Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): Carb flooding


Question
QUESTION: I have a B&S 18hp ohv Intek single engine that I just overhauled the carb on because it was leaking gas into the crankcase and causing tons of white smoke. When I overhauled the carb with a 697241 kit it came with two different needle valve seats. I installed the one with the larger hole. I installed the carb back onto the engine and tried to start it only to find out my battery was dead so I put it on charge, came back about an hour later and saw that the carb was flooded looking through the intake where it connects to the filter shroud. What did I do wrong? Oh, I checked the fuel solenoid and it works fine.

ANSWER: Did you verify the float height?  If the float is plastic it is not adjustable but if the incorrect seat in installed you will notice the float height will be too low causing the carb to flood.

Was there a groove on one side of the inlet needle valve seat?  There should have been and the groove should have been placed down, away from the needle.

All of the techs as the shop use one of these to verify the carb is not leaking:

http://www.mfgsupply.com/32-11321.html?source=googleps&gclid=CKDYmcPQor0CFSISMwo

They do this after the rebuild, before they re-install and after they have installed the carb and test ran the engine.  It's a little pricey for home use but it is a must for verifying carb inlet needles/seats are not leaking.

Last question, was the new seat you installed the same color as the old seat?

Let me know.
Eric

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QUESTION: The float seems to sit level if that's how it is suppose to sit. There are no grooves on either seat, just tapers at the bottom where the hole is and they are also made of brass just like the original. I hope this helps. While waiting for your answer, I also tested the fuel shutoff solenoid and it also works so it's not that either.

ANSWER: The float height should be close enough...they usually sit level or near level with the carb flipped upside down.

What is the engine model and type number?  I'd like to look to see which seat(s) are offered for the carb.

Eric

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QUESTION: The carb kit # 697241
The Engine model #31H777 & Type# 0210E1

Answer
I assumed there were 2 carbs offered for your engine.  Based on the carb kit number you must have the Walbro LMT series carburetor.  Is this correct?  If so, the carburetor uses a brass/steel inlet needle seat and the inlet needle has a viton (rubber) tip which is supposed to stop the gas when the float bowl is full.

Did you replace the inlet needle seat and inlet needle?  99% of the time just the needle needs to be replaced.  Replacing the inlet needle seat takes some practice...see page 78 of the URL below:

http://www.ccdist.com/_serviceManuals/briggs/276781.pdf

When we rebuild/clean carbs we also flush the entire fuel system by draining all the fuel from the gas tank, usually removing the fuel tank and then blowing compressed air to ensure there is no dirt in the fuel tank.  All the lines are either removed and air blown through them or replaced.  We always replace the fuel filter.  This may be a little more work but we need to make sure there is no dirt in the fuel system...or it could cause the carb to leak.

Let me know if you replaced the just the inlet needle or both the needle and seat.

Eric