[adri]

Hi.  I have a relatively new (8yrs old) small 4 stroke honda tiller.  Smallish machine.  Anyway the last time I came to use it I noticed that the little bulb that you press to pull fuel through wasn't filling up.

Had a quick look and couldn't see why.  If anyone has suggestions as to how to fix it'd be much appreciated.

Thanks

Adri

[Kevin67]

In my case, every petrol-driven machine I have had (and known about for others) has failed for one reason only...

The degradation of the (two) fuel line(s). 

Some of the chat I have had has all come to the same conclusion - built-in obsolescence.

Pretty much, air is getting in, as you will know because the fuel bulb does not fill. If you look at both of the fuel lines going to the fuel tank, you probably will see one or both of them leaking.

My quick fix was to gaffer tape that line.

However, this is extremely dangerous because it is the fuel vapours that will ignite near a flame or spark.
(I write this line not for you, but for others who will read this later.)

A proper fix is to buy the replacement lines from the original equipment manufacturer. Make sure your fuel tank is empty and has been allowed to air-dry for many days with no pockets of missed fuel in the nooks and crannies of the tank. (Tilt the machine around 360 all ways.)

I reckon from experience these lines are designed to last about three years.

If you're a confident tinkerer, get some fuel lines for a car. They will outlast your machine; you'll never do the job again.

If it's another cause, that will be a first for me.

[adri123]

Thanks Kevin67!

I'll continue tinkering until it works or I set fire to it!!!

[grendel]

Its also worth blasting the carburettor through with carburettor cleaner, if modern petrol sits from one year to the next it dries out and leaves a white powder that can block the jets.
Grendel

[adri123]

just bought some carb cleaner.  Maybe a quick spray and it'll work....there's always hope!!!

[Kevin67]

Good luck!

[adri123]

Tried the carb cleaner.  No luck.  It did fire a bit but I could tell it wasn't the right fix.  So given there's a squeaking noise upon pressing the primer bulb and the fact that I can see the bulb can be easily replaced I've sent off for a replacement from ebay.

Fingers crossed...

[Kevin67]

Do you have a carburetor tuning screw on your machine?

[adri123]

Maybe but I'm now pretty sure it's the primer bulb...will wait till they turn up and see if replacing does the trick.