EPA Weenie-fied Carbs on Power Tools

9outof10mms

9outof10mms

Enginerding, good coffee, and factual opinions.
2A Bourbon Hound 2024
Supporting Member
Multi-Factor Enabled
Joined
Dec 17, 2016
Messages
5,932
Location
The Minted Hill
Rating - 100%
12   0   0
In a skit straight out of ironic shenaniganry, I'm experiencing the full idiocracy of the EPA "tamper resistant" carb screws--and I'd love to share my misery with you, too. (read: this is a rant)

I've got a 1-year old Echo back blower (PB-580T, middle of the line) that's worked like a champ so far. Until last week when I need it most for the tulip poplars that are barfing all over my freshly overseeded yard!!!

The damn thing bogs in full throttle. All the easy stuff is in perfect order--air filter is spotless, spark plug looks brand new, gas if good, gas filter is good. It's got to be the high setting on the carb just needs a little tweak.

In case you didn't know, your gubbermint has protected you from smelling out-of-compliance fumes from my lawn power tools by mandating these infuriating bullshit-tastic screws where there once was a just-fine slotted screw head. All because some stinking pinko unshavened hippie MF'er got the ear of a twit in the office of Environmental F#ckery and had a "law" made to prevent Joe Homeowner from maintaining his own damn tools/engines!!!

Did I mention that I'm mildly miffed about this?!

After examining every tool I own for a course of modification to allow me, a mere peasant of the land, to adjust the tool that I paid a solid $350 out of my bank account in exchange for a functioning and hopefully long-lasting device, I came to the conclusion that I own not such a device.

Taking to the great Amazon, I found a set of adjustment tools, fresh off the Chinese shipping container express boat. $12 and two days later, I thought I was going to conquer the evil "D" screw. I set up shop on my truck tailgate (editor's note: DON'T work on a backpack blower inside your shop--there's nothing like a 200MPH tornado of 2-stroke exhaust fumes finding every piece of paper and trash and swirling it all around you) and went to work. Exhibit A, for reference only--don't buy these: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B073XD9JM7/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Lo-and-behold, I got what i paid for and the small D tool apparently just spins around the screw because it's not "D" enough!!!

At this point, I was barely able to resist the oncoming bout of Tourette's. I called the shop where I bought this now-useless piece of power toolery to ask about using that wonderful 5-year warranty that it came with. Of course, it's becoming their "busy season" and it may take a few weeks to get it back. FOR A SIMPLE MOTHER-HUMPING CARB ADJUSTMENT!!!

So now, I get to climb into my gas hog of a truck (I say that with pride, not with resentment), take time out of my batsh!t crazy schedule, drive many miles to the shop (polluting dear mother earf in the process), drop it off at the shop and waste their "busy season time" where they could be working on legitimately broken tools,drive home, wait a couple weeks, drive all the way back to pick it up, then drive all the way home. Just in time to not need the damn thing when the leaves stop.

If this isn't a textbook example of classic goobermint meddling and totally missing the mark, then I don't know what is. If I could bag all the exhaust from my truck that I'll spend driving to/from the shop to get my blower "repaired" and mail it to the EPA, I would.

Stand back...that dormant Tourette's is firing up...
 
Oh...and FYI...I'm willing to pay a reasonable amount of money if someone were to be kind enough to direct me to a source that sells "real" carb adjustment tools--specifically, the "little D" type for an Echo blower and weed trimmer.
 
I put a chi-com replacement carb on my weed-whacker for this very reason, it still runs like shit but at least I can adjust it now.
 
Johnny said:
I put a chi-com replacement carb on my weed-whacker for this very reason, it still runs like shit but at least I can adjust it now.
Click to expand...
When I get close to the end of my warranty, I'm absolutely modifying it to have slotted screws--whether I get at them with a dremel or some other method, you can bet your a$$ I'm getting around this crap.
 
Chdamn said:
I'm ashamed to admit that it took my more than 2 seconds to figure out why you had a digital clock in your avatar.

That is all.
Click to expand...
I was walking by the stove the other day at 5:56pm and though to capture that glorious moment and immortalize it for all to see. Neither the wife nor kids thought it was as glorious as I did, therefore, you must now be subjected to my glorious-ness.
 
Brian K said:
Amazon sells full kits of adjustment tools.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00DQADGUM/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Click to expand...
They look like the same Chinese manufacturing junk that I already bought.

I've seen some tools in YouTube videos that look a little more legit. I can't find even a trace of them online, likely due to the threat of being fined by the EPA special police for having or selling them.

Insert a meme showing King Leonidas holding a carb adjustment tool and screaming "COME AND TAKE THEM!!!"
 
best bet is to buy an adjustable Walbro bro. Or the knockoffs.

My el cheapo rear tine tiller that I had before my 1983 Troybilt had those stupid limit type screws. I bought a carb, swapped the jets over from the factory, and carried on. Now I can actually get it out of adjustment and roll coal on myself if I wish.......

then again, I know how to adjust a carburetor after years of riding motorcycles and doing my own work....
 
Ikarus1 said:
best bet is to buy an adjustable Walbro bro. Or the knockoffs.

My el cheapo rear tine tiller that I had before my 1983 Troybilt had those stupid limit type screws. I bought a carb, swapped the jets over from the factory, and carried on. Now I can actually get it out of adjustment and roll coal on myself if I wish.......

then again, I know how to adjust a carburetor after years of riding motorcycles and doing my own work....
Click to expand...


I've got a POS Mantis tiller that I use for some planter boxes. Carb was so far gone that no amount of adjustment helped. Picked up a Chinese replacement off ebay for $8 - EIGHT DOLLARS!! - came with gaskets, fuel lines, fuel filter (2), fuel line thru-tank grommet, primer bulb (2). Eight dollars!!

Damn thing runs like champ now.
 
What type of gas are you using for gas/oil mix?


It's a $36,500.00 fine if the EPA catches someone selling the carb adjustment tools.
 
Fullboost21 said:
What type of gas are you using for gas/oil mix?


It's a $36,500.00 fine if the EPA catches someone selling the carb adjustment tools.
Click to expand...

If that's true what help will the dealer be? they can't service it either unless they replace the carb.
 
Fullboost21 said:
What type of gas are you using for gas/oil mix?


It's a $36,500.00 fine if the EPA catches someone selling the carb adjustment tools.
Click to expand...
I get ethanol-free 89 octane, mix it with Sta-Bil and 40 (or is it 50??) to 1 solution, and that's it. Gas is less than 6 months old WITH the Sta-Bil inside. I've ruled out gas problems because the other equipment that uses the same can runs just fine--and the blower runs like a champ at idle and low speed.

If I'm the biggest fish that the EPA has to fry, then they've apparently achieved mission accomplished in regards to cleaning and protecting the environment. I don't recall consenting to any half-baked regulation, either.
 
Catfish said:
If that's true what help will the dealer be? they can't service it either unless they replace the carb.
Click to expand...

Authorized dealers on various brands will have the tools, they just can't sell them over the counter.
 
Last edited:
9outof10mms said:
I get ethanol-free 89 octane, mix it with Sta-Bil and 40 (or is it 50??) to 1 solution, and that's it. Gas is less than 6 months old WITH the Sta-Bil inside. I've ruled out gas problems because the other equipment that uses the same can runs just fine--and the blower runs like a champ at idle and low speed.

If I'm the biggest fish that the EPA has to fry, then they've apparently achieved mission accomplished in regards to cleaning and protecting the environment. I don't recall consenting to any half-baked regulation, either.
Click to expand...
Ok good, just checking. Yes, 50:1 ratio for your bp blower. Most issues are fuel related. For example, 87 oct ethanol blend that's 6 months old... Sometimes they do just need adjusting.
 
Brian K said:
I've got a POS Mantis tiller that I use for some planter boxes. Carb was so far gone that no amount of adjustment helped. Picked up a Chinese replacement off ebay for $8 - EIGHT DOLLARS!! - came with gaskets, fuel lines, fuel filter (2), fuel line thru-tank grommet, primer bulb (2). Eight dollars!!

Damn thing runs like champ now.
Click to expand...

...and two air filters. Forgot.
 
9outof10mms said:
Oh...and FYI...I'm willing to pay a reasonable amount of money if someone were to be kind enough to direct me to a source that sells "real" carb adjustment tools--specifically, the "little D" type for an Echo blower and weed trimmer.
Click to expand...

Pull the guts out of a bic ball point, shove the tube over the screw and turn to your satisfaction. Worked great on my Troybilt. Or maybe it was a butt connector, either way plastic makes it possible.
 
Been there.... it sucks and agreed, it's just flat out stupid.

I had luck with the cheap adjustment tools, and a 4mm thin wall nut driver for Stihl. I also think that there are more than 8 sizes...not sure though. I think my kit has a dozen or so.

Keep a can of the "True fuel" type stuff to use for fuel diagnosis.
 
Beef15 said:
Pull the guts out of a bic ball point, shove the tube over the screw and turn to your satisfaction. Worked great on my Troybilt. Or maybe it was a butt connector, either way plastic makes it possible.
Click to expand...
Used the ball point pen trick on my string trimmer... after I tried to drill a slot for a screw driver and really boogered it up.
 
Catfish said:
I lol'd so some thing good came of it.
Click to expand...
I hope your carb screws look like inverted double helixes--whatever the hell those are.
LizardKing said:
Used the ball point pen trick on my string trimmer... after I tried to drill a slot for a screw driver and really boogered it up.
Click to expand...
This will be my luck...trying to cut a slit in the top of a tiny screw head. Guess I should try to get new screws first! Betcha I can't order those either.
 
@9outof10mms Are you sure the fuel line isn't sucking air somewhere. I have had it happen to me on several occasions over the years with one of my Stihl blowers where the fuel line would get a tear in it and it would do exactly what you described: Bog down at full throttle.

Also, I discovered this outfit is great for getting parts for lawn and garden equipment such as carbs, clutches, etc.....: ereplacementparts.com You're reading that correctly. There is an "e" at the beginning of their website name: ereplacementparts.com

Edit: After it happened on the second or third occasion, I stopped getting a new factory fuel line from the local Still dealer. I finally fixed the issue by going to NAPA and getting some fuel hose and cutting it a little longer than the factory length.

The hose kept tearing because it was too short and the flexing of the blower when the throttle was blipped would eventually tear the line enough for it to suck air.
 
Last edited:
Brian K said:
I've got a POS Mantis tiller that I use for some planter boxes. Carb was so far gone that no amount of adjustment helped. Picked up a Chinese replacement off ebay for $8 - EIGHT DOLLARS!! - came with gaskets, fuel lines, fuel filter (2), fuel line thru-tank grommet, primer bulb (2). Eight dollars!!
Damn thing runs like champ now.
Click to expand...
Link please! I need one for mine as well.
 
Last edited:
Ikarus1 said:
Yep been eyeballing the New Hollands every time I drive thru Oakboro. Little local dealer just opened up with a full inventory.
Click to expand...
I had a 40hp that was used weekly for 20 yrs, only needed to change oil, filters, battery and tires.
It's still running like a tank for the new owner.
 
Qball said:
@9outof10mms Are you sure the fuel line isn't sucking air somewhere. I have had it happen to me on several occasions over the years with one of my Stihl blowers where the fuel line would get a tear in it and it would do exactly what you described: Bog down at full throttle.

Also, I discovered this outfit is great for getting parts for lawn and garden equipment such as carbs, clutches, etc.....: ereplacementparts.com You're reading that correctly. There is an "e" at the beginning of their website name: ereplacementparts.com

Edit: After it happened on the second or third occasion, I stopped getting a new factory fuel line from the local Still dealer. I finally fixed the issue by going to NAPA and getting some fuel hose and cutting it a little longer than the factory length.

The hose kept tearing because it was too short and the flexing of the blower when the throttle was blipped would eventually tear the line enough for it to suck air.
Click to expand...
I repaired my Stihl blower for the SAME reason two weeks ago. Tore everything down to discover I only needed a 1/2" longer 1/8" fuel line. :mad:
 
RetiredUSNChief said:
Can you get the screw all the way out?

If you can, use a Dremel with a small cutting wheel to make it a slotted screw.
Click to expand...
I’m not sure if they come out. I may end up drilling the holes out and/or Dremel grinding the holes back to where I can get a tool on the screw heads and slotting them.

But again, I don’t want to do this til the warranty runs out. I’m sure that’s the first thing they look for when you bring it into the shop.
 
Have you looked at the spark arrestor screen in the muffler. Those collect soot and will keep one from running right. More CA emissions BS. Soon as I get a new piece of equipment, i remove it . One small way I stick it to the man
 
Is this the EPA's doing, or the manufacturer making sure they get more sales?
 
HMP said:
Is this the EPA's doing, or the manufacturer making sure they get more sales?
Click to expand...


More than likely it's the EPA's doing. The manufacturer has to warranty this crap at their own expense. If it's not the EPA's doing and the manufacturers are to blame, then the manufacturers will disappear much sooner than if the EPA is responsible. Of course, regardless of which entity is to blame, the consumer gets it in the rear in the end. But I'd have to conclude that ultimately the government is at fault here, much like it is in just about everything else that is screwed up in this country.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom