Hey all,

I've been having some trouble with my cruiser ever since my carb was rebuilt. Here's the problem:

Tough start (needs starter fluid), won't idle, exhaust smells like gas.

Now dammit Jim I'm a doctor not a mechanic. If any of y'all could tell me what the prob might be and if it's something I could fix mahself, I would appreciate it :beer: . Thanks.

Matt

Can you share more info on the carb rebuild? You're low on details but it sounds like a carb problem, and if it's just been rebuilt, I would try to eliminate the carb first.

What kind of carb is it? When was it rebuilt? Did the Cruiser sit for a very long time before you put the carb back on? How's your fuel filter? How's your fuel pump?

I'm not a mechanic but I'm decent at troubleshooting Cruiser systems. To me it sounds like a fuel delivery problem, and since the carb is the factor that has changed, I'd check the carb first. I'd also eliminate the cheap factors as well, replace the fuel filter with a new one and while you're at it, blow some air through all your fuel hoses to make sure you don't have any crud obstructing them.

Do you have access to another carburator you could swap for a short while? It would be the easiest way to determine if the rebuilt carb is the culprit.

If it is the carb, it could just need some adjustment, it sounds like it's running very rich; have you tried adjusting the carb a bit while you have the truck running? While you're at it I would check the gasket between the carb and the mounting plate to make sure you're not leaking fuel into the intake manifold.

Give us more details and we'll help you out, there's several people here who can rebuild a Land Cruiser carburator with their eyes closed and a ton of Cruiserheads with a lot of fuel system experience!

I'm no expert, I'd change the plug before anything, as well as the air filter while I'm at it, and start from there...

Check the idle cutoff soleniod. It is the barrell thing on the RH side of the carb(at least on my year) that has a wire running to it.

If this is not working, it wont like to idle, and you will have to get it a bunch richer to start...

Also, check the accelerator pump circuit and float bowl levels. You should see fuel mid way in the float bowl...
-Brett

Thanks for responding fellas.

The carb is stock from my 79-40. It was rebuilt a few years ago, and actually seemed to run fine for awhile. But I haven't driven her at all in the last couple of years. Fuel filter has been replaced, as has the air filter.

I can see the idle solenoid, but don't know how to check it. Same for the accelerator pump circuit. The float bowl is only filled to about 1/4 of the way, not half way.

When I start the engine, the choke is engaged. But will stop running once I let off on the choke. Also, if I push down hard on the gas pedal, it sputters and wants to stall.

Once again thanks for any suggestions.

Matt

If it's not a recent rebuild, then I'd be inclined to think that it's either crud from your fuel tank that's made it up to the filter or is lodged in your fuel lines, or it's an actual carb problem. I'll let the experts take care of the latter, but my suggestion to you is to pull the filter and replace it, and while you're at it blow some compressed air through the fuel lines to make sure they're free of obstructions.

To check your idle solenoid, run power to the leads and listen for a "click". To check the accelerator pump function, work the throttle linkage by hand with the air filter housing off. You should see a strong jet of fuel from the top of the primary venturi throat (pass. side when mounted on the engine).

1/4 fuel bowl isn't right. Level should be 1/2 at the sight glass. Adjust the float/needle valve after you make sure the float is good. Original Aisan floats almost never go bad, but the cheapo brass replacements do all the time.

Setting for a couple of years (or even months) is rough on the carb. Fuel volatiles evaporate leaving gums to clog up the internals. Needle seats (if rubber tipped aftermarket) gum up also. I routinely see bugs or even dirt dubbers inside the carb after no use. It is really time to rebuild and retune.

Sorry, you added some info there. Wanting to run with the choke on and dieing with it off indicates a lean condition. Having the choke on (closed) reduces air flow and richens the mix. Sounds like something (idle circuit, jets, fuel passage) is clogged up

Okay, I think I'm getting it. I know this is going to sound real basic to everybody, but I want to make sure I understand.

The reason why I smell gas in the exhaust is because I am using the choke, which is naturally causing the carb to run rich. And the fact that it won't run without the choke means the carb is normally running lean.

I will try and adjust the needle valve to reach half full in the float bowl. I will also check the fuel filter.

Thanks for the help.

Matt

Idling ok with the choke on, and dying without it definatley indicates a lean at idel problem. This can be the idel shutoff solenoid failing...the choke fast idle gets you off the idel cirsuit, but when your turn the choke off, it'll die. It can also be that two years of setting around has gummed up everything like Eric (lostman) said. He deos a nice rebuild, at a good price. If you can be without your carb for a week or so, he can usually take care of you...Also check the simple things. Make sure plugs and wires are getting good spark. Make sure fuel is getting past the filter to the pump, and from the pump to the carb. It takes fuel, spark, and air to make fire:)

Mine kind of had the same problems as yours, they just kept getting worse untill it just wouldn't even start.
To fix it I jsut slapped on a weber and readjusted the timing. Also check the points and condensers...

Joseph

Originally posted by SoCal40
But I haven't driven her at all in the last couple of years.
Matt

Sitting for more than a few months is hard on the carb. The gas dries and leaves a film of laquer inside.

If it in not a fuel delivery problem or a vacuum leak, it is time to rebuild the carb again. If you need help rebuilding it, go to the next So Cal TLC meeting. There are a lot of pros there.

All right! I just got back from a kick a** 4th of July fireworks show and thought I check in.

Okay, so it sounds like I might need to get my carb rebuilt. When and where is the next So Cal TLC meeting? I could ask all my dumb questions in person :D Although if it's in San Diego, I probably won't get there. I live in North O.C., Los Alamitos/Rossmoor area.

Aside from all that...Thanks for all the help to everyone who responded.

Matt

The next meeting is today, 3pm at the huntington library park, Talbert and goldenwest, Huntington Beach.

It is the first Sunday of each month. In summer at the HB library park and the rest of the year at Hamburger Express at Bolsa and Westminster.

Thanks for the info, Pin Head. Too bad I just now read your reply. I'll see y'all at the next meeting in August.

Matt