Zama was originally founded in 1952 and incorporated in 1980 in Los Angeles California. After considerable growth, Zama relocated its headquarters to Franklin Tennessee ten years later. In early 2008 Zama USA was purchased by SIIX Corporation and IIDA Denki Kogyo Co. Later in 2008 Zama Japan and Zama China were purchased by Stihl Group. Today Zama is a leading diaphragm carburetor manufacturer for the outdoor power equipment industry.
Download the Zama service and repair manual
There are many different models of Zama carburetors and likewise many parts available to service them. There are usually two identification numbers located on any Zama carburetor model. One number identifies the body type and the other identifies the model code. These two numbers combined will identify the full model number required for parts identification. Using the application charts on our site will aide in identifying your carburetor model and required carburetor parts or kit. We also suggest visually checking the body type and model code located on your carburetor for confirmation.
To find your carburetor kit, first download the:
Zama carburetor identification chart
After you have found your carburetor model number, find your kit number in one of the carburetor to kit cross reference charts below:
2009 Zama carburetor to kit chart
Service and Disassembly of Zama carb is pretty easy, first, remove the main mixture and idle screw, then inspect each one to make sure that they are not damaged. On the fuel pump you remove the retaining screws, pump cover, diaphragms, and gaskets. Inspect both diaphragms for any damage or debris.
Test you valves 0043025 by blowing into them and making sure that they are clear. Before you remove them make sure that mixture screw has already been removed. If your carburetor is equipped with a screw in nozzle assy remove it as you would a regular screw. If made with a strainer and c-ring type first remove the welch plug and then the c-ring and retainer. You do not have to remove the nozzle.
There are two types of metering levers 0020012 or 0020033, one is flush with the cavity floor and the other is almost flush with the gasket flange of the carb body. Make sure you know which kind yours has before you remove it. Remove the screw, pin, spring and inlet valve. Inspect all pieces to make sure that none are damaged in any way.
The throttle valve is basically like a hollow cylinder. Rotating it controls the opening of the throttle, which then controls the air volume. The valve needle is designed to control fuel usage. When the throttle opens more and more it allows more air to flow thru which means more fuel.
Your c1q-s35-b, c1q-s56, lb-s9, c1u-p10’s purge pump (or primer) a056013, is made of a bulb, check valve 8011 or 8010, and outlet check valve. When the primer button is pushed it opens up and air or fuel is pushed out. When the button is let go fuel is drawn from the metering chamber. Which in turns draws it from the fuel take threw the carb.
Alternating negative and positive pressure controls the fuel pump on c1u-w12b, c3m-s20, and c3-el18. The valves open and close to direct fuel from the tank to the inlet needle valve 0018004.
To disassemble your fuel pump you first remove you four syringe screws 17103015, the syringe retainer 0009063 and syringe 0057003. Base primer screw 16103012, base primer a056089 (replace primer if it doesn’t work correctly) Then you remove the surge diaphragm 0015084, pump gasket 0016079 and pump diaphragm a015010. Inspect all pieces to make sure that no damage has occurred over time and replace anything that looks worn or damaged. Then you remove you fuel strainer 0004033 out of the carb body last. Also make sure that there is no trash inside and replace if you need to.
The metering chamber is basically a holding tank for fuel. When the engine moves air is taken into the throttle valve 0014049 with the crankcase vacuum. Your metering cover 0028015 covers this.
Some other Zama carburetors are c3-el16a, c3-el17, c3el17a, or c3-k5. And some other part numbers are 0017041, 0030183 or 0042144.
Some ways that carburetor is often misspelled are carberator, carbirator, and carburador. I have also seen it spelled as carburator, carby, and carburator. The correct way to spell it is carburetor.
If you have a Zama carburetor and it will not start, here are some things that you can check:
No pulse, check the crankcase pulse passages to make sure that they are open, also make sure that nothing is blocking the pulse hole. You can also check your check valves to make sure that you cannot suck or blow easily through it. Don’t blow air thru these with a compressor.
Plugged outlet jet, this is across from the idle holes. Look thru it and make sure that it is not plugged. You can use a flashlight to help you do this.
Leaking is another type of failure. If the simple start pump doesn’t shut off of the outlet valve becomes damaged the system will leak fuel and effect the carb mixture settings.