Power Force DYM1481FB Lawn Mower - Help Please

[chris301up]

Decided to buy another carburettor from Solent Tools which is the correct one for this machine apparently? If it runs? Great. If it doesn't run? At least I'll know for sure that this cannot be the issue and go from there.

Just an update. I have received and fitted the new carburettor and although I've got it to start it won't run smoothly. I have to hold the handlebar lever all the way in and the linkages to get it to keep running. I've attempted to upload a video showing this but it just won't allow me to post as its keeps saying file too big. Any advice would be really appreciated. Thank you

[Mick]

Curious as to what you mean when you say "have to hold the handlebar lever all the way in"  I'm assuming you mean the OPC lever (Operator Presence Control) in which case that is as expected.

Video files are too big to attach directly on here, do you have a youtube account?  If so you could upload it there and either link to it or embed it in a post here.  Or facebook perhaps.

[chris301up]

Curious as to what you mean when you say "have to hold the handlebar lever all the way in"  I'm assuming you mean the OPC lever (Operator Presence Control) in which case that is as expected.

Video files are too big to attach directly on here, do you have a youtube account?  If so you could upload it there and either link to it or embed it in a post here.  Or facebook perhaps.

I've just done this but, at my age, have no idea what I'm doing? I think I've managed to post to YouTube?

https://youtu.be/Ha-MDMNiBwU

[Mick]

Ok, that video worked just fine.  

Your engine is what's commonly called hunting (surging).  That normally indicates a fuel issue.  Caused buy a slightly blocked carburettor, or gaskets between carb and engine block fitted incorrectly = wrong way around, or letting air in etc. 

Can also just be a carb adjustment issue in some cases where the idle mixture is adjustable. 

[Mick]

Does your new carb have that adjuster screw at the back like the one in your photo? Not the screw at the very top, but the one slightly further back, if so try adjusting it out about a turn see if it makes a difference.

[chris301up]

Ok, that video worked just fine.  

Your engine is what's commonly called hunting (surging).  That normally indicates a fuel issue.  Caused buy a slightly blocked carburettor, or gaskets between carb and engine block fitted incorrectly = wrong way around, or letting air in etc. 

Can also just be a carb adjustment issue in some cases where the idle mixture is adjustable. 

Ok. No problem with setting carburettor. I'll have to check the gaskets again tomorrow. I'm almost sure they're fitted correctly. I did, however, have an issue with the groove in the spacer being set incorrectly. But I sorted that. At least I now have a running mower. Any further advice would be greatly appreciated? Thanks for your time.

[chris301up]

Does your new carb have that adjuster screw at the back like the one in your photo? Not the screw at the very top, but the one slightly further back, if so try adjusting it out about a turn see if it makes a difference.

Its a little different as the new one has a plastic adjuster screw. Otherwise the same. I'm going to remove it again in the morning and check the orientation of gaskets and their condition. Even though they are new. Thanks Mick.

[Mick]

Its a little different as the new one has a plastic adjuster screw. Otherwise the same. I'm going to remove it again in the morning and check the orientation of gaskets and their condition. Even though they are new. Thanks Mick.

The plastic screw will be the top one the idle speed adjustment.  Your carb in the picture also has a mixture screw which was the one I was referring to.

Your new carb might only have a plastic screw and a Plastic idle mixture jet pushed into the  carb directly below and held in place by that screw.  Popping that idle jet out and cleaning can also help, even though its new.

[chris301up]

Morning. Just had another go at the lawnmower. Removed carburettor, checked and cleaned all surfaces again and refitted all gaskets. Now it works. Not the smoothest but at least it's running. I'll have a dabble with the mixture screw when I have a bit more time. I couldn't see any obvious reasons for any air being sucked in. All surfaces were clean so perhaps a little grit or foreign body under the gaskets so an air tight seal wasn't being formed? Just guessing of course! Thank you for all your kind help and patience. 

[Mick]

You're welcome, it's what the site is here for to help where possible.

One thing I didn't touch on and perhaps should have.  your fuel, is it freshly purchased?   If it's been sitting in a can for a few months this can also give you problems.

Some of the older engines don't mind old fuel but these modern engines hate it.

[chris301up]

You're welcome, it's what the site is here for to help where possible.

One thing I didn't touch on and perhaps should have.  your fuel, is it freshly purchased?  If it's been sitting in a can for a few months this can also give you problems.

Some of the older engines don't mind old fuel but these modern engines hate it.

Hi Mick. Yes. One of the first things I did was to drain the fuel, clean out the tank and fuel filter and refill with fresh fuel. I know fuel can go bad when left sitting for lengthy periods. Thanks again.