Revealing The Truth About Carburetor Adjustments. When NOT To Do Them And WHY!

[@Chickanic]

Thanks for Watching! Find a link to all of my "Must Have", Favorite Tools HERE!! www.amazon.com/shop/chickanic?ref_=cm_sw_r_cp_ud_aipsfshop_aipsfchickanic_9ERPFPBNGQ924P8NS63B

[@justarogue]

As a fellow mechanic for over 35 years,I really enjoy your methodical approach to diagnosing and finding the root cause of problems.I find it extremely satisfying.I have found a kindred soul at last ! Keep up the great work.

[@LongBinh70]

I'm an old fart and survived the world of British sports cars in the '60s and '70s. I read a tongue-in-cheek book in those days called "How To Fix Your British Sports Car" ("If Britannia rules the waves, why won't her cars go through a puddle?"), and one of the chapters was titled, "Carburetor Is A French Word Meaning Leave It Alone!".

[@blaws6684]

SU Carbs SUC! Gotta love LBCs though. I’m redoing a 66 chrome bumper B right now.

[@KAKAFU]

Friend bought a MG and he calls me to set his Carbs ,, you got a Copy ? lol BEERS!!

[@arthicks2566]

Lucas electricals always fun. I once read a comment that the Brits were more interested in gluing wood to the dashboard than making an ignition system that would work reliably.

[@tin2001]

​@@arthicks2566 Why would you need working inhibition when there's glorious wood on the dash?

[@arthicks2566]

Working inhibition? Ignition. But, I see your point. You can always sit in the car and wax the dashboard. @@tin2001

[@kentmyers8580]

I'm 74 and I've learned more from 3 or 4 of your videos that I have in over 50 years of listening to the BS Pros that "knew what they were talking about." I love it! Basic, basic common since, by the numbers, check the most obvious and go from there. I hope you're doing well for all your efforts. See'ya on KZbin. Thanks

[@cottydry]

Yep, adjust a carb on a problematic machine and now you have two problems to deal with and a much tougher repair. Love your troubleshooting methodology focusing on finding root cause.

[@michaelbradford4444]

So many times the carburetor is the problem so that's the first thing I think and so many times I waste time cleaning , adjusting, replacing ect. just to find out it's not the problem ! Thanks for a lesson I wish someone would have pointed out many moons ago...I will remember your words , TY !

[@RedRocket204]

I really appreciate your take on this subject. A small engine not starting after checking a few simple things like expired fuel, clean air filter , spark etc., and then immediately turning to "my carb needs adjustment" does seem out-of-whack. Case in point my older Stihl 029 Super would fire but then almost immediately stall. I did order a "tune up" kit as I wanted to make sure the fuel filter wasn't the source of the problem. However, when I thoroughly dug into the issue, turns out the fuel line had a split in it that was not visible until I removed the fuel line. With that split, sucking in air and quickly going lean then stalling was actually what was occurring. Would have been so easy to just point to carb tuning but obviously it was something else, exactly your point of this video 👍

[@davidr6585]

The most sound, sane advise to be had from KZbin (when it comes to small engine repair at least ;) Great Video!

[@forresthigg]

This is a great example of a needed suggestion I have made in the past. She does a great diagnosis and repair of a specific model of chain saw, but that model is not mentioned in the description, and therefore not searchable. All the people with an Echo 355 chain saw who search for a repair of that model will not come across this great video. Please tag your videos with the brand/model of machines you fix so that people searching for help with their machines will find this help.

[@chrismajor8779]

I've been a small engines mechanic for 34yrs, I like you videos diagnose with you. Lol😂 Good job Chickanic Nice to watch a mechanic who knows what they are doing.

[@chrisbaranyk5380]

Great video! I love how you showed all the steps you took to fix the saw!👊

[@_SYDNA_]

Just discovered your channel and I love it. It's funny how hearing about machines I've never owned is broadening my understanding of the two cycle world. I think that's attributable to your experience and how you talk about the problem at hand. Thanks for growing us!

[@rickypriddy1644]

😊

[@henrycarlson7514]

So Wise , Thank you . A fine example of a REAL Mechanic in ACTION

[@rickszabo4312]

Thank you for taking the time to shoot and edit these awesome videos.

[@mikeremski2102]

Chain spinning at idle usually only has 2 causes: "LA" screw (idle speed) or clutch and I think the clutch is the easier one to check first. Good stuff as usual. Thanks

[@skitidet4302]

You're right about the clutch being easier to check, so I would recommend doing that first, but when it comes to the idle screw, I would have to disagree since there could be a huge list of things wrong that could affect the idle RPM of a saw which in turn could make the chain spin at idle even if the clutch is ok. If you had an air leak it could raise the idle RPM. If you had fuel problems it could raise the idle RPM. If someone leaned out the low screw too much it would increase the RPM.

[@RobertNES816]

Needle bearing failure will also cause the chain to spin at idle.

[@skitidet4302]

@@RobertNES816 True, but that's basically right next to the clutch so you would notice that if you inspected the clutch. Hence why a broken needle bearing effects the functioning of the clutch to begin with.

[@wyliecoyote1]

Hadn't seen that snag before with faulty clutch, good lesson. Thanx.👍

[@lukasvisagie9513]

I love watching your programmes. I am way beyond having to fix small engines like these, but I still like to tinker on my Ford 3.0 l. V6. You have taught me to be methodical and to process and work on things in a logical manner. But, most of all, think outside the box: "Could it be something else?". Keep at it! ☝🙏😀

[@twintwo1429]

Even the best , can get stumped sometimes. Thanks chick for sharing and showing us what you know. You have surely helped me, many times. Thanks from the bottom of my pocket book.

[@paulsimental776]

Girl I wish you were here in Phoenix you sure know your !!!!

[@wg4405]

I new right after I started watching the video the clutch spring was broken . I restored several chainsaw with a broken clutch spring and I have had several clutch springs break on my two FS 130 Stihl string trimmers that are my trimmers I use all the time . They usually break on shut down I guess because the next time I fire them up head won't stop turning on idle but I usually just deal with it till I finish trimming and repair the clutch after I done. In case you haven't heard Novice Lumberjack was speaking highly of you on his Tube channel .

[@thefirstcalled]

Thank you so kindly for sharing your craft! The mystery of the internal combustion engine... what a marvel of technology. So much energy packed within the "battery" called "gasoline." It is so efficient, safe, and easy to recharge.... And yes, every time use one of those small engine tools, 3 or 4 times a year, i always wonder what grief it will bring me.... 😂. Except for my propane powered weed trimmer... Starts on the second pull always...lol. Thank you again. It is hard to find good content creators who actually know everything about their trades. Presentation is everything!

[@TheSackese]

Funny, I immediately thought of a stuck clutch when I first saw the problem. Thank you for a very informative channel!

[@JDseller1]

A trick I found that keeps you from damaging the rewind without having to remove it. Just pull the rewind rope out a foot or so and lightly clamp the rope with a cheap spring loaded plastic clamp. when you turn the motor backwards the rope will slide easily through the plastic clamp. No rope or rewind damage done. I figured this out on saws where removing the rewind housing is a pain. I really like your channel and you have a very good way of presenting your ideas.

[@sparksmcgee6641]

Now that's a good comment!! Thanks To bad witty get more attention than practical. I'm guilty of that attention issues also.

[@robertkirk7162]

Thanks, that was very helpful.

[@davidtimmel4027]

Great information! I would have never suspected a broken clutch spring. Wow! Live and learn

[@stevecox8066]

I replaced carb and installed fuel cutoff on Husqvarna lawn mover last season. Just replaced carb and fuel lines in my Husqvarna backpack blower yesterday. Today it's lawn day and my Stihl string trimmer decided not to start. I'm not a mechanic, not good at fiddling with small engines, and getting frustrated. I'll keep watching, you'll keep showing me how to fix, and I'll get through it 👍. Thanks Now if you know how to replace a fuel pump on 2005 Honda 1800 vtx motorcycle, I'll be in business hahaha 🤣🤣

[@BeverlyLewis32405]

Thank you so much. My husband watched and you were a huge help as the exhaust on the Stihl weedeater was plugged. Pat yourself on the back - you saved us time and money! Appreciate it.

[@jerrywilder9403]

Learn something every time 👍👍

[@kevindouglas2060]

For several years I had a mower with a Briggs and Stratton. It used to temporarily lean out every spring. The easy way was to adjust it richer and start mowing. When it started to run rich I put it back where it was. It would be OK for the rest of the summer.

[@jasontearne2334]

I work on a lot of cut off saws Stihl ts410s and a lot of the time it's clutch springs that are broken. New subscriber, enjoying the videos.

[@rmnixon14]

An unrelated topic for us older folks to watch out for on newer chainsaws to watch out for is:Is the chainbrake on? To say the least saws don't start or run well with that on. On old saws that piece is just a hand guard..

[@glennmckinley3058]

You said a mouthful when you said “I want to know why it needs a carburetor adjustment”. Great video.

[@CedarOutpost]

I had same problem on a Husky 555. Fixed it with just a single clutch spring.

[@brianstewart8047]

ive been cursing at my machines fr two years ... this video helped ... i had to apologize to my machines after i changed to putting the right fuel in... thanks

[@skiffmagnet2097]

Hello, I have been watching your helpful videos for a little while. They are very helpful in maintaining my equipment. I just went thru all my equipment, following your advice. Thank you for your generosity of information. Have a blessed day , you made my year.

[@Ron_Presley]

On my Echo SRM-225 weed trimmer has always been a very powerful great strong running machine and after 2 years it started to bog down when I’d give it the gas. So pulled the muffler off to check that screen that the exhaust has to go thru before it enters the muffler to see if it was clogged. Sure enough clogged bad so I cleaned it but thought I’m going to not put the screen back in and see if it is even more powerful. The sucker runs a bunch stronger and now cuts thru those big fat blackberry vines like never before and actually the string is not breaking as often. I soak my string in water for a couple days like she showed us no this channel and it sure helps the string to not break near as often. So thank you for your videos!

[@johnduffy6546]

You are absolutely incredible! I learned about 82 things from this video. Thank you for what you do

[@clarkg9805]

I just ordered carb. adjust tool for my Husqvarna 120 mark II which I have used heavily for a couple of years and was planning on adjusting the carb. because it wouldn't idle. But saw your video and now I'm going to re-think this problem, and go through the steps that you suggested. Thanks for sharing your insight and wisdom that only comes with experience.

[@picobyte]

Your vids are really helping people. Well informed users can know, adjusting the carburetor doesn't fix a faulty clutch. Bdw, at lawnmowers I usually fiil them up with fresh fuel and empty the float bucket(is that the right word for it?) That fixes most problems.

[@rottiejakeluke]

Must tell you I really love your videos. You are so informative and full of useful tidbits. I would love it if there were a person like you here in Colorado where I live. The small engine folks are good and know the stuff they have to, but they do not have the same personality like you. Keep it up. Have you ever made a video talking about how you got your experience and what made you choose to do this for a living? Thank you.

[@joesixpack8305]

Ha! A couple months ago my chain kept spinning. First thing I did was take off the clutch assy and put it back on. Haven't had a problem since. However, Chick's step by step approach is a solid way to approach all your equipment repairs. BTW, no piece of lawn, garden, and woods equipment is finickier than a chainsaw.

[@bay9876]

Follow the routine approach to fixing for you know it works. Nice recovery of the lost spark plug that was suppose to be a factory install. Great video and a pretty easy ECHO fix

[@michaelweatherhead9470]

Thanks for the video Bre nicely done ❤❤👍. Take care of yourself and family and be Blessed ❤️❤️.

[@billthepainter5106]

Thanks to your videos, I figured it was a bad clutch from the start! Nice work!

[@donbangert]

Fix the problem, not the symptom. Great diagnostic work!

[@deanhawes5088]

you're absolutely right .... my 30cc brush cutter hard to start last time ? ran full nose about 15 min then stopped the carb fell off and was sitting on the tank ? i bolt it back on instant tune up lol

[@themowerman]

Yep... That will do it . Like you say it's not always the carb.. would you recommend changing all the springs ? Instead of changing the clutch?

[@tin2001]

When your time is worth more than the parts, you replace the parts in the quickest way possible... especially if you're going to have to provide warranty on the job.

[@cbdyna]

Thank you. High Idle issue on a CS400 and will not be messing with ow or high screws just yet.

[@jakeschisler7525]

My old stihl 170 saw got to where it wouldn't stay running so after I adjusted the throttle just a bit it stays running. Maybe that wasn't the way to properly way to do it but otherwise it runs fine. I did awhile back have a hard time starting it so I drove to the dealer and he started it on the first pull. I was amazed and maybe it had something in the carburetor and as I drove to the shop while it bounced around in my truck bed it fixed it. Oh I tied it down so it wouldn't move much.

[@cncbuss1]

I appreciate the detail into WHY we shouldn’t just jump to a carb adjust. Thanks for sharing your knowledge. Cheers from Montreal, Canada!

[@tonyt4526]

I appreciate all your hard work to bring videos to complete strangers. ❤❤

[@Super-Bike-Joe]

😂😂😂😂. I could’ve told u that day one😂😂😂. As a pro wood cutter. I/We see this a lot on saws. We use stihl mostly. A few Holzfarma too.

[@tnrodgers]

Such great insight. Thanks Bre!

[@markkirk2129]

Great information on what to check before getting into adjusting carburetor.

[@OneCr8er]

First time chainsaw buyer, even thought I bought a cheap one. After watching some of these vids I figured it was just a stiff diaphragm. Chicanic saved me a headache and I appreciate it.

[@louisbigelow1866]

Back in the 70s right out of high school I had a pincor lawn mower. I loaned it to my neighbor, he dinked around with the carburetor without asking me first, and it never ran right again. I think he damaged one of the needles.

[@secooper1966]

Thanks! BC attractive!

[@crustydownunder]

I've got 2 sweet little Arborists saws that cost $100 new. They are only Homelite brand, but they are light and easy to use. Both have issues. But here in Australia, it cost more to have them looked at than it does to buy a new 1. I guess one day, I'll have to learn to fix these myself.

[@philliphall5198]

Sucking air will burn up cly Pressure test and vacuum test is a must now 😊 Your very good kiddo 😊😊

[@keithmason9342]

I really liked this video. I saw what was happening and my first thought was a clutch problem. If you look at what's happening and think about it, it becomes obvious where to look for the problem. The saw was idling properly with the chain still engaged. My first thought was the clutch was stuck or physically damaged. Thanks for another great video, and leave the carb adjustments alone. We'll see you next time.

[@tonym6920]

Great vid and tips as always, thanks! 👍👍

[@ELCare86]

Thank you for the behind the reason you found the issue.

[@donaldross1077]

Now listen here Chickanic. I turned wrenches for 47 years. Moved over to brakes, steering, suspension when all the electronics was eating tech's alive. When I did a "brake inspection" it included a test drive and pull all four wheels. Anything less was just not right! You cannot diagnosis a brake problem without looking and test driving the brakes. Yet so many managers just want you to look at the specific complaint, that is no good. I also got a kick out of salesmen that was wanting to sell a used vehicle and just wanted that "brake light" on the dash turned off. I would ask them, what about what turned it on? Good video, You are doing a good job. I guess a tach would have shown the idle speed was okay.

[@flashgordon6238]

For tune ups or taking out of storage, I pull the side cover off and remove the chain, chain bar and check the bar adjusting system and oiling system. This is in addition to the spark plug and fuel system checks.

[@delhatton]

your enthusiasm is so cool

[@kubotajordan9502]

Great video things aren't alway what they appear to be a lot of times.

[@silentwarrior79]

Thanks for the info. I work on small engines and find myself scratching my head sometimes.

[@peterclark7879]

Awesome have found this on Sthil demosaws and dry clutch bearings on chainsaws Husky & Sthil

[@TOWNCARBUBBA87]

very informative. Thank you

[@ronkampsen1098]

Adjust the carb...lol...I have had chainsaws, weed whippers, push mowers..dozens..and I have never adjusted a carb. My dad? He always goes to the carb.. he has an issue with a piece of equipment, he says, so, I took the carb off... his first go to is the carb...I always chuckle. On a couple pieces of his equipment, I just ended up replacing the carb...and THEN fixed the actual problem...now, if I could just get him to go E-free... he considered using the engineered stuff at the big box store.....🤦

[@leshenderson5746]

Been there done that.. Now that is first thing I check.😊

[@Ron-0417]

Yup, check the clutch is what I said to myself when you were listing all the things to check first.

[@TF856]

That's funny. At the beginning of the video you mentioned a bunch of things and all I could think of was a bad clutch. I never would have thought of the carburetor.

[@bobbynash282]

Good morning 🌞 from Alabama Ms. Bre. Chainsaw at first , l have a couple that needed adjustment got lucky. Have a great week an weekend. An thanks again for this video.

[@raindogred]

ok check the clutch spring on my mcculloch....will give it a go cheers

[@raymondrobinson5251]

100% on exploring beforehand. You'll find a lot of shouldn't be's! Love this video! Also! I believe the biometric pressures of the day have major issues on small carburetor engines! Just my opinion here!

[@michaeldraughn2770]

Thanx love learning from you hope you have an awesome day

[@whattheydonttellu2423]

There are several comments that say in different ways, 'I'd have gone to the clutch first...'. I agree and Bre does to as she humbly said 'I wish I'd taken the side cover off first' even as she indicated she'd seen this before. I'm going to guess she didn't spend more than 5 minutes looking at the other things. The customer asked for a carb adjustment and it's reasonable to entertain that as an idea first. All that notwithstanding, the outstanding point of the video is this: “I want to know why it needs a carburetor adjustment”.

[@mikejerrett7354]

Great repair, your expression is hilarious 😂 when it runs properly.

[@mjb12141963]

I have two string trimmers that brand new would not idle without stalling a backpack blower. There was a third string trimmer that I took back to the store. I tried for years to make the gas mixture exactly right because they were brand new. What else could be the malfunction but the operator. Almost 10 years I struggled with equipment that would not stay running, hot or cold. I saw a video that said 2-cycle engines would even run if the gas wasn't exact. A year ago, I saw a video similar to the one you did with the carb adjusting screwdrivers. So I got some. With only a couple small quarter to half turn adjustment and my equipment came to life. So angry that California emissions were screwing me over even 2300 miles away but overjoyed that my stuff worked. So this summer, I have been going around my yard looking for the tiniest blade of grass to cut with my "brand new" string trimmer.

[@joshdupont2209]

100% every new 2 cycle needs adjustments. I bought a brand new weedeater. It would slightly bog when I went full throttle. I bought some carb adjustment wrenches. Now it's like a different machine. Goes from idle to full throttle wirh no bogging.

[@karlrovey]

Why would your string trimmers stall a backpack blower when idling?

[@andysukosd8177]

I am very stubborn, I thought I was right. Now I am giving you a great big apology for thinking that you were slamming “canned fuel “ . I am 68 and I guess still learning a lot from you tube videos, especially yours ! I do watch all your videos and learned. I bought a brand new Craftsman blower from Lowe’s and always used “canned fuel “ , well you know how that went. I spent most of my time trying to start this stupid thing, but after watching your video on “ canned fuel “ I thought why not give this a try . You already know the outcome after I went and got a gallon of gas and some two cycle oil. It actually starts and runs great. So I do apologize for doubting you and give you a big Thank you for helping me. Love your videos !

[@wallebo]

Another straightforward and informative video. Kudos!

[@larryscarry411]

Thanks for all the helpful tips ,I appreciate your channel ❤ God bless!!!

[@Vince-m2m]

That is one experienced Chicanic , great video

[@michaelwhorley1573]

I had same prob on mine, I just put a new spring on it. For few bucks I got 3 new springs.

[@leonardhirtle3645]

I would like to know what happened to the clutch spring. Oh,by the way, I love your instructional videos. Thank you.

[@paulwoodall2377]

I'm not a small engine person, i am learning tho. I was listening to you going thru your process and went to the clutch also.

[@rharris7635]

Thanks for the step by step troubleshooting. Most folks don't want to waste time with all that "basic" stuff.

[@GeorgeMcIntyre-o9i]

That's for letting me to what to look for first

[@marcocanchola7880]

Chikanic I thought it was a block vacumm , man 👍

[@Wade3024]

The look on your face when you run it is priceless!!

[@Jay_Ira]

Learned something new today. Thanks.

[@bobbybassett9483]

Smart girl thanks for the heads up!

[@erickozal9044]

My 362 has that issue from time to time. It is one with an adjustable carb instead of the MTronic. I never touched the carb adjustments. As it turns out The clutch drum likes to get full of dirt

[@paulprigge1209]

Thank you from Northern Missouri

[@josephchlewicki8005]

Bravo , Nice Job 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@gearhead366]

Years ago, I also thought that a carb adjust was the first step in fixing a small engine that ran poorly. Ok, maybe 2nd step, but I definitely made carb adjustments when I should have fixed something else. Now I almost never adjust a carb. If it's running poorly, it's almost always something else wrong. Like bad gas, or a clogged air filter, or the one that got me... a clogged exhaust screen.

[@sonnyblazer5504]

More good stuff *FOR US* Thanks!!!

[@chrisyerp174]

Correct many steps needed before adjusting a carburetor spot on for all the inexperience diy mechanics , i was chearing ya on during the video ya hit all the points. Sitting vs heavy use failures to exhaust blockages to primer blockages in tank fuel filter clogs you name it

[@kencoker639]

Hi m8, thank you for the great vids. We have a JD110 ride on and a Huski articulated AWD ride on. We only watched one of your vids before we became addicted. My wife an I love your style in presenting.Cheers from Australia m8. :-)

[@delseckora5327]

Totally on point. Thanks Bre