Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): fuel mixture adjustment, kawasaki mule 610, kawasaki shop

Question
QUESTION: I have a Kawasaki Mule 610.  The engine runs very rough and dies at idle.  This engine has 180 hours on it.  I have tried all of the usual stuff, spark plug, air filter, new gas, etc.  I called the Kawasaki shop where I bought it.  They told me the fuel mixture screw needs adjustment, but that you have to drill out some holes in the carburetor to get to them.  Is this correct?  It sounds pretty silly to me.

ANSWER: This could be true on many of the new carbs on equipment like this.
I would suggest that you take it to your local dealer to have them perform this job.
That carb could be in the upwards of $500.00 to replace if accidentally damaged during this process.


---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: I called the local place first.  They want $108 to do this, and they are not sure that is what the problem is.  I found an exploded view of this carb on the motor sports dealer web site.  It shows a "jet" behind a cover screw and another behind a plug.  I have taken plugs out before,I think they were called welch plugs at one time, so I can do that.  Is a "jet" adjustable like a fuel mixture screw?  The drawing doesn't show any other adjustments on this carb other than the idle screw and I know it is not that.  Also, a whole new carb on this web site is only $114, so I can always just get a new one.  I just want to have some idea that I am working in the right place.  I do a lot of work on small engines, but not too much on carbs.  I am comfortable trying this.  The drawing doesn't show any screws that are acceessilbe by "drilling".  I think the plug is what they were referring to.  Does that sound right?

Answer
Before blaming the carb, have you tried adjusting the valves. That would be one other area that i would address on this issue.
On the carb thing, that does sound right. After removing the welch plugs, try screwing them all the way in and turning back out to the same spot. Sometimes this will help push out varnish build up in the hole that the needles meter. If that doesn't work, they try to open the needle a little bit   maybe 1/4 turn increments. If you don't get any results from adjusting these out, then the carb will need to be rebuilt.
If it was me, I would just replace the carb instead of rebuilding it, especially if you can get it for $114.00.