Mid 80's TK adjustment question.

[KE4AVB]

I have a mid 80's Whipper Snipper with a TK carburetor on it that I am restoring for a customer.

What I'm needing to know the metering lever height adjustment. It is the one with the round pump. And if anyone happen to have a repair manual of these carbs that I can look at would not hurt either.

[bgsengine]

This is from Shindaiwa - as you can see the setting may vary depending on carburetor model - couldnt find any specs for your snapper but may have to get it from snapper service information (Ask Briggs - they own snapper)

TK METERING LEVER SETTINGS
Model Carburentor Lever Height
F/T-18
DPK8W-3B 0.083" (2.1 mm)
T/C-20
DPV10W 0.083" (2.1 mm)
T/C-25
DP10W 0.055" (1.4 mm)
T/C-27
DPV10W-1E 0.055" (1.4 mm)
T/C-250
DPN10W-1A 0.083" (2.1 mm)
C-35
DPV11W-1A 0.083" (2.1 mm)
BP-35
PC10WW 0.120" (3 mm)
B-40
DPW13-1A 0.055" (1.4 mm)
B-45
DPW12 0.055" (1.4 mm)
RC-45
DPV-1W-1E 0.083” (2.1 mm)

[KE4AVB]

I thought that throw you off Brian. The model is (If I got it right is ) 2I(Letter I )10NB. It actually off a Stihl FS80E Brushcutter. Whipper Snipper is generic term use on the big island downunder (Australia) for string trimmer.

I was just in a good mood today and thought I try lighten things up a little.

[KE4AVB]

I found that Shin Trimmer Service manual. It does have a little info in it but not a very good breakdown of the carburetor. I think there might be enough info there find everything that needs cleaning. I hope I don't need to remove that main jet to replace its o-ring.

The TK I have has spring loaded pin under the metering lever that was stuck close and the fuel line that was attached to it port just hanging loose. I currently don't see where it goes. From what I see it got to go somewhere as fuel will exit it; unless, they were using that point as an air bleed. I will pull the fuel tank today to see if their is a return line hole. The fuel pickup grommet only has the main line connection.

Since I have never seen or worked on the TK carburetors before everything is new to me on this one. Glad this is one those take your time repairs.

At least I have found a minor repair kit that has the needle in addition the parts shown below.

[bgsengine]

I found that Shin Trimmer Service manual. It does have a little info in it but not a very good breakdown of the carburetor. I think there might be enough info there find everything that needs cleaning. I hope I don't need to remove that main jet to replace its o-ring.

The TK I have has spring loaded pin under the metering lever that was stuck close and the fuel line that was attached to it port just hanging loose. I currently don't see where it goes. From what I see it got to go somewhere as fuel will exit it; unless, they were using that point as an air bleed. I will pull the fuel tank today to see if their is a return line hole. The fuel pickup grommet only has the main line connection.

Since I have never seen or worked on the TK carburetors before everything is new to me on this one. Glad this is one those take your time repairs.

At least I have found a minor repair kit that has the needle in addition the parts shown below.

That loose hanging line is actually the discharge - if it is a Pre-EPA emissions/tampering thing - before they had to return excess fuel to the tank...
- Quite a few machines - Stihl, Green Machine (Zenoah, before TTI bought the brand), Shindaiwa among others I can think of Ive seen with TK/TeiKei carbs - models that used these with a "primer" lever/button (as pictured in the photo) you would have a bulb pump in-line at some point and a check valve in the fuel line after fuel filter but before the pump.
You'd pump that a few times and then press the carb button or lever to pop open the metering valve and the air and eventually raw fuel , would drain out that extra line - when you saw fuel start coming out it was time to start er up - So, on those machines, for your future reference, be VERY careful about replacing fuel lines - make sure you inspect for any in-line check valves (tiny pieces) before discarding old lines. - (also good to know to diagnose when the "primer doesnt work" problems come up..)

[bgsengine]

At least I have found a minor repair kit that has the needle in addition the parts shown below.

Oh, yeah - some Walbro and Zama needles will match up to the TK Needles, BTW
- Just wait til you price out Shindaiwa's OEM Packaged diaphragm/gasket kit (no needle, welch plugs, springs, etc), and needle by itself - buy the 2 pieces from Echo, you pay nearly as much as a whole replacement carburetor. Oregon has a aftermarket packaged version of D/G kit for most TK models for a much better price. (AHH! OMG!! I'm Recommending Aftermarket over OEM!!?? )

[KE4AVB]

Thank for the info on priming setup.

Considering the age of this trimmer even an aftermarket kit would work. Everything rubber was rock hard that I removed so far. As for prices $15+ with for just primer bulb is steep price but when you need one and it is the only game in town then there is no choice if you want things to work.

As for recommending AM over OEM that doesn't bother me to much as there are some very good AM kits out there but there is also very lousy ones too. I have had trouble with both Oregon and Rotary carburetor kits before. Anything from bad gasket materials to mis-matched threads on threaded parts on the older Briggs kits. Those kits that I have had problems with I avoid and don't even recommend them to anyone.