06/02/2026
Not really my specialty here, but I got a request to check out a tiller that had not seen the light of day for quite a while. According to the owner, it had been running like a dream before, but now would just pull and pull without attempting to start.
Once I had it loaded up and taken back to the shop, I began troubleshooting. The engine would only attempt to start when I applied starting fluid and the choke fully shut.
That led me straight to suspecting problems with the fuel delivery system within the carburetor.
Opening the carb, I saw that the main jet was completely blocked up with deposits. After carefully cleaning all the parts in question and ensuring smooth movement, I put the carburetor back together.
Mounted it to the engine, pulled the rope, and on the second pull it started right away, no starting fluid needed.
To make sure the job was done properly, I decided to try it out by taking it for a spin around the garden. And it worked flawlessly, running like brand new.
One more piece of equipment rescued from the junkyard.