Swollen rubber gasket

[MH81]

The snow blower I just got had a couple carb issues which required the removal of the bowl three times. Twice, to drain water.
The rubber bowl gasket finally swelled beyond my ability to get it all stuffed in where it belongs.

A little thinking and some google to find out what actually happens to the rubber (it is just porous enough that it absorbs gas and gets bigger)

I boiled the gasket for an arbitrary 10 minutes in an old pan. You Could smell the gas. Made for an interesting set of questions from my wife that ended in me offering to buy her a new snow shovel... suddenly, it was ok.
Took it out, let it dry.
Fits like a new one.

I've cursed out my last rubber bowl gasket.

 

[Shorty]

That's an easy fix that I never thought of.

 

[KennyP]

Never thought of that!

 

[Bolens 1000]

Interesting idea!

This time of the year I sell tons of these as well as the needle/seat kits
Tecumseh does have a price break for 10X or more.

 

[HDWildbill]

Be interesting to see how long it will last after the boiling. I would think it would have a tendency to dry out.

 

[Texas Horses Hogs and Deeres]

Nice to see you back Bill, great trial to fix an issue. I have always thought it was a reaction to the ethanol destroying the gasket. I'll try that on the one I have a pretty with. Thanks!

 

[MH81]

Day 4 and still fine.

 

[olcowhand]

I think it's the additives in the fuel that swell the rubber, including alcohol. I'll often just lay them on the bench, or out in the sun when warm, let them sit 24 hours and they usually shrink back to original size.

 

[DennyIN]

Ethanol-free gas stations in the U.S. and Canada

 

[Kster526]

Nice trick thanks for sharing. Better do it while she is not home though!!!

 

[MH81]

Still on and no issues thru the last snowfall.

 

[MFDAC]

Great tip Alan!

DAC