Way to go Steve!

Playing around with this 123, I’m having an issue. I replaced the carburetor and it did not help. It is hard to start but it does start with the choke closed. Then when it starts it blows black smoke after I open the choke and the engine takes off and the smoke stops. It’ll run fine at idle, but if I open the throttle the engine speeds up and then it just dies, like fuel starving. I’ve checked the fuel line, and sediment bowl. I noticed there is always a small air pocket up in the top of the sediment bowl above the gas, is this normal? I have no experience with sediment bowls. After a little while it will start again, and the cycle starts again. I can drive around at idle but with the throttle open it dies. I’ve adjusted the governor and the carb screws. I can’t get it to run right above idle. :bigthink:

clean the carb better, clean the fuel apparatus, and check the tank for dirt, or clogged fuel cap.
The bowl should not have an airspace on top.

The carb is new, and the tank is spotless inside. I cleaned that out when I saw the state of the inside of the carb. The only thing I can think of is the sediment bowl valve isn’t opening the whole way due to crud. It is a little sticky screwing it in and out. Fuel runs out with the bowl off so I thought it was fine. Fuel cap I didn’t think of but would that be an issue almost right away or over time?

Hook up the tank to the carb directly. Use a little red filter in case of crud you cannot see behind the baffle.
If the carb a Jina one?

It does have some Asian in it.

Didja set the float thingy for correct clearance???

I didn’t open it to check. I assumed it would be fine as is. I’ve used these on several engines and never had an issue. It did this with the carb that was on it once I got it cleaned up enough to run, so I figured I just didn’t get it completely clean and opted to replace it rather than order a rebuild kit. So this leads me to the bowl as a possible culprit.

Sorner,
just for the hell of it, swap the condenser from one of the other ones you have.
i've seen a bad condenser cause what you describe.

Good idea George. I was focused on the fuel system and didn’t even think of that. I do have that small air pocket in the bowl though but a condenser is a lot less stinky to try.