Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): Tanaka Trimmer, internal passages, poor storage

Question
Hi Marc,

I'm back. I replaced the gas filter, rubber fuel line and cap on my Tanaka TBC-160 trimmer because if you remember, the rubber fuel line connected to the filter had completely dissolved and shut off the gas delivery.

I installed a new spark plug, primed the carb directly with gas but the trimmer runs only as long as the primer gas allows.

To be sure the gas was running freely I disconnected the fuel line to the carb and that checked out OK.

The only thing I can think of is that the carb has been damaged by my poor storage methods. Should I go to the next step and buy what they call a carb kit? If so is there anything I should watch out for (this is an inherited trimmer so I don't have the manual for it)?


Thanks again,
Henry  

Answer
It sounds like a carb cleaning and kit are in order.  Make sure you push a piece of tag wire through all of the internal passages and follow up with carb cleaner.  The kits usually come with a detailed diagram and some instructions so you should be able to get it re-assembled properly.  Hope this helps.