Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): Snowblower Dies..., hole passage, spring type

Question
First off, thanks for taking the time to help!

I have a 5 HP White snowblower with a Tecumseh motor.  When pulling to start, it takes MANY pulls, but it eventually starts.  Fortunately it has an electric start which speeds the process up.  That is not my problem...it would be nice if it pull started easily on a couple pulls though.  The problem:  the snowblower will die as soon as it is put under any load.  It idles file at any throttle setting though.

I removed the carb and took it apart (float bowl off, float out and the two spring type needle valves were removed).  I sprayed it down and reamed out any hole/passage I could find.  The bowl gasket looked fine and the float itself appeared to have no holes.  I reassembled and reset the two spring type needle valves to 1.5 turns out from their seated position.  It started fine, but not by hand.  I then adjusted the first valve at the bottom of the carb (it also served to be the bowl nut).  It died when turning clockwise and counterclockwise...so I put it somewhere in between.  I next moved to the other spring type needle valve...it was located on the side of the carb...parallel to the ground.  What surprised me is that the engine did NOT stall or hiccup at any position (all in or all out...could be a sign?).

The gas cap appears fine as well as the gas flow into the carb.

I don't think I missed any hole/passage...we are getting slammed with snow today and I would like to attack the white stuff with this snowblower.  I will take any ideas you have.

Thanks.

John

Answer
Do you have fresh fuel from the gas pump?  Old fuel will cause the symtoms you describe.  You are right on in checking the fuel cap, and spraying the passages.  I would suggest getting a carb repair kit for your snowblower engine.  It will include a nozzle, high speed adjustment, seat and bowl gasket.  

You did not tell me how old this unit is....If its real old, you could have problems with the points and condensor, or an intake valve.  

you definately have a fuel problem, this could be caused from a bad intake valve, a plugged high speed nozzle, water in the gas, bad fuel

Hope this helps...