Starts OK but stops after a few minutes

[Tim M]

Hiya

My minor starts OK but stops when fuel isn't being pumped into the carb. The fuel pump feels hot and when I thump it, it starts again but stops soon after.

One mechanic who has looked at said the needle on the carb jet was sticking but it seems to be working OK to me. New carbs are pricey so on balance would it be best to replace the fuel pump first and see what occurs?

Any thoughts?

Thanks, Tim

[bmcecosse]

Just do a pump test - take the pipe off the carb and pump a pint into a jar and see how long it takes. Certainly no need for a new carb - some 'mechanic' It could be the needle valve in the float chamber is stuck shut - although I have never heard of that - they more often stick 'open' allowing flooding. Test the pump. Most likely it needs the points cleaning - or perhaps better - a new set of points.

[andypocock]

You thump the pump and it starts again. I think you have done your own diagnostics.

As Roy says give the fuel pump points a clean or replace if worn.

[Tim M]

Many thanks both of you. I shall do that

[Nickol]

does it work now?

You may like to check the filter to see if it is partially blocked or excessively gummed up.