Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): jiffy ice auger 3hp. tecumseh engine, engine gaskets, vacuum leak

Question
My ice auger has slowly gotten more difficult to keep running. It starts easily and runs great, but only when priming constantly. I replaced the diaphram and needle vavle? But is the same. no change.Is there a float in these type of carbs that could be stuck? or is my problem elsewhere?

Answer
Hi Randy,
Wasn there much varnish in the carb? Tec. carbs are really finicky. It may have to be soaked in a cleaner. Not the spray kind, but the kind that comes in a gallon can like paint. Also, check around the engine gaskets. Is there any sign of leaking? If so, there may be a vacuum leak and this would keep the carb from working right. When you reassembles the carb, did you put the gasket and diaphram back in the same order the original was? Depending on the carb they might go either way. If you're not sure, try reversing them. If none of this works I would suspect a vacuum leak somewhere. That would have to be tested at a local shop as it requires special tools. Hope this helps.
Keith