found it was the air filter clogged. I put a new filter on and it ran great. Might be another option to check. Thanks for your expertise!!
If you dont have access to a small drill set, you can also use a cutting torch tip cleaner. You can get them at the big hardware stores in the tool section. It should be small enough to do the job. Great vid. Cheers from Houston.
Steve. I know this is an old video, but I have been fixing my Pressure washer, log splitter, and lawn mowers with this exact method ever since I learned it from you. I thought I was going to need to rebuild carbs or adjust governors. Nope! This fix works every time (ethanol!!!). I have also been able to help my neighbors. Thank you!
Hi Steve, I tried this on a Honda gcv160 with a bottle of jack daniels but halfway through and I lost sight of the pilot jet followed by the losing sight of the mower, is this normal or am I doing it wrong?
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.
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?
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.
Steve you're a legend. My almost brand new Honda Izy started surging today. Only used it half dozen times since it was new. Looks like the petrol got a bit old, gummed up the idle jet, quick squirt of carb cleaner into the nozzle and clear out with a bit of fine wire and its running perfect again. Took me all of 5 mins! Thanks Steve
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! Thank you! *Thank you!* Fixed the surging engine on my Troy-Built (Honda motor (Pro Line CRT 16 inch 1600 CC 4 cycle)) tiller in less than 15 minutes.. I sprayed carb cleaner into the same gadget @ 6:20 a good five or six times until it was obviously exiting this device. It has been absolutely 100% trouble free for some 23 years (yes, I baby her) but started surging during this spring's tilling but ran okay once it warned. Started tilling for my winter garden (1,200 square feet) yesterday and she died two or three times before it warned up and started running smoothly (at full speed) enough. BTW - When a fellow from Germany says "Honda makes the best small engines in the world," listen to him. Liked. Subscribed. Thank you!!!
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✅CLICK HERE FOR A DRILL BIT SET ➜ amzn.to/3aAdnkV
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
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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”.
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!
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.
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
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$. 👏🏻
🌹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.....
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...
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...
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...
I finally fixed my toro snow blower yesterday which has done this surging / searching thing for three years (getting ready for the season). Took out the carb, ran wire drills through the jet (just like you said 99 % of the time will fix it), and put back together. Started it up, NO MORE surging. Also adjusted the low idle and high throttle settings. it's running great and better than ever before since I owned it. Very thankful for your help on this, at the time, a 6 year old video gave me a victory over my Tecumseh engine. TecumSEE you say. TecumSUH I say. Maybe it's a regional thing.
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.
Torch tip cleaners work great as well!
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.
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...
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!
My son-in-law’s mower surged for years. I tried clearing out the pilot jet as described in this video and now it runs better than new! Thanks Steve!!
That is awesome!
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!
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!
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!!!!!
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 - 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.😂
TYSM!!! I just came out of hurricane Milton and during the outage, took out my generac generator and it was surging. Figured it might be a carburetor issue since my lawn mower was doing this a few months ago. I didn't have to take apart the carburetor and used just a sewing needle (I didnt have a small drill bit set) and worked like a charm, thank you!!!!
Great job!
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!
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
GOSH thanks mate. Our local substation burned out COMPLETELY and we have had no electricity for a week now.
I'm a retired diesel mechanic and suddenly everyone is bringing in their generators with stale old fuel in them and I'm going nuts trying to figure out WHY the little buggers are surging.
I did as you say and that's the ticket
It's around 9:30PM here right now and I have given back 4 good units already and people are waiting impatiently for theirs to get fixed. I have 2 more tonight and that's it.
Thanks for your sterling technical advice, Good luck and God bless. ❤
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...
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
Thank you Steve!! My business partner and I have been messing with the carburetors on three of our snow blowers, all of them have been hunting/ surging. This video just solved our problems! Thanks again!
You're Welcome...
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...
You must get some unfriendly feedback from small engine shops. You have helped me on a few occasions and I appreciate it immensely.
Brilliant! I do have to offer a tip. If you do not have wire drill bits, but you happen to have a wire brush, you can take a needle nose pliers and pull a grouping of wires from the handle of the wire brush, separate out one wire and use it as a wire drill bit.
Excellent tip! Thank You...
This helped me solve the surging on my Honda GCV160. And you're right about that 0.013" drill bit....I initially tried a thin wire that was 0.0145" and it wouldn't go through. I finally found my wire gauge drill bits and the 0.013" bit when right through that pilot jet. Thank you Steve!
Great to hear!
Been trying to solve my surging issue for weeks.. Solved in 5mins after watching this! Awesome! Thank you!
Glad it helped!
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.
I watched this and it was exactly the problem with my riding lawnmower. I fixed it in less than 5 minutes. (8lb test fishing line also works to clean that hole out). Thanks for this video
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!
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...
I happened to run across this video and the symptoms exactly fit my snowblower. I had not used it for two years because of the uncontrolled surging. After watching your video, I pulled the pilot jet but didn’t have the wire bit to clean it. You mentioned that you used a .013” bit which is exactly the diameter of the bristles on one of my wire brushes. Using that, I was able to quickly clear the jet.
I reinstalled the carburetor and it now runs perfectly. Consider me a happy new subscriber.
Right on Buddy! Thank You...
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!
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!
Hey Steve, you've really saved days and days in my attempts to lever out rpm of Honda snowblower!! The whole carburator was cleaned, combuster chamber declogged but with no result. Waffling became shorter and not that deep, but still there. I thought about the hole in that plastic piston, but did'nt manage to see it - i was clogged entirely. And only after I restored it, the engine went smoothly. Thankd a lot, man! ))
Glad it helped you out!
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.
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...
It worked magically on my Honda GX390 generator! Instantly eliminating the surging!...I cant thank you enough sir!...God bless!
Right on
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...
Hey, great video on this problem. Had a generator that had sat for several years, emptied out the old gas, cleaned the carburetor out, and got it running. The engine had the surging problem. Checked the carb and it had the removable jet. Did not have to remove carb as you mentioned, cleared the jet out and the engine ran fine.Thanks again, great tip.
Right on...
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!
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....
Steve it came out perfect ,I took that screw out and cleaned that small screw where the idle screw is and passed a thin wire key in which I have multi sizes ,Steve I fixed my pressure washer Thanks
You're Welcome...
You're the man! Tried new gas, oil change, clean carb, check spark plug, clean all air tubes/filter, googled 100 things and this simple advice did the trick. Got basically a new mower now though lol. Thanks!
You're Welcome...
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...
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!
Cleaned my carb twice and still hunting. Tried this and it now runs beautifully. I tried a wire brush single wire but seemed a bit big so found some speaker wire and it was perfect size for Honda style carbs with the non removable idle jet. Great video thank you
You're Welcome...
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....
On my fixed throttle Honda engine mower, it started hunting/surging worse and worse. Rather that take apart, I poured half a can of Berryman's in the fuel tank, topped off with gas, and mowed as usual. During the second tank of that it smoothed right up. Now all is well! Try it!
6 years and this video is till helping people! Thanks Steve! Fixed my surging Brute generator with a B&S engine. I think it's been surging since I bought it!
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...
Great video Steve, lots of good info here for those wondering why they are experiencing this issue, probably one of the most common and misunderstood small engine runablity issues.
At the 6:05 mark in the video you mention removing the Phillips screw in order to gain access to the pilot jet. The small dot on the screw signifies that this in fact a JIS ( Japanese Industrial Standard) screw and not a Phillips. This not a criticism only a heads up for those that aren't aware.
The confusion between the two has caused much grief because the geometries of the two cross head drivers and screws appear similar but in fact are totally different. Phillips drivers are designed to cam-out, JIS drivers are not.
Using a Phillips in a tight JIS screw is an exercise doomed to failure. For those regularly working with Japanese JIS screws ( dimple on the screw head) do yourself a favor and purchase a set of JIS screwdrivers.
Lots of good info out there on the subject, below is just a quick grab to get one started:
www.motorcycle.com/ask-mo-anything/difference-between-japanese-jis-phillips.html
Keep up the great videos Steve!
Excellent comment! Thank You...
Thank you Steve...that worked great on my generator! I ordered a new one thinking it would be easier and cheaper then sending it to the shop..I came across this video as I was searching how to replace it...I ran down to my basement it took me all of one minute to take it out and blow out the jet...sure enough my engine runs awesome..you saved me money
Excellent!
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!
Another great tip. Helping out the working man and keeping the repair shops honest. Thanks Steve.
Thank You...and You're Welcome...
😍 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!
I have followed your instructions for my snowblower that is hunting. Will find out tomorrow if it was successful, expecting another 4" of snow. I may have to fix the neighbors snowblower as well, it drives me crazy listening to it gallop. Thanks
Good luck....
This was the perfect tip. It was exactly what was wrong with my generator. I did take my carburetor apart to clean it right out, but it was only the pilot jet that needed to be cleaned. Thanks for the videos. Try a Canterbury Dark Mild It's one of my favourite beers.
Everything is so very lean running, fatten up the jet, drill the hole bigger!!!
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...
Subscribing. Opening a beer at the beginning of a small engine video is priceless.
Thank 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.
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!
Thanks for the great tip, I have also fixed surging problems with Gumout fuel injector/ carburetor cleaner and it is a very good preventive to add to your fuel.
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
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
Thanks! I use cut up guitar string trimmings to ream out tiny holes.
Thanks Steve, I followed your instructions and now my old Honda is running so much better, the jet was totally blocked.
You're Welcome...
I just seen this, my yamaha generator was surging, I took out the jet,plugged solid , cleaned I out now runs like a top
Thanks Kerry
Nice work!
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
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.
Fixed my man. Did the whole overhaul and never thought of it. Was so disappointed that I did everything and it still didn't run right. Did it and now runs 100%.
Right on
My pressure washer has that problem, as well as my neighbor’s snowblower. Now I know how to fix both. Thanks! Good video!
You're Welcome...and Thank You...
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...
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 use a welding torch tip cleaner for years. Has various sizes works well also.
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
Right on @StevesSmallEngineSaloon My Ryobi pressure washer with a Honda engine started surging and not supplying full pressure just recently. It is very well maintained so I was unsure what the issue was. I flushed the fuel, checked the bowl and it was extremely clean and new looking, then I saw this video and guess what the idle jet was plugged 100%. I usually use an old guitar string to clean carb jets, but in this case I actually needed a small drill bit to punch through the gunk. Thanks to Steve I was up an running again in no time. Thanks for taking the time to make this video!
Right on buddy! You're Welcome...
@@StevesSmallEngineSaloon my sister came over to borrow it already 🤣
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 🍻🍻
I have a Honda engine on my pressure washer that does this all the time. I’ve always just adjusted the choke to were it’s just being choked a little then it smooths out. I’m going to try this thanks for sharing
Good luck Buddy....
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.
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.
Ive told u this before and ill tell u again. You do a great job at these videos !! Thank u for all your help
Thank You...and You're Welcome...
Thanks Steve. My new lawn mower started to actually sputter and stall and then I would start it and it would do the same all over, I have watched many of your videos but this on helped me to fix my mower. I originally was using regular gas but found out that I nee to use the higher grade. That's probably what caused the problem. I got some carb cleaner and couldn't find a set of wire files so I was told to use a set that cleans acetylene torches. Pulled of the carb and cleaned it up, and used the wire file to cleans the jet and the idler also . Now it runs perfectly. I didn't even have to open a beer LOL. Thanks again for explaining how to do it . You got my vote.
John from Chatham Ontario
You're Welcome...and Thank You...
Hey Steve. I had an old Sears mower engine that did that waffle run at high speed. I found it was the air filter clogged. I put a new filter on and it ran great. Might be another option to check. Thanks for your expertise!!
If you dont have access to a small drill set, you can also use a cutting torch tip cleaner. You can get them at the big hardware stores in the tool section. It should be small enough to do the job. Great vid. Cheers from Houston.
Great tip!
I recommend WYPO KING SIZE ( LONGER) Tip Cleaner. They also can be used to clean Copper GMAW ( MIG) welding nozzles.
Steve. I know this is an old video, but I have been fixing my Pressure washer, log splitter, and lawn mowers with this exact method ever since I learned it from you. I thought I was going to need to rebuild carbs or adjust governors. Nope! This fix works every time (ethanol!!!). I have also been able to help my neighbors. Thank you!
Awesome!
Hi Steve, I tried this on a Honda gcv160 with a bottle of jack daniels but halfway through and I lost sight of the pilot jet followed by the losing sight of the mower, is this normal or am I doing it wrong?
This is Text Book technique...I will now refer to you as Sinsei!
That simply means stop what you doing retry in 24 hours
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.
Steve you're a legend. My almost brand new Honda Izy started surging today. Only used it half dozen times since it was new. Looks like the petrol got a bit old, gummed up the idle jet, quick squirt of carb cleaner into the nozzle and clear out with a bit of fine wire and its running perfect again. Took me all of 5 mins! Thanks Steve
You're Welcome...
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.
That is a great tip and I will remember it if I have that problem. Thanks so much for sharing that information with us.
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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...
Brilliant Steve! Terrific trick learnt once again. If only you could do this on the B&S carbs :(
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!!!
Thank you! Thank you! *Thank you!*
Fixed the surging engine on my Troy-Built (Honda motor (Pro Line CRT 16 inch 1600 CC 4 cycle)) tiller in less than 15 minutes..
I sprayed carb cleaner into the same gadget @ 6:20 a good five or six times until it was obviously exiting this device.
It has been absolutely 100% trouble free for some 23 years (yes, I baby her) but started surging during this spring's tilling but ran okay once it warned. Started tilling for my winter garden (1,200 square feet) yesterday and she died two or three times before it warned up and started running smoothly (at full speed) enough.
BTW - When a fellow from Germany says "Honda makes the best small engines in the world," listen to him.
Liked. Subscribed. Thank you!!!
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