I agree with AVB and would just buy the alloy MityVac that has pressure and Vacuum ,a lot of the cheaper products don't last and some you can spend $40. and they don't work from day one,
If I bought something else I would buy the $36. pressure tester and buy a separate Vacuum tester.
Hi Max. i'm leaning towards the little thumb pressure tester at this stage and maybe later get a vacuum tester down the track.
Originally Posted by Mowerfreak
it's probably worth you getting something affordable for the home tinkerer since you concentrate on the diagnosis side? What do you do after you discover a leak or a blockage? Is it just an elimination strategy or just a way to check for yourself to aid a repairer or ensure they don't take you for a ride?
I haven't tried adding acetone to the fuel and not sure of it's effectiveness. How much would you put in?
Hi Mower, I'm leaning towards a little thumb-operated pressure tester I think. The MityVac is a nice unit, I see 'Vintage Engine Repairs' on youtube using it also, though as I don't generate income from fixing/selling small engines, it's a bit much for my wallet at this stage (maybe later down the track).
I'd want to use it for process-of-elimination. I always clean the carbs with carb cleaner or fuel (in Ultrasonic cleaner too) and replace gaskets, though I admit sometimes I might reuse a gasket if it looks in good shape and not damaged, but being an old gasket, it could be stuffed even if it looks ok. Everytime I 'repair' something, I'd have to order kits as I don't keep a stockpile on hand. Testing the carb after re-assembly would help if the machine still wont start/run right.
As for Acetone, it's just something I briefly read, that if you get a small engine that's running poorly, mix a little (unknown amount) Acetone in with the fuel, the Acetone suppose to help cleanout the carb as the engine is running, making it (not always) run smoother 'if' it's a dirty/clogged carb. If it works, certainly beats tearing it down to clean (then replace gaskets etc..). Never done it myself though, just something I came across.
Originally Posted by maxwestern
If you want something cheap you can use a compressor with a regulator to adjust the high pressure to low pressure.
Blood pressure bulb may work as a pump for low pressure, you can use a syringe for a vacuum pump ,there are a few how to youtube clips on making them.
I usually just use BP ultimate fuel to clean a carby out but the main jet must be cleared out first otherwise the motor won't run ,just have to use fuse wire up the main jet to clear it.
I haven't looked at this how to video.
Thanks for the suggestion, not a bad idea . I have a compressor, will have to check out the regulators for it.
I'll check out those clips too, seems like a good DIY tester.
Sometimes I get 95 fuel and use it in the mower, not often though, may have to get a couple litres. Can you use 95/98 with stroke or do the cleaning additives affect the stroke fuel/oil mixture?
I usually strip carburetors right down (removing jets and all) then put it in the ultrasonic cleaner, followed by a blow out.
I came across another vacuum / pressure tester too, similar to the MityVac.
. I have a compressor, will have to check out the regulators for it.
