How to use a carburetor cleaner on a lawnmower: Step by Step

After you have had your morning coffee, you aim to trim your lawn. It is a fine day, and you want your garden to look dazzling and spectacular. You gear up and grab your lawnmower. When you were about to start the machine, you realized a peculiar behavior. More than a normal force was applied to pull start the lawnmower. This leaves you with all of the different reasons wobbling around in your mind.

Somebody might give you suggestions to rebuild the carburetor. Some might be in favor of replacing the carburetor altogether but hold your horses before getting into the realm of expense and extra technical effort. It would be best if you tried to use a carburetor cleaner.

A carburetor cleaner can be used in two ways:

1. Without removing the carburetor
2. By disassembling all parts and cleaning them with detail

How to use a carburetor cleaner on a lawnmower:

• Step 1: Check the air filter and remove it
• Step 2: Clean the air filter
• Step 3: Remove the carburetor
• Step 4: Clean the external surfaces
• Step 5: Spray through the fuel intake jets into the float bowl and out through the drain plug
• Step 6: Push the dirt clogging the main jet and emulsion port
• Step 7: Reassemble all the parts together
• Step 8: Give a check start to the machine

In case you are hesitant to remove all parts and perform complete disassembly. It would be better to opt for the method of cleaning the carburetor without removing it. In this case, the main steps will be as follows.

How to use a carburetor cleaner on a lawnmower without removing the carburetor:

• Step 1: Check the air filter and remove it
• Step 2: Clean the air filter
• Step 3: Remove the air intake
• Step 4: Spray the cleaner in the chamber
• Step 5: Blow dry air to remove debris
• Step 6: Run the engine to make sure complete circulation of cleaner
• Step 7: Connect the lines and filter back together

Causes and effects of a clogged carburetor

Knowing the ground reasons and what are the problems that arise are necessary for proper repair. It is also vital for good care of working equipment.

First, let us list down a few causes, and then the problems arising from them will be discussed

• High operating temperatures: Although the carburetor is not a high-temperature component, it absorbs heat from its surrounding, i.e., from the engine
• Leftover fuel in the carburetor: Fuel that remains unburnt remains inside the carburetor. A Lawnmower is, for most people, not used often. Fuel present inside can accelerate the corrosion process
• Low standard fuel: burning bad fuel creates excess strain on the carburetor, and debris present can get stuck in passageways.

A carburetor that has captured dirt and contaminants from the external environment can be the root of many effects.

• Slow start of the engine. When trying to start the lawnmower, considerably large pulling power is applied on the starter rope. In other words, the engine takes longer to start
• Poor economy and engine misfiring

Carburetor cleaner usage: A step by step guideline

● Step 1: Check the air filter and remove it

It is usually located on the side of the lawnmower outside the casing. Air goes into the system after getting filtered from here. Follow these simple steps to remove the filter

• Remove the cover unlatch the clips
• Pull the cover off
• Remove any fastener or screws present to hold the air filter in place
• Pull the air filter out

● Step 2: Clean the air filter

For cleaning the air filter, it is okay to be it with detergent underwater and let it dry.

• First, remove any grass, particles, or solid rocks
• Then clean it with a cloth to remove the upper layer of dirt
• Give it a gentle wash and let it dry

● Step 3: Remove the carburetor

Below the filter, screws are present that connects the air intake of the carburetor.

• Using grip pliers, remove the fuel pipe connection from the carburetor
• Drain the fuel into a safe fuel container and place a cloth to absorb any spills
• Unscrew the air filter base and pull the main gasket off
• Remove the engine throttle rods and choke spring connection
• Pull the carburetor out

● Step 4: Clean the external surfaces

Cleaning the external surfaces not only improves the visual of the carburetor but also allows better heat flow.

• Remove gaskets: Pull the back gasket away and inspect for any leakages
• Rough approach: Use an old shop rag to remove any greasy and dirty accumulation on the surface
• Cleaner shower: Using the can of carburetor cleaner, spray down the exterior of the carburetor

● Step 5: Spray through the fuel intake jets into the float bowl and out through the drain plug

All internal parts are to be detailed using a carburetor cleaner can. Do not hesitate to spray through holes and jets till the flow of atomized cleaner becomes smooth. Sometimes it is a good idea to soak the parts in hot water to slacken up any heaps of mud.

• Drain plug removal: With the exterior now cleaned up, use a spanner to remove the float bowl drain plug
• Fuel removal: Drain all fuel inside the fuel container
• Carburetor disassembly: Now start to disassemble the inside components of the carburetor
• Float removal: Pull the pin of the float out and the metering needle
• Main-jet and emulsion tube: Next, remove the main jet and the emulsion tube.

Unscrew the main jet from the base of the carburetor. The last thread will not allow the jet to fall out, so use a pin nose plier to unscrew further.

Push the emulsion tube out by pushing with a screwdriver or extending a thin rod

• Idle screw: Remove the idle screw. Count the thread that was adjusted and remember them 
• Pilot jet: After this, remove the screw covering the pilot jet
• Cleaner in action: Now, using the spray can thrust the carburetor cleaner through all the openings  

● Step 6: Push the dirt clogging the main jet and emulsion port

Using the extension nozzle of the cleaner can spray through the emulsion tube and main jet of the carburetor

As an additional point, use an all-purpose cleaner to clean any remnants, or leftover dirt accumulates.

● Step 7: Reassemble all the parts together

Follow these steps. It is recommended to record your disassembly process to help now

• Put the pilot jet screw back in place, and then the idle screw
• Tighten the idle screw up till the thread it was tightened before
• Reinstall the emulsion tube, main jet, and float
• Close the float bow and bolt in the drain plug
• Reinstall the carburetor, air filter, and the fuel line

● Step 8: Give a check start to the machine

Pull the starter rope and check the working of the machine

Carburetor cleaner without removing the Carburetor: A step by step guideline

● Step 1: Check the air filter and remove it

It is usually located on the side of the lawnmower outside the casing. Air goes into the system after getting filtered from here. Follow these simple steps to remove the filter

• Remove the cover unlatch the clips
• Pull the cover off
• Remove any fastener or screws present to hold the air filter in place
• Pull the air filter out

● Step 2: Clean the air filter

For cleaning the air filter, it is okay to be it with detergent underwater and let it dry.

• First, remove any grass, particles, or solid rocks
• Then clean it with a cloth to remove the upper layer of dirt
• Give it a gentle wash and let it dry

● Step 3: Remove the air intake

Unscrew the air filter base and pull the gasket of the air side off. Do not remove the fuel line and breather tube.

● Step 4: Spray the cleaner in the chamber

Spray the cleaner inside the open side of the carburetor. Clean any dirt or grass that has been stuck or black soot-like dust.

● Step 5: Blow dry air to remove debris

Blowing air can be an additional help but not necessary. Some people also suggest using a vacuum pump and a piece of relatively accessible equipment.

● Step 6: Run the engine to make sure complete circulation of cleaner

Start the engine and keep spraying the cleaner to make sure the circulation to all parts is made. This might cause abrupt noise but nothing to worry about.

● Step 7: Connect the lines and filter back together

Connect the air gasket and filter back and give the engine another check start

Precautions

• Use safety equipment gloves, apron and glasses are musts
• Be careful if the engine is hot
• Keep the fuel safe and away from a flame source
• Cleaners are usually flammable, so handle them with care

1. What if the engine still does not work at its best?

There is still nothing to worry about. Try improving the grade of fuel you are using. Add stabilizers, as suggested by the manufacturers.

2. Is WD-40 a good carburetor cleaner?

WD-40 is a very effective cleaner due to its dual cleaning action. First, its influential solvent explodes the hard deposits, and secondly, its decisive cleaning action leaves no debris and sludge behind. Its popularity has grown significantly over the years. But due to inflammable nature must be handled with care.

3. What to do if any jet or tube has leaks?

It is good to buy a tube repair kit and use it as per instructions on the pack. A silicon adhesive can also be used.

Final Remarks

A carburetor is the core element that keeps your Lawnmower running strong and perform better. The lawnmower carburetor ensures that the proper mixture of fuel and air will enter the engine cylinder for combustion. When the spark plug ignites the fuel and air mixture, it will combust, forcing the engine piston downward. This will rotate the crankshaft, causing the lawnmower blade to spin, making the lawnmower wheels turn.

The most censorious component for the functionality of a Lawnmower is the carburetor. It decides whether our Lawnmower will provide service for years or fizzles early. When you realize how to tidy out your lawnmower carburetor, you can always retain your Lawnmower in tip-top condition irrespective of its operating conditions.