Tecumsehs last forever

[theChas.]

They have no choke so they don't start... they attain very old age in almost new condition.

[Srgnt Billko]

Are you talking about newer machines with primer buttons ?

[theChas.]

******************** Yes. Right after 9/11 I bought a Sears 2300 watt generator for emergencys. I cannot heat my house without electricty to operate my gas furnace. I discovered I can't start the generator (OHV) on the 4th of July, let alone when it's 40 below zero. Primer bulb and all. It has an updraft intake manifold and the carb has a horizontal inlet. Fuel will run out of that inlet, but with the hand pull start, it does not draw it into the cylinder. So it does not start. I discovered I have to keep the generator in my house (empty fuel tank) and then when outside, remove the spark plug, and insert gasoline into the top of the cylinder with an eye dropper. That gets it to fire, but not run. I then had to find a rubber plug so I can hand choke it until it finally is able to draw fuel/air into the cylinder and it starts to run smoothly. This is not a guaranteed first time start. Sometimes I have to add fuel in the sparkplug hole 2-3 times, before it starts. I don't use starter fluid because it can damage an engine. Sears was of absolutley of assistance or help. I run it every 2 months for 20 minutes, and change oil yearly. I have to go through that process every time, or it will not start, regardless of the temperture. . . .In all fairness, I do have a Sears walk behind lawn mower with the Tec engine, and it is no problem. It is so old that parts are not now available for it, but it runs great and mows nicely. Recently one of the height adjusters broke, and I could not replace it. But I managed to weld it (spring steel) and it has held up for a month now. . . .I believe that without a choke, an undraft manifold is a losing proprosition.

[NOTME]

Just put a different carburetor on it.

[Srgnt Billko]

I believe your primer bulb is not working - either a bad line to it or faulty or something.

[Srgnt Billko]

I believe the primer bulb is not working - either a bad line to it or faulty or something. Some equipment is designed for a specific part of the country. Has the original poster carted this machine from some distant place ?

[Chas Hurst]

I've got the same engine on my snowblower. But it has a choke-and a primer bulb. No problems starting it after it sits out the warm weather.

[theChas.]

****************************** After using the primer bulb, the fuel leaks out of the horizontal intake manifold. I don't think even an electric start would have the revs to suck the fuel up into the cylinder. The only thing that works is putting fuel in cylinder with the eyedropper. Even then it is touch and go, using the rubber plug 'choke' to get it running. Using the rubber plug with fuel in in the intake manifold, without using the eyedropper cylinder injection, will not start the engine. It is one pee poor design.

[Steveo]

Hit it with starting fluid until it blows up.

[Srgnt Billko]

That sounds like maybe the intake valve isn't openning right or the exhaust valve isn't closing. I've had primer bulbs on several engines and the only problems I've had have been with the small ID connecting hoses.

[theChas.]

*************** I have considered that. I would hate to tear into a brand new engine on my own. And since Sears warranty was useless, that is how I would have to do it. It has enough warm-up time on it now, that any newness should be passed. It has had 4 oil changes, with less than 2.5 hours running time. Once it is running, no problems. Starting fluid would be the easiest method to start it, but that is really tough on engines.

[Tom G]

The starting fluid that I use says it has lubricant added to avoid damage to engines at startup. Wouldn't that help?

Tom G.

[theChas.]

Starting fluid would be the easiest method to start it, but that is really tough on engines.

***************************

************************** My understanding is starting fluid can cause extremely high combustion chamber pressures. This can damage the head or rod or valves.

[Steveo]

Not if you spray too much. Ever hear the valves rattle from it?

[Srgnt Billko]

I have also been told that by some pretty competent mechanics. I think aluminum heads would be most susceptable. I still use it on older cast iron blocks and junk equipment.