When it comes to gas, that is. I've had my tank full of about ten gallons of gas for the last 2 or 3 years. Go ahead and run it, or drain it (somewhere?) and start anew? Thanks for your ideas on this. Time to try firing this old 228 up is right around the corner. So the valve cover on a 228 is held on with two acorn nuts on top of rubber grommets. I got a set from our host, and in no time at all, they have split and cracked all to pieces. Anyone find a source on these that will last? Thanks!
If it smells like gas run it, if it smells like varnish toss it. Ran one with varnish smelling gas but just ONCE. Ran but after it was shut off the varnish on the valve stems set up and they seized in the guides. If in doubt have your wife sniff it; women can smell a mosquito fart from 200 yards upwind.
HA!!!!! I think that's the reason she sleeps in the other room so much of the time. Says it's my snoring, butt... I'm not so sure. I think I have room for another 5 gallons or so~ what about deluting what's in there with some fresh gas? Thanks, Evan. I love to laugh and your response hit it!
Paul, if it were me I would drain half of it into the tank of your daily driver when the tank was about full. Then do the other half the next tank. Or just use it as some round up around places that aren't meant to have weeds or grass. I wouldn't run it, todays gas just doesn't last. I fix old lawn boys up in my spare time and 99% of the time it is because they left gas in them over the winter or for 6 months or longer.
Hey Zig, Did you put gas stabilizer in it 2 or 3 years ago? That will make a big difference in if it is good or not. John
I can't remember, John. I don't think I ever did. I would love to drain it, but where do you put over 10 gallons of gas? I only have so many weeds, and my neighbors are all good.
Danger ! Paul ; Listen to Evan here ! if one valve sticks (it surely will) and you're lucky , only a push rod will get bent . if the piston smacks a stuck open valve it'll bend the valve and can ruin the piston and even damage the connecting rod or bearing..... . Old gasoline makes a dandy weed killer or you can mix it with your waste oil for free disposal . Maybe Steele Rubber Co. will have the good quality grommets ? .
Let's do some MATH OK Zig, you are a teacher, so we'll do a little math problem to help you out with your problem. You have TEN gallons of stale gasoline. Today, lets just say it costs $2.50 a gallon. Is it worth $25.00 to mess up the motor? (did that math IN MY HEAD). If you have a gas can sitting around, drain some out of the truck, and add it a gallon at a time to your daily driver (the Ram pickup IIRC) to a just-shy of full tank. A 25 gallon tank with 1 gallon of old gas is 96% good gas. A couple of weeks doing that, and you are all set. Kill some weeds too!
Attacked by bad gas!!! And what's bad about that? Especially when you can fan the covers? So it turns out that this little burg that I live in recycles gas as well as paper, plastic, and bottles! The tree hugger in me is very happy that I was able to take in my 34 pounds of "bad gas" in and dispose of it all proper and all without any $$$ attached. Now my truck has all new filters, just a bit of "good" gas, SPARK to the plugs... The carburetor is looking mighty damn guilty, if you ask me~ Can't wait 'til tomorrow! (Yup, the new filter just this side of the carb has beautiful NEW gas in its bowl...) I just don't think the carb wants to share.
3, 2, 1.....Wait! Did anyone ask if you blew out that line to the tank....there are a couple of dips in there at can cause trouble, if the want to...or they are just too comfortable and want to wake up slowly. rod
Good point. Unhook the fuel line before the carb and put it into a clear bottle. See how it looks. Hopefully the fuel lines aren't rusted. That was a big problem with mine, but a new fuel line and life was good. And if you have the zenith carb make sure that old school built in "filter" is not clogged. Remember my thread on chasing that down.
Old Fuel & Hard Starting If the fuel bowl is full of clean fuel , take a big plastic handled screwdriver , hold it by the tip and WHAP the side of the carby with it as the old fuel often gets gummy and holds the float valve closed . Or , take it all apart and spend more time sans a running truck , your choice .
Indeed, I blew the line out as well. Actually, I replaced everything as far as the line goes a few years back. I came across an obvious problem I couldn't have noticed unless I was holding the carb in my hand. The gasket I got for the base of the carb had no cutout for the vacuum port on the bottom of the carb's flange. IE, no vacuum for those carb parts that need it~ Anywho, I have a carburetor rebuild kit showing up at NAPA tomorrow, so you know how I will be spending most of my day tomorrow. I'll let you know how it goes. I am SO looking forward to the day this old lump fires off the way it is supposed to. Video as soon as that happens. (and lots of adult beverages for me! )
Pictures? Carb was rebuilt last week. It was a cool/fun thing to do! The kit had the wrong plunger for my carb, but Napa got me the one that I needed.
Great news!!! Evan will be here TOMORROW!!! I got the truck to start and run for just a bit TODAY!!!! Happy man!!! Just a few adjustments and I bet it will be on the road in *very* short order!
Well I missed Evan coming through! He was a day early and I was a day late! He even had a problem with his fuel filter that I could have driven him around to get it fixed, but at the time, he didn't have my phone #. :/ Well, hopefully he will be able to make it by on his way back! Keep him and his wife in mind as they travel along their road trip.
