QuestionI just bought a used Craftsman 536-xxxxx snowblower with an 8-horse Tecumseh. The engine will only run when choked (even when hot). But when I tilt the unit back, it will run with the choke off. tip it back up and it dies unless you choke it again.
Obviously a fuel restriction, but, where?
I tore apart the carb and all gas passages seemed to be clean, but I cleaned them thoroughly all anyway.
The shutoff valve is on the back of the tank, and the inlet of this valve has a small filter screen that was flattened and twisted. I suspect this filter screen is the restriction. But WHY would it run better when tilted back?
I'm re-assembling tonight and replacing that filter screen with an inline filter. If the engine is still starved for gas, what should I check next?
And - do snowblower carbs have air filters? This carb has threaded holes on the air inlet, but there's no filter, and there's not much room for anything like a filter bracket. THANKS!
AnswerSnow blowers lack a air filter due to them being used in a clean environment, unlike a mower. Sounds to me like your needle valve is hanging up in the needle seat. When your tilting if back your changing the angle of the float and thus pulling the needle of the seat. Only other thing it could be is the float is no good, and filling with some gas causing it to be heavy, and not letting the seat sit correctly, but I DOUBT it is this condition if so it would run rich instead. I believe the carb needs a good cleaning and rebuild to include a needle valve and seat, Make sure that if it is a needle valve with a little metal wire type clip that the long end of the wire clip faces the choke plate direction if not they are know to hang up the float......Tom
