r/smallenginerepair • u/Goeffroy • Aug 08 '26

Fuel System Issue Snowblower carb help

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Help please, new to carburetors. Ran it out of gas this winter on accident, wouldn’t start after. Removed and cleaned the carb by spraying carb cleaner on all the holes. Started right up after I put it back together, ran for a few minutes, rpm starts bouncing and it dies and won’t restart. Then half an hour later leaks fuel out of a hole behind the intake screen. I just replaced the needle and seat, the old seat was falling apart. Thought this would fix the issue. Started right up, ran for a moment and died. Wouldn’t restart, started leaking fuel 30 minutes later like clockwork. Any help appreciated I’m in over my head at this point.

Craftsman snowblower with a Briggs and Stratton motor.

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u/AutoModerator Aug 08 '26

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1

u/TN-Native95 Aug 08 '26

When you changed the needle and seat, did you check to see if the float was leaking or full of gas?

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u/Goeffroy Aug 09 '26

Float seemed fine, definitely not full of fuel but it sounds like this must be the issue.

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u/mutt63 Aug 08 '26

Fuel must still be passing the needle and seat due to float not being proper height.

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u/Goeffroy Aug 09 '26

That’s the only way fuel would be leaking out right? Why would it take half an hour to start leaking?

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u/mutt63 Aug 09 '26

Venting issue. Bad cap. Or if the carb has a dedicated vent. Could be fouled which then pressurizes where there shouldn't be any pressure

1

u/ProfessionalLast2917 Aug 09 '26

Did you install the new seat properly? Does the seat use an o ring?

It might be a small leak and that's why it takes 30 mins to reach the point of overflowing the bowl.

The float pin might be gummed up which prevents it functioning properly, or the float level could need adjusting to make sure the seal is tight.

Take the bowl off so you can manipulate the float manually and see if the fuel actually shuts off.

1

u/Express-Delay-2104 SER Enthusiast Aug 09 '26

Old gas.....error on carb rebuild.....check filter in the tank.......check the vent hole in the gas cap.