Rebuilding Cheap Carburetors

[Max Gilbert]

I can't say for sure. I've only used a few and the one on a Stihl hs75 hedge trimmer won't hold a tune especially on the TAS. BUT... That is an Old unit and I suspect an air leak in the crank seals. I just haven't pressure/vacuum tested it yet. Oh and when I do replace carbs I tell the customer it's cheaper to replace them which it always has been so far.

 

[a. palmer jr.]

So far the knockoff carbs I have are still doing very well. I actually prefer them to some of the OEM carbs, especially on my 038.

 

[Philbert]

.. Zama + Walbro metering tools €50 before shipping is added.

I'm seeing them for under $10 for the pair on eBay. There have to be some better options in the EU.

Philbert

 

[a. palmer jr.]

I got by for several years without those "W" and "Z" metering tools, they're just handy, not necessary...still don't have the "Z" come to think of it...

 

[brandonstc6]

I usually have a 7 out of 10 success rate on carburetors too. I like the aftermarket carburetors. I have a husqvarna 372 that I rebuilt the original carburetor 3 times and the saw wouldn't run. I put a new aftermarket carburetor and it starts easily and runs great. A lot of times you can get an aftermarket carburetor for only an extra $5 or so vs a kit.

I've had bad luck lately with Walbro sdc carburetors.
I have a Mcculloch super pro 60, and it would drain the gas tank in less than 30 minutes with gas pouring out the muffler. I put a NOS carburetor on it and it runs perfectly. I have a homelite xl-101 that ran before rebuilding the carburetor but won't run now. I haven't figured that one out yet. I rebuilt a pro Mac 700 carburetor and it leaked gas into the cylinder , a NOS carburetor fixed that. I might have gotten a bad batch of kits (stens).


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[a. palmer jr.]

I usually have a 7 out of 10 success rate on carburetors too. I like the aftermarket carburetors. I have a husqvarna 372 that I rebuilt the original carburetor 3 times and the saw wouldn't run. I put a new aftermarket carburetor and it starts easily and runs great. A lot of times you can get an aftermarket carburetor for only an extra $5 or so vs a kit.

I've had bad luck lately with Walbro sdc carburetors.
I have a Mcculloch super pro 60, and it would drain the gas tank in less than 30 minutes with gas pouring out the muffler. I put a NOS carburetor on it and it runs perfectly. I have a homelite xl-101 that ran before rebuilding the carburetor but won't run now. I haven't figured that one out yet. I rebuilt a pro Mac 700 carburetor and it leaked gas into the cylinder , a NOS carburetor fixed that. I might have gotten a bad batch of kits (stens).


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Sounds like you may have a leaky inlet needle. I used to just install them, now I pressure test them before I put the carb into the saw.

 

[ChoppyChoppy]

Well, there is a difference. I am sure.

I don't plan to put a whole lot of thought or money into it.........

Nope. Same same.

 

[Max Gilbert]

Sounds like you may have a leaky inlet needle. I used to just install them, now I pressure test them before I put the carb into the saw.

If the needle is leaking how would you fix it?

 

[a. palmer jr.]

If the needle is leaking how would you fix it?

I'm referring to the inlet needle. Some people just buy the gasket kit for a rebuild, it's included in the full kit but not in the gasket kit. If the seat is damaged I would just replace the carburetor if the repair looked to be extensive. I probably wouldn't have the tools to rebuild the needle seat..Sometimes the spring gets a little weak on those 30 year old carbs, I think the Zama kit includes the spring but others don't.

 

[brandonstc6]

Sounds like you may have a leaky inlet needle. I used to just install them, now I pressure test them before I put the carb into the saw.

I was thinking that too. It could be possible that the needles in the kit were off.


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[Max Gilbert]

I'm referring to the inlet needle. Some people just buy the gasket kit for a rebuild, it's included in the full kit but not in the gasket kit. If the seat is damaged I would just replace the carburetor if the repair looked to be extensive. I probably wouldn't have the tools to rebuild the needle seat..Sometimes the spring gets a little weak on those 30 year old carbs, I think the Zama kit includes the spring but others don't.

Ah OK. I always use the full kit. I thought you ment that the new needle was leaking. It's easier for me to just replace every needle.

 

[HarleyT]

++++++++

Nope. Same same.

So a Chinese made Zama is the same as a E-bay $8 chinese special? The many, many "factories" in China are all the same, same?

 

[Max Gilbert]

++++++++

So a Chinese made Zama is the same as a E-bay $8
chinese special? The many, many "factories" in China are all the same, same?

Not exactly you see China doesn't have patent laws like the US so Zama has a factory in China and another enterprising individual opens a factory down the road and copies their product out of cheaper materials and less profit margin. Similar to Chinese ripoff name brand clothing/purses/watches...

 

[lone wolf]

++++++++

So a Chinese made Zama is the same as a E-bay $8 chinese special? The many, many "factories" in China are all the same, same?

Possible, once in a while if it is made by the same factory, problem is some are good and a lot are not good and they are inconsistent. If you find a good batch load up on them cause the next batch just may not be good. i like stock OEM they run the best. But cost prohibits when they are 90.00 in my case.

 

[ChoppyChoppy]

Is it just me or are the Knock offs hard to get to hold a tune ?

No troubles here.

++++++++

So a Chinese made Zama is the same as a E-bay $8 chinese special? The many, many "factories" in China are all the same, same?

Yeah. I don't know about ebay, don't use it, but the ones we've bought on Amazon have been the same.

 

[ChoppyChoppy]

Possible, once in a while if it is made by the same factory, problem is some are good and a lot are not good and they are inconsistent. If you find a good batch load up on them cause the next batch just may not be good. i like stock OEM they run the best. But cost prohibits when they are 90.00 in my case.

Haven't had issues here with carbs for Husqy and Stihl. Have done maybe 2 dozen this past year.

 

[lone wolf]

Haven't had issues here with arbs for Husqy and Stihl.

Well count your blessings. I have had good luck with them and bad. They are not consistent.

 

[HarleyT]

I have bought a couple chinese pull starters for my B-I-L's Husky, had to wallow the bolt holes a bit to get them on,
and they don't last long.
But he could tear up an anvil......

 

[Mark71GTX]

I have had more failures with the Chinese MS 260 carbs than any of the others. I have had at least three that just would not perform.

 

[lone wolf]

I have had more failures with the Chinese MS 260 carbs than any of the others. I have had at least three that just would not perform.

I had two of those do that. Two out of two to be exact.