Carb getting gas but float/needle stuck so no start... (1 Viewer)

[jawjatek]

No start after sitting a few weeks - fuel and pump a-ok, getting gas to carb. If I pour in a little gas into carb, it fires right up. Sight glass shows the bowl empty and dry.

Is there a way to unstick the carb float/needle valve without pulling the carb off? Maybe spraying in some gumout, or something? PS this is a 1987 FJ60 - 2F with a Trollhole carb. Was running ok before I let it sit too long.

I do have a JimC rebuilt original carb sitting in a box. He rebuit it years ago, but I had put on the trollhole carb while waiting on it, and got lazy and didn't install it yet. I guess it is time to put it back on.

 

[Skreddy]

Smack it with a rubber mallet above the valve assembly. Or light, gentle but brisk taps with a hammer or Kentucky socket set.

 

[Spike Strip]

As above, but have someone crank the motor while you tap - Fuel pressure will sometimes help the needles 'unstick'.

But sounds like it is time for the Jim rebuild install.

 

[jawjatek]

Thanks. I shall give it the taps and raps, and then put the good carb on!

HNY!!

 

[Pighead]

Is there a way to unstick the carb float/needle valve without pulling the carb off?

You can get to the needle valve by just taking the top off the carb, no need to remove the whole thing

 

[MDH33]

First thing I would try is disconnect your fuel line and shoot some carb cleaner into the fuel inlet which is direct to the float needle.

 

[jawjatek]

Thanks, very helpful. I'm going to try that first, along with some tapping and rapping. I really should put the original carb back on, though, so I'm going to do that anyway in the near future. HNY!

 

[jawjatek]

All right! Couple squirts of Gumout in there, and some light taps with the 17mm wrench, and she fired right up. This buys me a little time, so I can clean out the garage a bit and pull the truck in there to work on. Got the JimC rebuilt carb and disto going back on. After that - a job I've been putting off too long - knuckle service. Thanks to all, especially @MDH33 . Happy 2025! Off to an auspicious start!