Honda fuel filter question

[dh500]

Hi there
First post for a while...

I have a Dixon ZTR with 20.0 hp V twin Honda which has started losing power. It sounds to me like a fuel starvation problem so I changed the fuel filter and the fuel pump (with genuine parts) and for a while it seemed to have done some good.

But now the problem is back.

One thing I have noticed is that the fuel filter never gets full even when the engine has been running for a while. Is this normal?

In the attached photo, the yellow line indicates approximately the level of fuel in the filter.

Thanks for any advice

dh500

[Gunnels Grounds & More]

This is normal. It's always good to change the fuel filter once every year or so. dont no your exact problems but have you checked the fuel pump.

[dh500]

Thanks GGM for that info.

Yes I have changed the fuel pump which sits on top of the carburettor. I also checked that none of the tubes going to and from the pump were blocked or leaking.

The only other thing I can think of to check before dismantling the carbie is to have a closer look at the fuel cut-off solenoid (at least that is what I think it is) on the front (less accessible) side of the carburettor. Is it possible that this is restricting the fuel flow?

dh500

[betmr]

How long has it sat, with the same gas in it?

[dh500]

Hi betmr
Thanks for your interest.
I am sure the problem is not stale gas. In Australia we are very much in growing season, but even in the "off" season, the machine is used quite frequently as a tug for towing a shredder or a yard trailer for gathering firewood.

I have taken the mower to the local mower repair shop in the hope that an engine service and tune-up will bring back the missing power.

dh500

[betmr]

My concern is a gummed up Carburetor. Varnish build up inside.

[dh500]

You may well be right...
I did have trouble with a gummed up carbie on a fire fighting pump which had sat unused for quite a while. It started easily enough but simply refused to run with the choke fully open.

I may be wrong but I get the feeling that modern gasoline has more problems with storage than what used to be the case. I can remember years ago mucking around getting old lawn mowers to go, using any old gas on hand that could have been years old.

dh500

[betmr]

I am going to suggest you remove the Carburetor. Take it all apart and clean it really good with Carburetor/Choke cleaner. You will have to remove all the needle valves and float and needle, and spray out all the passages. You probably have a dirty Carb.

[lungs414]

I was given a Honda HS50 snow blower from my wifes grandmother. It sat for 5 years with gas in it, I took it apart cleaned it and got it running. It still ran horrible but at least it started. I called a local honda service place and they told me that honda carbs are really cheap and they would have just replaced it rather than try to clean it. I bought one from an internet site for $58 plus about 5 for shipping. Replaced the carb and the thing throws snow like 20-25 feet, and started with one pull.

[betmr]

I'm gonna say by your post, you got a 20 HP V-Twin there, and a new Carb is gonna run ya over $100.00, and you'll throw away a perfectly good piece of metal.