Stihl Won't Run Fast - Bad Gas? Ideas?

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velvetfoot

velvetfoot

Minister of Fire
Dec 5, 2005
10,202
Sand Lake, NY
Well, it's a Stihl leaf blower, but even so.... I don't remember when I used it last,maybe last fall, but when I tried using it just now, it starts but won't run at normal speed, it just kinda chokes up, like it's not getting gas. I tried replacing the gas but no dice.

What should be my next step? I'd like to put something in the tank first. Maybe Seafoam? I don't know anything about what to do next. Never rebuilt a carburetor. Do the jets get clogged, and how can they be cleaned?

I've always drained the tanks in my little engines, but just forgot about this one, I guess.

Thanks for any help.
 
It sounds like carb needs cleaned. Some people have lick with Seafoam. I just tear them apart and clean with carb cleaner and compressed air.
 
Is it hard to do? Do I need to buy a rebuild kit? It doesn't have much use on it at all.


lazeedan said:
It sounds like carb needs cleaned. Some people have lick with Seafoam. I just tear them apart and clean with carb cleaner and compressed air.
Click to expand...
 
try the plug yet?
 
I agree with Lazeedan - Carb screen has debris or varnish. I doubt you need a carb repair kit - bet gaskets and diaphragms are fine. Do one side at time - keep parts segregated. Soak screen in carb cleaner and use compressed air. Many good how to videos on youtube.
 
its the carb. seafoam may work. I would order a rebuild kit. I have a rebuild kit on hand for all my 2 stroke's because it seems like when you need one the don't have any.
 
Doesn't it have high and low speed jets that can be adjusted?
 
Its not hard, Velvet. Make yourself a nice clean workspace and pull it down. Be gentle, these things are tiny. Also move slowly as this tiny part, or that tiny spring may want to jump. They are quite basic. The only downside to NOT having a rebuild kit is if you ruin a gasket or actually find something that should be replaced. My bet is a tiny piece of crud or varnish.
 
Spark screen is an easy check. Fuel filter could be clogged as well and easy fix. Air filter dirty? Then carb cleaning - easily could be a partially clogged jet. Cheers!
 
Well, I fixed it. The $7.50 spent on sea foam was a waste. I took the carb apart and cleaned it and blew it out. Could only the "L" adjuster needle out, "h" screw was captive by a plastic collar. Luckily, no gaskets destroyed. Video on net was helpful. Thanks all.
 
velvetfoot said:
Well, I fixed it. The $7.50 spent on sea foam was a waste. I took the carb apart and cleaned it and blew it out. Could only the "L" adjuster needle out, "h" screw was captive by a plastic collar. Luckily, no gaskets destroyed. Video on net was helpful. Thanks all.
Click to expand...

Good for you! for the future you can remove the plastic collar off the H screw, just make sure you remember the position of the screw before you remove it, number of turns. If you know how to tune the engine then it makes it even easier... Just remember L screw for idling and quick acceleration response, and H screw for hi speed limit (lean/rich fuel mixer).
 
Once the jet is plugged nothing in the gas will clean them. Sea foam works well keeping carbs clean and gumming up . I use spring and fall on my motorcycle with six carbs.
 
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