Qualcast Culitmatic Super

[Jam228 0]

Hi all, found the forum while googling start issues with my recently purchased rotovator.

 

It's an old thing but I don't need one for long. I intend to use it as needed & then clean up & sell on. 

 

I bought it as a non runner & struggling to get it going.

 

I think it's a carb issue but unsure. I believe it's the Suffolk 98G 14 3H engine but this is based on a copy of the manual I found online & what others have said (along with comparing to images of the engine) It has an aftermarket fuel tank but other than that all looks fairly original.

 

But I'm basically wondering if there is a new Carburetor that can replace the old one. The only old ones available I can find are second hand & listed for the same price as I paid for the rotovator.

 

I don't see anything standing out on the carb that is "wrong" but the air filter seemed to be sodden with oil/petrol. 

 

I had tried easy start & the engine kicks but doesn't run. Petrol seems to flood the carb but the float is in working condition. Just unsure what I could do with the current carb that could resolve issues (if it is the issue)

 

The main jet appears to be clear. There is what looks like a jet down the side of the float bowl that is blocked, it has been damaged previously so I can't get it out. Looking at the manual though nothing in this area is specified so I'm wondering if it is actually just a plug & maybe the it's needed for a different application.

 

Would appreciate any feedback & if I've missed anything that may be valuable info to help just let me know & I'll try answer.

 

I don't have a compression tester to do a test but covering the spark plug hole & turning it over you can definitely feel a decent build up of pressure (obviously not a very technical or accurate way to do it)

 

I've attached the manual I found for info.

 

Cheers

 

Qualcast Cultimatic Super Manual.pdf

[mattblack 76]

Apart from taking one to bits 40+ years ago I've no experience with the Suffolk engine but in general terms I would check the following. Apologies if this is teaching you to suck eggs/you've already tried it!

 

Are the points clean and gapped correctly? Likewise the spark plug. Is the float height correct and the needle valve free from dirt and not badly worn? Float not holed and full of petrol (by which I mean it shouldn't be!) 

 

Not sure what type of air filter these have, if it's a foam or wire element then it SHOULD be moist (not soaking) with oil.

 

Again, not sure of the set up but is the ignition timing correct? Is it possible someone has previously been 'playing' with it to try to get it running?

 

 

 

Edited Sunday at 08:00 AM by mattblack

[Jam228 0]

23 hours ago, mattblack said:

Apart from taking one to bits 40+ years ago I've no experience with the Suffolk engine but in general terms I would check the following. Apologies if this is teaching you to suck eggs/you've already tried it!

 

Are the points clean and gapped correctly? Likewise the spark plug. Is the float height correct and the needle valve free from dirt and not badly worn? Float not holed and full of petrol (by which I mean it shouldn't be!) 

 

Not sure what type of air filter these have, if it's a foam or wire element then it SHOULD be moist (not soaking) with oil.

 

Again, not sure of the set up but is the ignition timing correct? Is it possible someone has previously been 'playing' with it to try to get it running?

 

 

 

Morning Matt,

 

Thanks for the tips. I think it has potentially been played with previously but not beyond the carb & fuel tank. Everything engine wise looks original, even the pull start surprisingly.

 

So I had a little play this weekend & dropping a small bit of petrol in the cylinder before starting got it running but then it cuts out after probably 2-3 seconds which leads me to think it is being starved of fuel.

 

I've had the carb apart & everything looks ok. Float... floats & main jet is clear although I don't know if they are working together. Point on float looks ok but I don't really know how you would identify if this is too worn.

Was hoping to find a better design replacement carb but looking pretty difficult to find one with the 10-4 bolt layout along with dimensions.

 

Also thanks for the info on the filter. It is a foam one so I'm guessing someone maybe got a bit keen on the oil in it. 

[mattblack 76]

To test the needle and seat, try blowing through it with the the needle held against the seat.

 

Another thought, does the carb have a mixture or air bleed screw? Someone could have been 'twiddling' in the past...

[Jam228 0]

Thanks, will give that a try at the weekend & see if it is seating correctly.

I have had a look at the mixture screw & the manual recommended between 3/4-1 turn out from fully closed which is where I’ve set it. When I first stripped the carb off I probably should have paid more attention to these things but done it rather hastily regrettably for me now.

 

planning on doing a more thorough strip down of it all this weekend so can update once I’ve done so.

 

thanks again