Lawn Mower is leaking gas

[Zorba]

Well, my father-in-law gave us his old push mower and we are having some problems with it. It is a Toro model 20470, a 1997 model. It hasn't been used for ~3 years, but it was kept in good shape when it was being used.

Anyways, I replaced the spark plug, air filter and oil. Poured in a full tank of gas (which was dumb) and it almost instantly started leaking gas out of the primer button. I took off the air filter assembly so I could remove the primer button. When I took off the air filter assembly, gas started leaking out of the carburetor where it connected to the primer button.

My hunch is that the carb needs to be replaced or rebuilt.

Any suggestions?

 

[Pacfanweb]

Yep, replace the carb or have it rebuilt.


Seriously, look and see what a rebuild kit costs vs. a new/reman carb.

 

[Eli]

lol😀

A "rebuild" consists of a $20 kit for engines such as this. A brand new carb is probably ~$40.

The part that probably needs to be replaced is $3.00. 😉 These carburetors aren't complicated, a small child can take one a part and put it back together. The only important parameter is the float level. Just make it so it looks level and then adjust the needle valves for proper running.

Whats the exact make and model of the engine?

 

[Wolfie]

Almost sounds like the float is sticking. Could also be the needle and seat. Model # of the engine would also help as Eli sugjested.

 

[exdeath]

+1 float needle, esp if its one of those plastic or rubber ones that can dry rot if left sitting dry for years. Or the float itself has sprung a leak or rotted.

The needle on the end of the float is the only thing keeping the gas in the tank from completely emptying itself into the carb and then out onto the floor through the vent holes.

Simple carbs like that probably have like 2 to 4 moving parts at most, should be a fun learning experience for you 🙂