Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): Tecumseh engine stalling, ariens snowblower, head gasket

Question
I have a Ariens snowblower with a Tecumseh 7h.p. snowking engine. It starts fine but then starts to sputter and quit after a few minutes of use. It will then restart right away but stalls again after a little use. It seems to run better under a load. I have changed plug, sprayed sea foam into intake and drained carb bowl, but nothing has changed.

Answer
I would start by removing, dis-assembling and cleaning the carb with compressed air from an air compressor and carb cleaner.

I would also check the valve clearances, you can do this without removing the head, or you can perform a cylinder leakdown test to check the head gasket, valves and rings.

This link if very helpful when working on Tecumseh engines:

http://www.cpdonline.com/692509.pdf

Start with a good carb cleaning and see if the engine runs better.

Eric