Whats a needle do in a carb?

[j.concepcion54321]

Hey, i have a tecumseh h50 engine that only starts when sprayed with starting fluid. I have taken apart the carb and cleaned it with carb cleaner and it still wont start. One thing i did notice was that the needle didnt move up and down freely with the float... at the time i didnt think it was a big problem... and i kinda lost the thingy that held both pieces together, like a little pin to make them move together up and down... yeah that piece... I was wondering if that could be a reason that the engine wont run? does that prevent gas from getting to the engine? If thats not the problem then what do you think it could be?

Thanks,

Josh

 

[Russ2251]

at the time i didnt think it was a big problem

It's not, but without it properly functioning, you might as well be trying to start a rock.
The needle controls fuel flow and is needed.
Operates similarly to a toilet tank.
As engine demands fuel, the float will drop which in turn opens the needle allowing fuel to flow into bowl.

 

[the-cyborg]

j.concepcion54321 you been piddling around with that thing for week now, just breakdown and buy a new carb believe me with Tecumseh it'll save you allot of headaches.
Here's one for $42.00 + shipping
http://www.ebay.com/itm/CARBURETOR-TECUMSEH-632230-632272-H50-H60-HH60-/250846760407?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item3a67a1cdd7

 

[j.concepcion54321]

what if i tried to run it without a needle? would it run that way?

 

[r97]

what if i tried to run it without a needle? would it run that way?

Not for long if at all. Rebuild he carb properly using a Tecumseh service manual and buying and/or making the necessary gaskets, and parts.

 

[j.concepcion54321]

eh im not really interested in dumping too much money into this engine... How is the needle supposed to hook up to the float? anyone have pics so that i can see? Because it doesnt have anything currently, but on my clone carb the needle slides into a slot on the float and it stays put..... Maybe i can rig something up using the needle and float from the rebuild kit i didnt get to use.... Would that work? a clone float and needle in a tecumseh carb?

 

[r97]

In the engines i have worked on..... needle attaches to float with a small pin/clip. I find it unlikely the clone needle would work. Does the rebuild kit include the required parts? is it for your model engine?

http://www.jackssmallengines.com/carb_t.cfm

 

[Russ2251]

what if i tried to run it without a needle? would it run that way?

No more than it could run without a connecting rod. Take the easy way out and do what cyborg suggested in post #3.
If you cannot handle that, then I would suggest a complete new engine. Do not touch it, and run it until it dies. Perhaps by then you will learn why things work the way they do.