Well the Bro Inlaw rang me tonight to say that the blower started up and worked great. Absolutely no problems. He's using it with an old vac attachment from my first Airstream IV to suck up caltrop seeds on the farm, and it does it great. So he's happy, I'm happy, and that was $20 well spent. Just shows how a simple fix can breath new life into old equipment, which is otherwise quite good. Cheers Rob
Perfect my friend. I found an MB290 McCulloch blower used once the guy said and it was literally brand new looking and was never used. Same identical issue the fuel line broke off inside the tank and the return had cracked from sitting. I bought line and have it apart and suspect it will work just fine when complete. I needed the few tips you provided to be confident in the fix and placement of the lines. Thank you, Scott
Hi Scott. The fuel lines and the fuel pump bulb (if it has one) will rot out over time on all these units. Cheap and easy to replace. Do as I show and it should go if the rest is OK and it fires with some fuel down the spark plug hole. Cheers Rob
G'day Rob well what can I say, I paid over three hundred dollars for mine, and you paid Twenty bucks!! There's something in that. I bought myself a compressor it's a scorpion 50ltr tank belt drive and 2.5 hp. I would like to set it up like you have and I really like your blower. All the best mate John
I try to keep everything non technical and simple so everyone can relate to it. Too many metal work channels are dry, colourless and take the subject too seriously. It's supposed to be an enjoyment, not heavy industry ;) Cheers Rob
G'day Rob, ahh 2 strokes, the best ones are the dead ones, noisy, smelly and cantankerous at the best of times. Good to see this one didn't put up too much of a fight.
Ah the old 2-Bloke engine :- One pushing a hernia out trying to start the Twat whilst the other watches, drinks beer and laughs so hard that he gets a hernia also!
G'day mate. Once again the old mans skill has turned out a winner. McCulloch was a very good brand in the 1960's and 70's. I have not touched that sort of thing since but I have seen a lot of decline in the quality of various products after they were off shored. Your relative is getting a good deal there.
Apparently the later McCulloch stuff was no where near as good as the earlier stuff. My old Airstream IV is made in Mexico. Trump wouldn't like that ;) Cheers Rob
Good work,I've had 3 of that same machine found them on the side of the road 2 were for parts bag and vacuum tubes ect, I repair and sell mowers blowers line trimmers on gumtree I've noticed people tend to leave the fuel in the machines when they store them for long periods and of course the fuel goes off and it's what destroys the fuel lines and the primer bulbs.
Hi Josh, The soft plastic just goes off/hard over time, even without fuel. After the video was done I also replaced the primer bulb as it had a small split developing. Interestingly the 320BV and Airstream IV use the same sucking up tube, so that's handy if you are chasing that part. The Airstream IV seems more effective in a comparison. Cheers Rob
50 to 1 synthetic will run very well without damaging machinary, but you must not leave it mixed for very long before the lubrication properties start to break down. In hot areas eg South Australia, the mixed oil breaks down very fast, hence why there is a lot of worn out garden motors in shops near you. I mix what I want to use each time, then tip the excess back in the straight petrol drum.
I've always run regular Valvoline two stroke oil, mainly because it doesn't gum up carbs etc like some other brands (BP). I mix a half a gallon can at a time and that gets used up pretty quick, so it doesn't have time to go off. I have several bottles of synthetic under the bench as well, as you must use that during the warranty period on new units. Cheers Rob
Yeah I had a weed-wacker that had the exact problem --- snapped fuel hose. I didn't fix it, I just wanted the tiny engine to power some as-yet undetermined gadget. (probably bench grinder or die filer or something)
I put a 2-stroke weed whacker to the curb once after I threw my back out trying to start it. I'm sure you would have had it running fine in no time. I stick with electric now.
Two strokes are cantankerous things - always threatening not to start. Electric is good. I have electric hedge trimmer, chainsaw, reciprocating saw etc and they are great for around the garden. The way to go if you aren't fussed by power cords. Cheers Rob
Actually, my blower is the only thing that uses a cord. It's a Toro, and I've had it more than 10 years with no problems. The other items you mention--hedge trmmer, chainsaw, and reciprocating saw--I have in lithium ion battery versions. I've put them to the test lately, and they've been great. The thing is, I use them infrequently. So the gas versions need to be drained and otherwise pampered when you put them away. The electric versions don't mind sitting on the shelf directly after use. If I had a serious piece of property, it would be a different story, of course. And I still enjoy watching your repairs. The knowledge may come in handy someday.
Did you see the petrol pressure washer on the MWF for $20?, probably a simple fix like this blower, almost too cheap to pass up but I already have a Stihl electric pressure washer
I just picked up a McCulloch Super Air Stream XXV and have had no luck in finding any info on it. I heard you say you had a Air Stream 4 and I am wondering if it had IV for the 4? Any info you can give me on this would be appreciated. Thank you.
Hi Anthony, the Mac Air Steram are really good gutsy units. Not many issues except the CDI will fail after about 10 years use from expanansion nand contraction. I hsve gone though a couple of these units and there's really not much to go wrong. Never had to replace anything in the carby, Cheers Rob
2.65 mm internal diameter by my measurement. It pays to take a piece of the old fuel hose with you when sizing for new stuff as the ID and OD can vary between brands and types. Silicon tubing made/suitable for petroleum is the way to go.Most lawn mower service places and hose suppliers sell it. Cheers Rob
@@Xynudu thanks will do. Mine is a MAC 280B. Sat in my shed for last 10 years. Put in some gas started right up. Was working fine, then quit. Noticed right away the gas line broke right where it goes into the tank. Your video was very helpful, now to get the line and fix. One question, did you seal the line after it goes into hole in tank so tank does not leak? Thanks
No. The hose should be just a snug push through fit so it seals from that. Obviously you don't want to get hose that has too small an OD as it could leak. If the hose is too loose then get some thicker walled fuel line (rubber usually is thicker) so the OD is greater and use that. Cheers Rob
Looks to be. Apparently when McCulloch went bust all the tooling was sold to Husquvarna, who make Poulon and Talon. So they probably just re-badged it. Cheers Rob
Well the Bro Inlaw rang me tonight to say that the blower started up and worked great. Absolutely no problems.
He's using it with an old vac attachment from my first Airstream IV to suck up caltrop seeds on the farm, and it does it great.
So he's happy, I'm happy, and that was $20 well spent.
Just shows how a simple fix can breath new life into old equipment, which is otherwise quite good.
Cheers
Rob
Your accent makes any video worth listening and watching. 👍
Ha Ha. Thanks. I've had a few people say they can't understand me. Good to get some positives. Cheers Rob
Perfect my friend. I found an MB290 McCulloch blower used once the guy said and it was literally brand new looking and was never used. Same identical issue the fuel line broke off inside the tank and the return had cracked from sitting. I bought line and have it apart and suspect it will work just fine when complete. I needed the few tips you provided to be confident in the fix and placement of the lines. Thank you,
Scott
Hi Scott. The fuel lines and the fuel pump bulb (if it has one) will rot out over time on all these units. Cheap and easy to replace. Do as I show and it should go if the rest is OK and it fires with some fuel down the spark plug hole. Cheers Rob
G'day Rob well what can I say, I paid over three hundred dollars for mine, and you paid Twenty bucks!! There's something in that. I bought myself a compressor it's a scorpion 50ltr tank belt drive and 2.5 hp. I would like to set it up like you have and I really like your blower. All the best mate John
This is so helpful! Newbie here and I was able to fix a similar model by following along. Thank you!!!!
Glad it helped!
great save Rob. I believe you could fix just about anything. Thanks for sharing your many talents with us.
McCulloch - that's a pretty good make. That fuel pick up looked like it had gone like my old chain saw.
Great result!! :)
I really enjoy your random video's Rob...daily goings on in the shop....
I try to keep everything non technical and simple so everyone can relate to it.
Too many metal work channels are dry, colourless and take the subject too seriously.
It's supposed to be an enjoyment, not heavy industry ;)
Cheers Rob
G'day Rob, ahh 2 strokes, the best ones are the dead ones, noisy, smelly and cantankerous at the best of times. Good to see this one didn't put up too much of a fight.
Yes, they sorely test our patience at times.
That's why you always have an axe in workshop.
Rob
Ah the old 2-Bloke engine :-
One pushing a hernia out trying to start the Twat whilst the other watches, drinks beer and laughs so hard that he gets a hernia also!
G'day mate. Once again the old mans skill has turned out a winner. McCulloch was a very good brand in the 1960's and 70's. I have not touched that sort of thing since but I have seen a lot of decline in the quality of various products after they were off shored. Your relative is getting a good deal there.
Apparently the later McCulloch stuff was no where near as good as the earlier stuff.
My old Airstream IV is made in Mexico.
Trump wouldn't like that ;)
Cheers Rob
Good work,I've had 3 of that same machine found them on the side of the road 2 were for parts bag and vacuum tubes ect, I repair and sell mowers blowers line trimmers on gumtree I've noticed people tend to leave the fuel in the machines when they store them for long periods and of course the fuel goes off and it's what destroys the fuel lines and the primer bulbs.
Hi Josh,
The soft plastic just goes off/hard over time, even without fuel. After the video was done I also replaced the primer bulb as it had a small split developing.
Interestingly the 320BV and Airstream IV use the same sucking up tube, so that's handy if you are chasing that part.
The Airstream IV seems more effective in a comparison.
Cheers Rob
50 to 1 synthetic will run very well without damaging machinary, but you must not leave it mixed for very long before the lubrication properties start to break down. In hot areas eg South Australia, the mixed oil breaks down very fast, hence why there is a lot of worn out garden motors in shops near you. I mix what I want to use each time, then tip the excess back in the straight petrol drum.
I've always run regular Valvoline two stroke oil, mainly because it doesn't gum up carbs etc like some other brands (BP).
I mix a half a gallon can at a time and that gets used up pretty quick, so it doesn't have time to go off.
I have several bottles of synthetic under the bench as well, as you must use that during the warranty period on new units.
Cheers Rob
Yeah I had a weed-wacker that had the exact problem --- snapped fuel hose. I didn't fix it, I just wanted the tiny engine to power some as-yet undetermined gadget. (probably bench grinder or die filer or something)
I put a 2-stroke weed whacker to the curb once after I threw my back out trying to start it. I'm sure you would have had it running fine in no time. I stick with electric now.
Two strokes are cantankerous things - always threatening not to start.
Electric is good. I have electric hedge trimmer, chainsaw, reciprocating saw etc and they are great for around the garden.
The way to go if you aren't fussed by power cords.
Cheers Rob
Actually, my blower is the only thing that uses a cord. It's a Toro, and I've had it more than 10 years with no problems. The other items you mention--hedge trmmer, chainsaw, and reciprocating saw--I have in lithium ion battery versions. I've put them to the test lately, and they've been great. The thing is, I use them infrequently. So the gas versions need to be drained and otherwise pampered when you put them away. The electric versions don't mind sitting on the shelf directly after use. If I had a serious piece of property, it would be a different story, of course. And I still enjoy watching your repairs. The knowledge may come in handy someday.
when it comes to those little hoses try going to hobby stores they usually have hoses of that size
I picked up a sthil blower for thirty yep u guessed it garage sale also single cylinder clisby compressor for fifteen both in good order
Ahhh, don't we just love a good garage sale :)
Half your luck Des.
Makes life worth living.
Cheers Rob
Did you see the petrol pressure washer on the MWF for $20?, probably a simple fix like this blower, almost too cheap to pass up but I already have a Stihl electric pressure washer
Hey mate, what is the diameter of the fuel line you used? Cheers for the video
5 mm OD
3 mm ID
@@Xynudu Thanks mate!
I just picked up a McCulloch Super Air Stream XXV and have had no luck in finding any info on it. I heard you say you had a Air Stream 4 and I am wondering if it had IV for the 4? Any info you can give me on this would be appreciated. Thank you.
Hi Anthony, the Mac Air Steram are really good gutsy units. Not many issues except the CDI will fail after about 10 years use from expanansion nand contraction. I hsve gone though a couple of these units and there's really not much to go wrong. Never had to replace anything in the carby,
Cheers Rob
I got a eager beaver IV what type of fuel does it take do u know ? is it just normal gas?
Yes, like all two strokes it runs cleanest on unleaded gas. I add Valvoline ordinary two stroke oil at 25:1.
not bad Ned
What size is the fuel line, I have the same issue that I need to fix
2.65 mm internal diameter by my measurement. It pays to take a piece of the old fuel hose with you when sizing for new stuff as the ID and OD can vary between brands and types. Silicon tubing made/suitable for petroleum is the way to go.Most lawn mower service places and hose suppliers sell it. Cheers Rob
@@Xynudu thanks will do. Mine is a MAC 280B. Sat in my shed for last 10 years. Put in some gas started right up. Was working fine, then quit. Noticed right away the gas line broke right where it goes into the tank. Your video was very helpful, now to get the line and fix. One question, did you seal the line after it goes into hole in tank so tank does not leak? Thanks
No. The hose should be just a snug push through fit so it seals from that. Obviously you don't want to get hose that has too small an OD as it could leak. If the hose is too loose then get some thicker walled fuel line (rubber usually is thicker) so the OD is greater and use that. Cheers Rob
@@Xynudu thanks.
Exact same as the talon ones
Looks to be. Apparently when McCulloch went bust all the tooling was sold to Husquvarna, who make Poulon and Talon. So they probably just re-badged it.
Cheers Rob
Tks for the video 👌🏻👌🏻Is that the 280 B gas blower?
I think it's a 320BV.
Rob
I have the same blower... it is a Mac320BV model.
probably vibrate your hands to pieces. Never were that good a blower :(