Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): snow blower, clearance problem, botom

Question
QUESTION: hi keith i have an older chain driven craftsman snow blower im pretty sure its a 5hp 4 stroke. it wont start i cleaned the carb, new plug, if i spray gas in the carb it will start and stay running for 20 or so minutes then shuts off, its getting fuel but even after pull starting until i drop it wont even try to start any help will be good thanks,

ANSWER: Hi Jeff,
What brand engine is it? Model numbers? This will allow me to look a diagram and see what we're looking at. It may be a tappet clearance problem.
Thanks,
Keith

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QUESTION: hi keith its a craftsman 4cyl it says on it the modle number is 143635022 also not sure what happened but i just did an oil change before i tried to use it yesterday and i checked the oil in it today and its grey not sure if its like that from all the gas i ended up putting in the carb or not could you help with this as well, and one more thing if i adjust the screws in the carb to 1.5 turns for mixture they both leak in the botom of the bowl and the one on the top of the carb, sorry if its to many things any help will do

ANSWER: Jeff,
It sounds like the carb leak is the float needle leaking by. It will probably have to be replaced. You get a needle and rubber seat in a kit. As far as the running problem, when it quits, does it kind of fade out then die, or does it just quit like you just turn it off? If it just fades out, it sounds like a valve tappet clearance problem. I would take care of the carb leak first.

Keith



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QUESTION: thanks for the help keith
when it shuts off its almost like im shuttling it off the float needle and seal kit ive called around but no luck finding one, is there an after market brand to use what would the corect plug number and make could this be my issue there was no plug in it when i bought it i put a champion in it but cant find the specific number to use the guy told me it would work i think its an j8s or s8j where would i find a manuel for and old machine like this

Answer
That engine has the old points and condenser ignition. It could be something there when it gets hot. I'd start there after I got the carb problem fixed. It could be any or all of the three (coil, condenser, points). I'd go with points and condenser first. You can look up parts at Sears.com for part numbers.
Keith