Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): 5 hp Tecumsuh Engine on JD 524 Snowblower, snow blowers, hp engine

Question
The 5 hp engine on my JD TRS524 snowblower does not have lugging power--I bought it new and it has always had this problem but it's becoming more annoying. In 3-4" snow I must use the 2 lowest gears or the engine dies. The governor moves the throttle wide open but the timing advance doesn't seem to work correctly--the engine has insufficient power to handle anything but minimal snowfall. I have adjusted the carburetor and replaced the spark plug but that didn't solve the problem. Could the engine timing be incorrect, or is there something else I can check? I suspect something in the engine was not built correctly at the factory but perhaps the engine is just simply too small for a 24" 2-stage snow blower.  Thanks for any advice you can give me.

Answer
Hello Dave:

>>I Usually Suggest an 8HP Minimum Engine on the 24" 2 Stage Snow Blowers/Snow Throwers.
>>I have Used the Same Unit with the 5HP Engine and Found it to be Under Powered when Moving Snow that is Over 3" Deep, especially if the Snow is Heavy/Wet Snow.
>>You can View a Breakdown/IPL of the Engine and Mower at this Site Addy, http://jdpc.deere.com/jdpc/servlet/com.deere.u90490.partscatalog.view.servlets.H... and Enter the Model Numbers 524 and Click Find. Then Select your Model from the Search Results Area. Then Select the Sectional File. Then Select the Section of the Mower you Wish to View Online. *You can Drag the View Windows for Better Viewing.*
>>I Do Not Suggest trying to Set the Advance on the Point Set.
>>I Suggest yuo have your Local Small Engine Service Center Check and Set the Point Set Core if Required to get the Correct Advance on the Point Set.
>>Again, I have Used a Unit like this 1 and the 1 I Used was Under Powered as far as I could Tell and I Prefer a Minimum of an 8HP Engine on this Unit.
>>If you Hit a Snag or this Does Not Correct the Problem,  I am Here if You Require More Assistance. Hope this Helps. Let me Know What Happens, Please. Have a Happy Holiday Season and May the All Mighty Bless You and Yours. Be Safe and Happy. Thanks.

Good Luck

Respectfully

John

PS: I am Allowed to Answer 3 Questions a Day. If you See I am Maxxed Out, then Try Submitting your Question at or Just After 8pm EST (US). My New Day Starts then. Follow Up Questions are Now Accepted Anytime. Comments and Ratings are Greatly Appreciated. Thanks.

Respectfully

John