gas weedeater won't start

[sailor86]

I've got a Craftsman weedwacker model no. 316.791860 that won't start all of a sudden. I suspect the problem is lack of fuel. I opened up the outside cover and dumped a small amount of mix fuel and it ran for a second. I look at all lines and everything seems in order. I bought one of those forked tongue spark Plugs Sears carries and are guaranteed for a lifetime. What could be the problem? Is there a fuel filter somewhere?

[johnathon281]

Well...if you dumped fuel into the carb, and it ran for a second, then i would say it is a fuel issue, not a spark plug issue.
The quality of fuel we get these days, varnishes up fast.
Pull the pump side of the carb apart, and you will most likely find that the screen is plugged. Clean the screen and put it back together and see if that fixes it.
Also in my opinion, that type of spark plug that you used, run hot, and it may not be suitable for your climate. I have seen those plugs cause hot scoring to the cyl and piston damage in the summer time here.... They are designed for cold climates.

[sailor86]

You don't have a schematic I could look at do you? I could probably find the screen, but sometimes gettin' there can be a pain.

[cajunh2s]

sailor

if its a zama carb on it....go to their website and click on the sevicing carb links....it will have the break down of their carbs there....adjustments and everything

cajun

[cajunh2s]

miss spelled SERVICING carb link.....lol

[sailor86]

I don't think anybody's checking. Besides, these internet kids masse the English language all the time anyway.

[sailor86]

I don't know what kind of carb this is. But here are a couple of snapshots that I hope someone could locate the screen for me.

[billsmowers]

walbro carb you need to remove the 2 srew on covers one on top with 1 screw the bottom one has 4 screws and give the carb a good clean with carb cleaner then blow out with low pressure air not to high or you will damage the carb hile you are at it i would fit a new diphram kit then all will be sorted with any luck

[sailor86]

Okay. So I removed the two carb covers. Nothing worth seeing although I sprayed them down with cleaner anyway. I replaced the covers and removed the air filter. Soap, rinse, apply oil, and replace. I checked the spark plug and it's at the proper .025 gap. I also squirted out the carb bowl. It started once. Ran at high idle for about 30 seconds then died. Would not start up again. It seems to be getti ng quite a bit of gas. The spark plug looks in good shape. Don't know what to do next. The fuel is about a month old. Properly mixed and I've already gone through 1/3 of the gas can full. Whaddya suggest?

[toolboxboy]

check the diaphragm on the carburetar