View previous topic :: View next topic |
Author |
Message |
GnarShredd Backside 180
Joined: 24 Jan 2009 Posts: 1529 City: Seattle
|
Posted: Jul 05, 2013 4:56 pm Post subject: Engine Maintenance |
|
|
Tips? Tricks? Anything you make sure and do each season or when you bring it out of hiding?
Specifically asking because my winch has been sitting a while. The engine was new when I got it and used quite a bit but I haven't fired her up in about a year(?) since Daniel left me, that jerk. I imagine I should change out the oil and maybe check out the spark plug, anything beyond that? |
|
Back to top |
|
|
|
Frye Guest
Joined: 14 Sep 2003 Posts: 3335
|
Posted: Jul 05, 2013 5:41 pm Post subject: |
|
|
The engine needs three things to run: spark, air, and gas.
You've got spark covered. Don't cheap out, use good brands like NGK.
I would clean/change the air filter and make sure there isn't a lot of debris in the intake. That's how the engine breathes.
The gas delivery is the trickiest part but it's not that bad. Open up the gas tank and shine and flashlight in there. You should only see gas. If the gas smells or looks old, watery, or questionable in anyway, get rid of it. The fuel generally goes from the bottom of the gas tank, to a rubber hose, then to the carburetor.
The rubber hose that the fuel travels through sometimes gets old and doesn't allow the gas to flow freely. If you can grab it and it's squishy it would be a good idea to change it. You can get fuel line from pretty much any place that is car related. Sometimes there is an inline fuel filter. It's a strainer that the fuel goes through to keep particles from reaching the carb. If it's dirty it would be a good idea to change it. These are universal and super easy to find as well.
The last part is the carburetor. These are pretty intimidating if you haven't messed with them before. If you've done the above and the winch runs fine I wouldn't worry about it. If you're having issues this is a good guide:
http://www.familyhandyman.com/automotive/small-engine-repair/how-to-repair-small-engines-cleaning-the-carburetor/view-all _________________ 407-212-7425 |
|
Back to top |
|
|
GnarShredd Backside 180
Joined: 24 Jan 2009 Posts: 1529 City: Seattle
|
Posted: Jul 05, 2013 9:00 pm Post subject: |
|
|
Cool, thanks. Sounds simple enough. Hopefully will get to work on it this weekend. |
|
Back to top |
|
|
GnarShredd Backside 180
Joined: 24 Jan 2009 Posts: 1529 City: Seattle
|
Posted: Jul 08, 2013 8:43 am Post subject: |
|
|
So i got her running again but it's still a little rough. It doesn't really sit at idle without shutting off and it kind of stutters when it is running. I definitely need to switch out the air filter (didn't get a chance to hit the store yesterday), could that solve my issue? Also didn't change out the spark. It looked good but I'm going to pick one up when I get my air filter because I may as well although I don't think it's the problem.
In addition to what you mentioned, I added a little bit of fuel stabilizer with the new gas on recommendation from a friend who knows this kind of stuff.
I'm worried it might be the carb. and am avoiding messing with that until I absolutely have to. I |
|
Back to top |
|
|
Frye Guest
Joined: 14 Sep 2003 Posts: 3335
|
Posted: Jul 08, 2013 10:29 am Post subject: |
|
|
Do you know if it idled OK before it sat for a long time?
In order to rule out the air filter take the it out and temporarily run the engine without it. Just make sure to keep the area around the intake clean. A clogged air filter can definitely cause idling issues.
Fuel stabilizer helps only if the gas in the engine is fresh and you plan on letting it sit for awhile. It's never a bad idea though. _________________ 407-212-7425 |
|
Back to top |
|
|
GnarShredd Backside 180
Joined: 24 Jan 2009 Posts: 1529 City: Seattle
|
Posted: Jul 08, 2013 11:04 am Post subject: |
|
|
The idle before it sat was definitely better than it is now, but still a little touchy. I'll yank the air filter off and give it another go this afternoon. Thanks for all the help! |
|
Back to top |
|
|
Frye Guest
Joined: 14 Sep 2003 Posts: 3335
|
Posted: Jul 08, 2013 11:32 am Post subject: |
|
|
You can adjust a set screw so the engine will idle at a higher RPM. I don't like to do this unless I'm sure the engine needs it. A lot of people do it prematurely and it never fixes the underlying problem. _________________ 407-212-7425 |
|
Back to top |
|
|
daniel Back Big
Joined: 26 Apr 2004 Posts: 3669 City: Duncan
|
Posted: Jul 08, 2013 12:25 pm Post subject: |
|
|
GnarShredd, I miss it daily. I will be making a trip in the next couple months, get that bad boy going. |
|
Back to top |
|
|
GnarShredd Backside 180
Joined: 24 Jan 2009 Posts: 1529 City: Seattle
|
Posted: Jul 09, 2013 2:03 pm Post subject: |
|
|
daniel, Workin on it man!
Frye, Yeah, i'd rather have it running right again. It was a new engine when I got it and I want to have it back in great condition instead of putting band-aids on it. After messing with it yesterday, I think it's the carb (ran it without the air filter on and it was still doing the same thing). I'm a little nervous about messing with it but I figure I may as well try and learn something. |
|
Back to top |
|
|
Frye Guest
Joined: 14 Sep 2003 Posts: 3335
|
Posted: Jul 09, 2013 2:26 pm Post subject: |
|
|
Spray some carb cleaner in the air filter and see if it runs any better.
Sorry that is not very clear. Spray carb cleaner in the intake, not on the air filter. _________________ 407-212-7425 |
|
Back to top |
|
|
POPTART 360 flip
Joined: 24 Jul 2007 Posts: 7621
|
Posted: Jul 09, 2013 3:29 pm Post subject: |
|
|
have you made sure you are running new gas?
100%gas?
also what frye said _________________ https://vimeo.com/moontowerco |
|
Back to top |
|
|
GnarShredd Backside 180
Joined: 24 Jan 2009 Posts: 1529 City: Seattle
|
Posted: Jul 10, 2013 9:45 am Post subject: |
|
|
POPTART, Yep. Running the same gas in my lawnmower with no problem.
I'll try the carb cleaner thing next. Should be able to get a new spark this evening too but I don't think that's the issue. |
|
Back to top |
|
|
|
|