Need small engine help - snow blower and its snowing

[Fueling Around]

...
in the off season im thinking ill replace the carb, fuel lines, filter, valve the whole deal. Ive had the blower more than ten years.the Amazon kits have all these in one item purchase for ~$18. seems easy enough.

I rebuilt the carb and replaced the fuel line in my 25 year old snapper a couple years ago. Ran like a champ before, but I knew the fuel line was degraded, but carb kit was only $8
Previous owner added a fuel shut off in the fuel line. I always run the carb dry after every use.

I generally agree with this, but the OEM carb is like $30 with no other parts and over 500 people give the Amazon one 4.7 stars. I kinda doubt there is much difference.

I repaired a Stihl string trimmer last fall. Went to small engine shop for a carb kit. He doesn't stock $16 kits, but does stock new OEM carbs for $30
I should have ordered an Amazon. Same Chinese carb without the $15 Stihl box.

Daddy always told me... "Cheap's not good... and... Goods not cheap" ... just saying ...

In competitive motorsport there is a saying:
Fast (longest pull, Win, etc)
Cheap
Reliable
Pick 2

 

[DougE]

Daddy always told me... "Cheap's not good... and... Goods not cheap" ... just saying ...

I bought a chinese knockoff gearhead for my straight shaft Stihl trimmer off Amazon at the recommendation of one of the local Stihl dealers, and it's actually built a little better than the original one that came on it. As an added bonus, it came with the hardware to install a blade, which is something I needed for cutting heavier stuff around the farm. The guard had to be somewhat reworked to make it fit, but it works fine. I have a whole season of weedeating on the gearhead so far, and I reckon I got my 30 bucks worth out of it, since I think the dealer charges around what I have in the gearhead just for the hardware to install a blade in place of the string head.

 

[sandyut]

Ok so we limped along after the gas treatment till I broke my leg, then the SB sat and now its all f’ed again. Surging, wont idle, etc.

I gave up and bought a $15 replacement carb off Amazon. It’s like new!!!! Just ordered a spare. For $15 its a no brainer and very easy to replace.

 

[sandyut]

I should have done this back when it started…. We can’t be without the SB. Even if its a couple times a year. When we get slammed you are housebound Without a SB.

 

[Fueling Around]

I should have done this back when it started…. We can’t be without the SB. Even if its a couple times a year. When we get slammed you are housebound Without a SB.

I wish there was a ironic like to your post. A few recommended this fix.
Replace the fuel line once you get past hurtles of need and medical handicap. Fuel line replacement can be a lengthy process

 

[Winterrider]

Glad you got it going. Its "hell" when you need and don't have.

 

[sandyut]

I wish there was a ironic like to your post. A few recommended this fix.

I know I know... I was being lazy and want to try the gas additive.