My Craftsman gas edger doesn't run well and has trouble starting. ocassionally it just quits. When I push the prime button it doesn't seem like the gasoline is going through the line. I took the air filter off and sprayed carb cleaner all through and reassembled and then it primes and starts. sometimes I can finish the job before it quits, other times it quits on me and I can't restart unless I re-spray the lines. Can it be gummed up? Do I need to take it in for repair or is there something else I can try?
Thanks.
Post back your model number to see what type of engine you have,then we can go from there.
Jerry
Craftsmen Model # 536.772321
3.5 HP w/ 9 Blade
Looks like the engine model# is 9G902-0145-D1
Sounds like you need to take the carb apart and clean it.
When you clean the carb I would suggest replacing the diaphgram BS part # 495770 or as a kit at Lowe's, I think it is number 583 or 586 which has the 495770 in it. Have a good one. Geo
The Sears site, per your posted chassis model number, should be a 9J902-0111). Where did you come up with the 9G... numbers? As Cheese and Geo indicated, you will need to service the carburetor/fuel tank to solve your troubles.
I will look for the diagphram and/or kit at Sears first then Lowe's. One more question... The edger is only 2 years old, while your solution to service the carburator makes sense (May be gummed up) is it necessary to replace the diaphram? Just wondering why it would need replacement.
Thanks.
Although the trimmer is only 2 yrs old to you the carb could have set on the shelf for a long time before ever getting into the manufacturing cycle, also a little grit in the fuel system can eat a pinhole rather quickly. I received 4 mowers from a Wal-mart dumpster earlier this year, one had bad gas and the other three had bad diaphgrams and all were new, the paint was still on the blades, so it can happen. Have a good one. Geo
I pulled the carb off and didn't seem like much I could do. I already sprayed all the lines with carb cleaner, which always helped the engine run for about 10-15 minutes until it conked out. The diaphram is simpley the gasket between the carb and the fuel tank, correct? Didn't look like anything was wrong with it, but I am an accountant!! Also I emptied out the old gas from the tank at the beginning of the season, that didn't help either.
This is a 2 Spring BS Tank-mount Carburetor. Found a good diagram of my exact setup at the following website:
http://www.lawn-mower-shop.com/carb2.htm
I will still look for the diaghram or carb kit when I go out later today.
Thanks.
There is a diaphragm, AND a gasket between the tank and carb. The diaphragm should always be replaced when the carb is removed. They are a common source of problems on this engine anyway.
I picked up the diaphram (which includes a gasket) at Sears and am about to install. Is there any other service that should be done to the carb, or is the diaphram the most likely cause of the problem?
Thanks.
Looks like the diaphram was bad. One important question... Do I use any kind of gasket adhesive/sealant on the new gasket, or just install???
No sealant is necessary. Just be sure to have the tank and carb surfaces clean before reassembly. About the only other area of concern with these carbs is the primer check valve. But it appears your is fine since you have not indicated it is not priming. Also, before reassembly, be sure to spray clean the entire carb and tank with carb/choke cleaner. A new air filter is recommended if you haven't done so already.
PROBLEM SOLVED...THANKS TO ALL!!
Edger runs BETTER than the day I bought it!! Old Diaphram was clearly defective, may never have been seated properly.
Thanks again to everyone for your help!!
daronson; congrats on your fix, it's always nice to hear suscess.
You can become the BS wizard for your neighborhood now, for that type carb setup, the diaphgram is the problem 99.9% of the time and yes they sometimes run better than when purchased because you never know how old and inflexable the original diaphgram has become. Have a good one. Geo
New issue with edger...it starts, and cuts out after about 1 second. cleaned carb with carb cleaner, but didn't help. The primer button seems to be workig (I feel the pressure + it DOES start up initially) so figured it's NOT the diaphram again...Any suggestions?
Thanks.
Craftsmen Model # 536.772321
3.5 HP w/ 9 Blade
Looks like the engine model# is 9G902-0145-D1
Probably the diaphragm again.
Emptied out the gas tank, replaced with fresh gasoline, replaced diaphragm and gasket...still shuts off after about 1 second of running...
Any other suggestions?
Thanks,
Sounds like something related to the carburetor/diaphragm. Does pumping the primer help it keep running?
Normal post'
You need to install a new diaphram kit, it is Briggs part # 795083 or old # 495770 also Lowe's has a kit #5083 which has the same parts.
Here we go;
Remove air cleaner, there are 2 bolts that hold things together, one on the front of the tank 3/8 and one into the block 1/2, remove these bolts, now slowly slide the carb/tank off the intake tube and breather tube, now tilt the tank in to release the throttle linkage and waalaa the carb/tank is removed. Check the intake tube to see if the “O” ring seal and plastic retainer are still on the intake tube, if so remove them and re-install them into the carb. Remove the 5 screws from the carb/tank remove carb(don't loose the spring) now spray all holes, cracks and crevases in both the carb and tank surface with brake parts cleaner, remove the main screen(looks like a thimble), now with a small screwdriver pry out the main jet(carefully) and clean it, check the “O” ring on the main jet for damage, if it is damaged it must be replaced, reinstall the jet, it can be difficult some times to get it to snap back in place(I use the rounded end of a screwdriver handle). Remove and clean the fuel pickup stem(not necessary if the fuel tank was clean). Clean any junk/rust from the tank. Install the diaphram on the tank then the gasket(no goo or sealer) now carefully replace the carb(the spring will try to misalign the diaphram), tighten all screws a little at a time so as not to crimp the diaphram until they are all tight. Install the carb/tank in reverse order and you are done. If I missed something one of the real mechanics will correct me. Have a good one. Geo
Some pics:
Took the spark plug out and cleaned it, (may have inadvertently added gasoline mixed with oil... didn't know if i fouled the plug or not..)
pulled the diaphram off and checked all gaskets, sprayed carb with carb cleaner. ran for about 10 seconds, then shut off...then only runs about 1-2 seconds....When I pumped the primer right after it started, it would keep running. I was able to run the edger for about 10-12 seconds, until it wouldn't prime quick enough...
I'd guess that the carb base is warped and not holding the diaphragm in place, particularly between the screw holes on either side of the hole for the intake tube. You might fix it by using two gaskets instead of the one.
re-assembled with 2 gaskets...still does not stay running
Might be worth just replacing the carb. They're cheap.
From Sears? or search for carb by model # on internet?
Either. Sometimes Sears prices are quite reasonable, other times not-so-much. Check and see is all I can tell you.
Tags: edger, starting, problems, carb tank, carb cleaner, Have good, intake tube, with carb, fuel tank, Looks like, with carb cleaner, 772321 Blade, 772321 Blade Looks
