How to Rebuild a Carburetor for an 8 Horsepower Lawnmower

Small CFM (cubic feet per minute) rated carburetors work similar to big-bore carbs as they deliver atomized fuel to lawn and garden equipment. However, lawn and garden carbs must be rebuilt more often than automobile carbs due to the dust and debris they encounter during operation. If your lawnmower idles rough or ceases to run, disassemble and clean the carb to restore the engine's performance. Each carb manufacturer sells rebuild kits that include a new squeeze gasket, an essential component of the rebuild that ensures the carb doesn't leak air or fuel.

Wrench set
Screwdriver
Carb rebuild kit
Carburetor cleaner spray

Instructions

- 1
  Unscrew the bolt(s) from the rounded bowl on the side of the carb with a wrench or screwdriver. This is the fuel bowl, which has the squeeze gasket and float valve mechanism.
- 2
  Pull the bowl away from the main body and discard the squeeze gasket.
- 3
  Spray the inside of the bowl, the main body and all accessible channels/holes on the carb with carburetor cleaner to remove any fuel residue or debris. Inspect the float for proper up-and-down movement. If the float sticks or is visibly damaged, slide it out of the bowl by hand and insert a new float.
- 4
  Sandwich a new squeeze gasket between the main body and the bowl. Install the bowl's bolt(s) and tighten it/them with the wrench/screwdriver.
- 5
  Spray carburetor cleaner into all of the holes and orifices in the carb, accessible through the intake and air filter ports, to complete the rebuild.

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