Hi,

I have a Craftsman Eager 1 6.5 HP that won't start. I have owned this since it left the store, and it was not used too much. It used to work like a champ, even after sitting in storage for years.

Anyway, I tried to use it about a year ago and it worked, but then I can't remember exactly what happened and I ended up having to get a replacement "float bowl" kit (Tecumseh 730235, 730235A, 730235B Float Bowl Assembly Repair Kit) for it. I replaced it, and put in a new spark plug, and ever since then it won't start. It does not sputter or anything, no sign of life.

I have checked for spark by removing the spark plug off the block, reconnecting the spark plug to its wire and grounding the spark plug to the block. I see a yellowish spark when I pull on the cord and hold down the lever.

I have taken the new float bowl kit off many times now and I see that if I pop off the white flapper inside it, then gasoline starts flowing freely into the bowl. When the flapper is in secured in its place I do not really see much gas in the bowl.

Anyone have any ideas how to troubleshoot this so I can fix what I broke?

Thanks!

 

Clamp off the fuel line and remove the bowl nut, there is a hole near the top that gets clogged, I use the wire from a twist tie to clean it, it is almost invisible. Check the pic below fro reference. Have a good one. Geo

[ATTACH=CONFIG]69522[/ATTACH]

 

Thanks geogrubb.

I assume the "bowl nut" are referring to is the one on the float bowl? If so, mine is a solid screw.

 

Your carburetor doesn't have the screw Geo is talking about.

If you press down on the float ("white flapper"), does gas enter the bowl then? It should be floating on gas and stop letting gas in when the gas level reaches the correct level.

 

Ok. Thank you cheese!

If the float is in place, no fuel enters the bowl. I left it sitting there opened, with gas in the tank, and this is what it looks like after 30 minutes. Should I break off that tab on the float (see arrow) on top of the metal pin (the pin that blocks the flow)?

 

It seems your needle valve is stuck....

That round pin just below your arrow should snap out/into the ears at either end. You should be able to pull the needle valve out with the float still attached.
YOU DO NOT WANT TO BREAK THE TAB, or you will need a new float. Once you remove the pin you may need to pull or lightly pry on the needle valve (the silver part under the tab) to get it out.

 

I am so sorry, I posted my usual response which doesn't apply to this carb at all, the usual problem with this carb is the "O" ring behind the bowl nut collapses and block the fuel flow, the simplest solution is to buy the bowl kit and snap it on and be done or you can replace the "O" rings, I think there are 3 "O" rings one behind the bowl nut and 2 on the nozzle, I suggest the bowl kit. Have a good one. Geo

 

Is the float floating on gas or no? If you push down on the end away from the needle, does it let more gas in? If so, I'd say your float has bent/warped and is keeping the fuel level too low or something has gone wrong with the needle and is holding it too far up in the inlet.

 

Folks the fuel comes in from the bottom on this carb. Check the link below. Have a good one. Geo

Disassembly, Cleaning and Repair of Tecumseh Series 7 Carburetor

 

Thank you everyone for all the help so far.

I really think the issue is with the float and the float needle. The reasons are:

1. When I remove the float and needle, fuel flows freely into the bowl.
2. BUT, *no fuel* flows into the bowl if the float and needle are assembled and in place on the bowl. I can push down on the float all I want but it does not seem to raise the needle to allow the flow of fuel.

I also verified that there were no missing/stuck parts in the drain section of the bowl. See attached photo. As you can see, I have the drain screw, gasket, spring, main jet and o-ring all accounted for.

So, I guess I need a new bowl kit anyway... Funny, because as I said in my top post: this *is* a new bowl kit!

I got this kit from EBAY...

Anyone know of a reputable place where I can get a bowl kit that actually works? :-)

...

 

The fuel doesn't go through an o-ring to fill the bowl Geo... it goes through the o-ring to the main jet, but not to fill the bowl.

I think your float is bent, keeping pressure on the needle.

 

Here is the simplest solution and cheaper than a kit. Have a good one. Geo

https://www.amazon.com/TECUMSEH-CARB.../dp/B00KI11G9A

 

Hi, thanks. I have ordered that carburetor kit from Amazon. It should get here tomorrow.

In the meantime, do any of you have a link to a document showing how to disassemble the mower so I can replace the carburetor? I removed the top plastic cover off and looked around for ways to get to the carburetor, but saw no obvious ones.

Attached are photos of the actual mower so you can get an idea of the actual model since it looks like there were several slightly different ones made. Thanks!!!

 

On the deck next to the right rear wheel is a label with the model number, use that model number and go here enter the model number. This will give you a break down for the mower. Find the engine listed and get the model/part number for the engine then search that the same as you did the mower.
Kinda round about way but being a tecumseh, easiest way I know of.

 

Thanks! Were you referring to this type of diagram or something else?

 

Oops... the carburetor kit linked above was not the correct one. Ordered a different one, it should be here Monday.

I also figured out how to disassemble just enough to get to the carburetor. Basically you guitar take off the metal bracket where the speed wire connects. Then remove the primer bulb and air filter box and take out the story screws.

 

Fixed! Thank you all for your help. The new carburetor arrived Monday and I installed it yesterday and it fired up right away!

BTW, in my case, the correct carburetor was: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1