Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): Techumseh engine on snow blower, tecumseh engine, snow blower

Question
Yesterday we used our snow blower for the third time this season.  We had it serviced for the season and it ran well at first.  However, it began to run more and more unevenly yesterday.  Today it seemed to run well and then lose power and repeat this cycle over and over. If we taxed it with extra heavy snow, it just didn't have any power.  In the end we had to lift the front end up (not in touch with the snow)and just get it to the garage. It quit 3 times on the way but started up again easily. The engine model is model 31AE662H013 serial number 1F237B80240.  How can we get it to run better?

Answer
Hello Chris:

Is the Gas Free Flowing to the Carburetor? From your Description it Sounds like there is Trash in the Fuel System. This is Restricting the Gas Flow to the Engine In Cycles. The Way you Described the Cycle of the Engine Surge is Usually a Sign that the Gas Flow Into the Carburetor Bowl is Restricted. If the Surging of the Engine had been Quicker and Steady, then the Carburetor is Restricted and Requires Removal and Blowing Out with Compressed Air if they Serviced the Carburetor when the Unit was Serviced. If the Carburetor was Not Serviced when the Unit was Serviced then the Carburetor May Require Soaking and Cleaning. The Model Numbers you Sent me are for the Unit. You can View a Breakdown/IPL of this Unit at this Site Addy, http://www.smallenginepartswarehouse.com/parts.asp and Select the Shop Online Parts Look Up. Then Select the Model Tab. Then Select the OEM (MTD)  and Enter the Model Numbers 31AE662H013. Then Double Click on the Model in the Results Area. Now you can Select the Section of the Unit you Wish to View. The Correct Tecumseh Engine Model Numbers are; HMSK100-159295U and it is 8.0 hp. You can View a Breakdown/IPL of this Engine at this Site Addy, http://www.outdoordistributors.com/ and Select the T. Then Select Tecumseh. Then Select Don't have Part Numbers. Then Enter the Model Numbers HMSK100-159295U. Then Select your Model and Download the File for Online Viewing. 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 10 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. Comments and Ratings are Greatly Appreciated. Thanks.

Respectfully

John