Homemade Pressure Tester for 2-Stroke Carburetor

Sometimes you really don't need to spend $80-100 for a gadget when you just might have the parts laying about your garage. Here's how I made, and use a homemade pressure tester with a small inline pressure gauge: https://amzn.to/3cn4jkR and a Mityvac brake bleeder kit: https://amzn.to/3wTnB9w

There are several tests you need to make sure your 2-stroke engine is running at its best. If there are any air leaks, you risk damaging your piston and cylinder.  Some of these simple tests can help isolate any air leaks. 

The carburettor on a small two stroke engine can have several issues if fuel flow is restricted, or there are any leaks. Running too lean (too much air) or too rich (too much fuel) can cause an array of issues from clogged exhausts to melted piston rings. 

10 psi max for rotary carbs, and 7 psi for butterfly carbs is all that is needed to determine if the needle valve and the inlet seat is clean and intact. If your carb can't hold those pressures, then you will be running rich and will likely flood out your engine. 

Pressing the purge valve while still pressurized will confirm the purge valve is working if the carb holds pressure after pressing the purge bulb. Lastly the check valve should be checked to ensure it works correctly.

Other tests that are easy to perform with a pressure tester are testing fuel filters, and making sure the gas cap is venting properly.  Hopefully you can see how to easily diagnose some basic carburetor or engine issues with just some spare parts you may have laying around your shop or garage.

I hope these tips and tricks can empower you with oracle like skills to make your small engines run smoothly and consistently.

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Wear your safety glasses, or you'll put your eye out. Try on some gloves. Take off that spark plug boot. Clean your room. Open the windows, those fumes are nasty. Just 'cause I do it, don't think it's the end all, be all solution. There's plenty more ideas out there, I can't take responsibility if you slice off a few fingers after watching my videos. And don't just pour that toxic stuff down the sewer or in the ditch, dispose of waste responsibly. Just be safe, OK?