EB 2500 starts initailly, but then dies. I have fuel flow and good spark. I have also checked the float and needle valve and both seem to be good.

i would look more at the needle and seat (the little valve that aloows the fuel into the carb)

Drain the carb with the gas valve on the tank turned off. Now turn the valve back on and see if gas again begins to flow out of the float bowl. If no gas drains with the valve open then remove the fuel line at the carb and check to see that fuel flows freely through the fuel line. If gas flows freely out of the fuel line then the float needle is stuck closed or trash is plugging up the needle jet assembly. If so, remove the float bowl and free up the needle. Use spray carb cleaner and the little "straw" that comes with the can to direct the spray into the float needle fitting. Fuel should flow when the float is down and stop flowing when the float is lifted. Pull a spark plug and ground the metal against the cylinder. Check for spark. If there is no spark then check the operation of the kill switch on the side stand and the handlebar. Use a multimeter to check the switches. Get fresh gas and install an in-line fuel filter to keep any trash out of the carb. Clean the air filter. Please rate my answer. Thanks.

Lets back up and regroup on the carb cleaning.

Before you start.... if you have a digital camera take "close up" PICTURES of the linkages and springs attaching to the carb. If this is your first time you will be so glad you did. You can always delete them later if you don't need them. :)

Here is what you need to do:

1. Fuel selector off
2. Remove float bowl mounting screws and nut
3. Remove the BRASS Jet / Orifice in the very bottom of the venturi tube inside the pickup tube. (Flat blade screwdriver) Hold the Orifice up to the light. You should see a pinhole. If it is not clear clean the orifice but do not force anything through the hole.
4. Underneath the Orifice there is yet another BRASS tube that you need to remove. (Flat blade screwdriver) Make sure all of the holes in the tube are clear. The tube will be over 2 inches long. Clean it and reinstall it.
5. Reinstall the Orifice.
6. Using a catch fuel container turn on the fuel selector. Fuel should flow at a good rate. GENTLY lift the float assy level and make sure fuel flow shuts off. When you drop the float again fuel should flow.
If you do not have fuel flow at this point the needle and seat will need to be inspected. Fuel selector OFF.
(The following procedure is to be done only if there is no fuel flow with fuel selector on.)
a. Remove the silver float pivot pin retaining screw
b. Drop the Float down (The needle will come off with the float. NOTE the position)
c. Inspect the tapered rubber of the needle If should be pointed. If it is not pointed then the rubber tip is stuck inside the seat.
d. Clean the seat hole ONLY if obstructed. (Easily damaged)
e. FUEL Selector on then off fuel should rapidly flow through the needle seat.
f. Renistall Float and needle making sure to get the pivot / hinge pin installed correctly and reinstall the silver retaining screw.
g. Fuel selector ON. Raise and lower float checking for free movement with fuel flow when lowered and stopped when the float is raised level.

NOTE if fuel does NOT stop when float is level you will need to bend the float tab (tab up if level is too high or tab down if level is too low) where the needle attaches to the float assy until it does.

7. If there still is no fuel flow at this point remove the fuel hose from the carb and check fuel flow. If no flow check that gas tank exit hole, fuel filter (if installed) and the selector valve assy for obstructions.

Reassemble connections.

FUEL FLOW IS GOOD

Step 8 is VERY important"

8. BEFORE you install the float bowl inspect the bowl nut. There are 2 holes in the side of the nut where it screws in to the bottom of the carb that must be clear.

9. Install Float bowl mounting screws and nut. Check for leaks.

10. Test engine.

That should do it.

Thanks for using FixYa.

Kelly

Final note... if it does NOT start after this there are other problems we can discuss. i.e compression and spark "how to."

Does it have compression? If not.. remove the spark plug and squirt some WD 40 in large quantities into the spark plug hole. You may have a valve stuck open. Let it sit for a while with the plug removed for the WD 40 to soak. Then turn it through with the recoil. After that Place your thumb over the spark plug hole and check for compression.
NO compression... soak with WD 40 again let it sit then turn the engine thru for sometime. At least until your arm gets tired. Check for compression again.

Once you establish compression....

Fill gas tank and make sure the fuel selector is ON. BRIEFLY Remove the fuel supply hose from the carb connection and check for fuel flow. If you have flow then reconnect the hose.

Remove the Oil dip stick and make sure the OIL level is FULL. Service if necessary... the LOW OIL level sensor will kill the ignition if the oil is low.

Still no start?

Spark YES

Remove the air cleaner and add some gas into the throat of the carb. Attempt a start. If it starts then dies the carb needs serviced. If you have a bowl type carb:

This is how to clean the fuel passages in the carb.
Here is what you need to do:

1. Fuel selector off
2. Remove float bowl mounting screws and nut
3. Remove the BRASS Jet / Orifice in the very bottom of the venturi tube inside the pickup tube. (Flat blade screwdriver) Hold the Orifice up to the light. You should see a pinhole. If it is not clear clean the orifice but do not force anything through the hole.
4. Underneath the Orifice there is yet another BRASS tube that you need to remove. (Flat blade screwdriver) Make sure all of the holes in the tube are clear. The tube will be over 2 inches long. Clean it and reinstall it.
5. Reinstall the Orifice.
6. Using a catch fuel container turn on the fuel selector. Fuel should flow at a good rate. GENTLY lift the float assy level and make sure fuel flow shuts off. When you drop the float again fuel should flow.
If you do not have fuel flow at this point the needle and seat will need to be inspected. Fuel selector OFF.
(The following procedure is to be done only if there is no fuel flow with fuel selector on.)
a. Remove the silver float pivot pin retaining screw
b. Drop the Float down (The needle will come off with the float. NOTE the position)
c. Inspect the tapered rubber of the needle If should be pointed. If it is not pointed then the rubber tip is stuck inside the seat.
d. Clean the seat hole ONLY if obstructed. (Easily damaged)
e. FUEL Selector on then off fuel should rapidly flow through the needle seat.
f. Renistall Float and needle making sure to get the pivot / hinge pin installed correctly and reinstall the silver retaining screw.
g. Fuel selector ON. Raise and lower float checking for free movement and fuel flow.

7. If there still is no fuel flow at this point remove the fuel hose from the carb and check fuel flow. If no flow check that gas tank exit hole, fuel filter (if installed) and the selector valve assy for obstructions. Reassemble connections.

FUEL FLOW IS GOOD

8. BEFORE you install the float bowl inspect the bowl nut. There are 2 holes in the side of the nut where it screws in to the bottom of the carb that must be clear.

9. Install Float bowl mounting screws and nut. Check for leaks.

10. Test engine.

That should do it. (carb cleaning 101)

Thanks for using FixYa.

Kelly

Hi and welcome to FixYa. I am Kelly

I am wondeing if this was just a seasonal session that the mower was idle? Having said that...

First remove the spark plug and spray wd 40 in generous quantities into the spark plug hole. Turn the engine through slowly 3 or 4 pulls on the recoil. Let it sit for 15 mins. Then pull the recoil rapidly (Spark plug is still removed) Use your thumb over the spark plug hole and have someone pull the recoil. (Your checking for compression)

Compression established...

Recheck the oil level to make sure that the oil level is all the way to the top of the full mark.

Before you install the spark plug connect it to the high voltage lead and ground the base to the cyl. head. (Check for spark!)

Spark extablished

Install the spark plug and attempt a start. If it starts GOOD JOB!

If not.... time to do some carb maintenance below.

This is how to clean the fuel passages in the carb.
Here is what you need to do:

1. Fuel selector off
2. Remove float bowl mounting screws and nut
3. Remove the BRASS Jet / Orifice in the very bottom of the venturi tube inside the pickup tube. (Flat blade screwdriver) Hold the Orifice up to the light. You should see a pinhole. If it is not clear clean the orifice but do not force anything through the hole.
4. Underneath the Orifice there is yet another BRASS tube that you need to remove. (Flat blade screwdriver) Make sure all of the holes in the tube are clear. The tube will be over 2 inches long. Clean it and reinstall it.
5. Reinstall the Orifice.
6. Using a catch fuel container turn on the fuel selector. Fuel should flow at a good rate. GENTLY lift the float assy level and make sure fuel flow shuts off. When you drop the float again fuel should flow.
If you do not have fuel flow at this point the needle and seat will need to be inspected. Fuel selector OFF.
(The following procedure is to be done only if there is no fuel flow with fuel selector on.)
a. Remove the silver float pivot pin retaining screw
b. Drop the Float down (The needle will come off with the float. NOTE the position)
c. Inspect the tapered rubber of the needle If should be pointed. If it is not pointed then the rubber tip is stuck inside the seat.
d. Clean the seat hole ONLY if obstructed. (Easily damaged)
e. FUEL Selector on then off fuel should rapidly flow through the needle seat.
f. Renistall Float and needle making sure to get the pivot / hinge pin installed correctly and reinstall the silver retaining screw.
g. Fuel selector ON. Raise and lower float checking for free movement and fuel flow.

7. If there still is no fuel flow at this point remove the fuel hose from the carb and check fuel flow. If no flow check that gas tank exit hole, fuel filter (if installed) and the selector valve assy for obstructions. Reassemble connections.

FUEL FLOW IS GOOD

8. BEFORE you install the float bowl inspect the bowl nut. There are 2 holes in the side of the nut where it screws in to the bottom of the carb that must be clear.

9. Install Float bowl mounting screws and nut. Check for leaks.

10. Test engine.

That should do it. (carb cleaning 101)

Thanks for using FixYa.

Kelly

Lets back up and regroup on the carb work:

Hi and welcome to FixYa. I am Kelly.
This is how to clean the fuel passages in the carb.
Here is what you need to do:

1. Fuel selector off
2. Remove float bowl mounting screws and nut
3. Remove the BRASS Jet / Orifice in the very bottom of the venturi tube inside the pickup tube. (Flat blade screwdriver) Hold the Orifice up to the light. You should see a pinhole. If it is not clear clean the orifice but do not force anything through the hole.
4. Underneath the Orifice there is yet another BRASS tube that you need to remove. (Flat blade screwdriver) Make sure all of the holes in the tube are clear. The tube will be over 2 inches long. Clean it and reinstall it.
5. Reinstall the Orifice.
6. Using a catch fuel container turn on the fuel selector. Fuel should flow at a good rate. GENTLY lift the float assy level and make sure fuel flow shuts off. When you drop the float again fuel should flow.
If you do not have fuel flow at this point the needle and seat will need to be inspected. Fuel selector OFF.
(The following procedure is to be done only if there is no fuel flow with fuel selector on.)
a. Remove the silver float pivot pin retaining screw
b. Drop the Float down (The needle will come off with the float. NOTE the position)
c. Inspect the tapered rubber of the needle If should be pointed. If it is not pointed then the rubber tip is stuck inside the seat.
d. Clean the seat hole ONLY if obstructed. (Easily damaged)
e. FUEL Selector on then off fuel should rapidly flow through the needle seat.
f. Renistall Float and needle making sure to get the pivot / hinge pin installed correctly and reinstall the silver retaining screw.
g. Fuel selector ON. Raise and lower float checking for free movement and fuel flow.

7. If there still is no fuel flow at this point remove the fuel hose from the carb and check fuel flow. If no flow check that gas tank exit hole, fuel filter (if installed) and the selector valve assy for obstructions. Reassemble connections.

FUEL FLOW IS GOOD

8. BEFORE you install the float bowl inspect the bowl nut. There are 2 holes in the side of the nut where it screws in to the bottom of the carb that must be clear.

9. Install Float bowl mounting screws and nut. Check for leaks.

10. Test engine.

That should do it. (carb cleaning 101)

Thanks for using FixYa.

Kelly
P.S. If it still does not start and you have a primer bulb on the carb the primer bulb most likely has a hole in it. Press and hold the primer bulb CLOSED against the carb inner mating surfaces and see if it will start. (2 people required) If it starts and runs the primer bulb has a pin hole in it.

Hi and welcome to FixYa. I am Kelly

I am wondeing if this was just a seasonal session that the mower was idle? Having said that...

First remove the spark plug and spray wd 40 in generous quantities into the spark plug hole. Turn the engine through slowly 3 or 4 pulls on the recoil. Let it sit for 15 mins. Then pull the recoil rapidly (Spark plug is still removed) Use your thumb over the spark plug hole and have someone pull the recoil. (Your checking for compression)

Compression established...

Recheck the oil level to make sure that the oil level is all the way to the top of the full mark.

Before you install the spark plug connect it to the high voltage lead and ground the base to the cyl. head. (Check for spark!)

Spark extablished
Make sure the WD 40 you sprayed into the cylinder has been purged.
Install the spark plug and attempt a start. If it starts GOOD JOB!

If not.... time to do some carb maintenance below.

This is how to clean the fuel passages in the carb.
Here is what you need to do:

1. Fuel selector off
2. Remove float bowl mounting screws and nut
3. Remove the BRASS Jet / Orifice in the very bottom of the venturi tube inside the pickup tube. (Flat blade screwdriver) Hold the Orifice up to the light. You should see a pinhole. If it is not clear clean the orifice but do not force anything through the hole.
4. Underneath the Orifice there is yet another BRASS tube that you need to remove. (Flat blade screwdriver) Make sure all of the holes in the tube are clear. The tube will be over 2 inches long. Clean it and reinstall it.
5. Reinstall the Orifice.
6. Using a catch fuel container turn on the fuel selector. Fuel should flow at a good rate. GENTLY lift the float assy level and make sure fuel flow shuts off. When you drop the float again fuel should flow.
If you do not have fuel flow at this point the needle and seat will need to be inspected. Fuel selector OFF.
(The following procedure is to be done only if there is no fuel flow with fuel selector on.)
a. Remove the silver float pivot pin retaining screw
b. Drop the Float down (The needle will come off with the float. NOTE the position)
c. Inspect the tapered rubber of the needle If should be pointed. If it is not pointed then the rubber tip is stuck inside the seat.
d. Clean the seat hole ONLY if obstructed. (Easily damaged)
e. FUEL Selector on then off fuel should rapidly flow through the needle seat.
f. Renistall Float and needle making sure to get the pivot / hinge pin installed correctly and reinstall the silver retaining screw.
g. Fuel selector ON. Raise and lower float checking for free movement and fuel flow.

7. If there still is no fuel flow at this point remove the fuel hose from the carb and check fuel flow. If no flow check that gas tank exit hole, fuel filter (if installed) and the selector valve assy for obstructions. Reassemble connections.

FUEL FLOW IS GOOD

8. BEFORE you install the float bowl inspect the bowl nut. There are 2 holes in the side of the nut where it screws in to the bottom of the carb that must be clear.

9. Install Float bowl mounting screws and nut. Check for leaks.

10. Test engine.

That should do it. (carb cleaning 101)

Thanks for using FixYa.

Kelly

Hi and welcome to FixYa. I am Kelly

First remove the spark plug and spray wd 40 in generous quantities into the spark plug hole. Turn the engine through slowly 3 or 4 pulls on the recoil. Let it sit for 15 mins. Then pull the recoil rapidly (Spark plug is still removed) Use your thumb over the spark plug hole and have someone pull the recoil. (Your checking for compression)

Compression established...

Recheck the oil level to make sure that the oil level is all the way to the top of the full mark.

Before you install the spark plug connect it to the high voltage lead and ground the base to the cyl. head. (Check for spark!)

Spark extablished
Ensure that most all of the WD 40 you sprayed into the engine has purged.
Install the spark plug and attempt a start. If it starts GOOD JOB!

If not.... time to do some carb maintenance below.

This is how to clean the fuel passages in the carb.
Here is what you need to do:

1. Fuel selector off
2. Remove float bowl mounting screws and nut
3. Remove the BRASS Jet / Orifice in the very bottom of the venturi tube inside the pickup tube. (Flat blade screwdriver) Hold the Orifice up to the light. You should see a pinhole. If it is not clear clean the orifice but do not force anything through the hole.
4. Underneath the Orifice there is yet another BRASS tube that you need to remove. (Flat blade screwdriver) Make sure all of the holes in the tube are clear. The tube will be over 2 inches long. Clean it and reinstall it.
5. Reinstall the Orifice.
6. Using a catch fuel container turn on the fuel selector. Fuel should flow at a good rate. GENTLY lift the float assy level and make sure fuel flow shuts off. When you drop the float again fuel should flow.
If you do not have fuel flow at this point the needle and seat will need to be inspected. Fuel selector OFF.
(The following procedure is to be done only if there is no fuel flow with fuel selector on.)
a. Remove the silver float pivot pin retaining screw
b. Drop the Float down (The needle will come off with the float. NOTE the position)
c. Inspect the tapered rubber of the needle If should be pointed. If it is not pointed then the rubber tip is stuck inside the seat.
d. Clean the seat hole ONLY if obstructed. (Easily damaged)
e. FUEL Selector on then off fuel should rapidly flow through the needle seat.
f. Renistall Float and needle making sure to get the pivot / hinge pin installed correctly and reinstall the silver retaining screw.
g. Fuel selector ON. Raise and lower float checking for free movement and fuel flow.

7. If there still is no fuel flow at this point remove the fuel hose from the carb and check fuel flow. If no flow check that gas tank exit hole, fuel filter (if installed) and the selector valve assy for obstructions. Reassemble connections.

FUEL FLOW IS GOOD

8. BEFORE you install the float bowl inspect the bowl nut. There are 2 holes in the side of the nut where it screws in to the bottom of the carb that must be clear.

9. Install Float bowl mounting screws and nut. Check for leaks.

10. Test engine.

That should do it. (carb cleaning 101)

Thanks for using FixYa.

Kelly

Sounds like it needs more gas? Clean spark plug. Check mixture. Check, fuel flow. check, float bowl, and needle valve too. Check spark plug lead is OK.

The fact that it will start means you have spark. Sounds like the engine is starving for gas. Check the filter and the float bowl and needle valve to see if fuel is flowing out when the float drops. Also condensation or water will cause this problem, make sure you have fresh gas.