QuestionCraftsman Self-Propelled Lawn Mower
Model # 917.377593
6.75HP Tecumseh Engine
Engine: 143.996704 (Craftsman #)
Engine Model: VLV126-502525D (Tecumseh #)
Recently, I picked up this used lawn mower. The seller indicated that it doesn't start and might need the carburetor rebuilt. I brought it home, poured in some new fuel and it started up within a few pulls (say 5-7). It was working okay and I thought it doesn't need any carburetor work. When I engaged the power gear (self-propelled system), it didn't really want to move. So, I figured that it needs the belt tension set. At the same time, I wanted to do some basic tune-up. I checked the spark plug and it's fine. Gap is okay too. I replaced the Air Filter also. I also did an oil change (there is no filter?). I could not adjust the belt tension, so I replaced it with a belt I had from my previous mower (Murray 22" mower, seemed like a good fit).
In the process of taking off the belt, I saw some fuel leaking around the carburetor. I tried tightening the bowl drain screw and it seems like the fuel starting leaking even worse. Is this normal? I really didn't pay any attention and not sure whether I made it any worse, just seems like I did. Is there an ideal setting? Do I need to replace some gaskets?
Well, after all of this, I re-started the mower and it ran okay. I started mowing the grass. Used it for like 30-45 minutes. Took a break, and when I tried re-starting, I had a hard time. After priming and pulling like 7-10 times, it finally restarted but ran poorly and died in 30 seconds. I tried this process 3-4 more times, before it ran without dying. Finished mowing, but seemed underpowered. The belt seems to work okay, but I purchased a new one (haven't installed it). I have also tried running the mower with some carburetor cleaner, but doesn't seem to help much (I realize this is probably too late).
So, now it seems like I need to rebuild the carburetor. It starts very poorly. Always dies the first few times that it starts up. Idles poorly.
I am pretty handy around the car, but haven't done too much with mower engines. Is carburetor rebuild my best option or do I have some other problems here? Besides taking it apart, are there any "fine" settings and/or spring loaded stuff that I would need a manual for?
I would appreciate if anyone can offer any advice. Sorry for being lengthy.
AnswerHello Oleg:
The Internal Passages are Restricted with Varnish that Gas Causes to Build Up over Time. I Suggest you Make Sure the Gas is Free Flowing to the Carburetor Inlet Port. If the Gas is Free Flowing to the Inlet Port, then **Remove, Disassemble and Soak the Carburetor Overnight in Carburetor Cleaner (I Use Gunk). I have Found that Most People can Use a Breakdown/IPL and Disassemble the Carburetor Enough for Proper Cleaning. You Only have to Remove the Bowl (if Applicable), Float Pin (if Applicable), Float (if Applicable) and Needle Valve and Any Adjustment Screws that Go Into the Carburetor Body. The Welch Plugs Do Not have to be Removed. Then Soak the Carburetor Body and Parts in a 1 Gallon Can of Gunk Carburetor Cleaner Overnight. The Can has a Parts Tray Inside it for the Small Parts. Once the Carburetor and Parts are in the Cleaner, you can Replace the Lid for Safety and to Prevent Accidental Spillage. Then Blow Out the Passages with Compressed Air.*** (Do Not Use High Pressure Air for the Zama Carburetors, they have Check Valves for the Primer and these are Usually Blown Out of the Carburetor if Not Careful. Allow the Zama Carburetor to Set on a Drip Pan and Dry)***. Install New Parts if Required.** Since this is a Tecumseh Engine, I have a PDF Site Addy that May Assist you Also. http://www.tecumsehpower.com/CustomerService/BSI.pdf . If this is a Tillotson Carburetor, then You can View a Breakdown of the Carburetor at this Site Addy http://www.tillotson.ie/ and Download the Flash Player. Then Enter the Site. Now Select Tech Info. Now Select Service Manuals from the Drop Down List Under the Tech Info Tab. Your Carburetor should be in the HU or the HS Series Manual. 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. Then Select your Model and Download the File for Online Viewing. If this Carburetor has Air Mixture Screws, Now Setting the Air Mixture Screws: ****Turn the Idle Air and Main Air Mixture Screws In Until SNUG **Do Not Jam** Then Reverse Both Screws 1 1/2 Turns. Holding the Throttle Full Open, Start the Engine. Turn the Main Air Mixture Screw Clockwise Until Proper Revs are Obtained. Occasionally you May have to Turn this Counter Clockwise to Achieve the Proper Revs. Now Allow the Engine to Idle. Set the Engine Idle Screw (Not Idle Air) so the Engine will Stay Running if Required. Now Set the Idle Air Mixture Screw so there is No Hesitation when Throttling from Idle to Full Throttle. Reset the Engine Idle if Required.**** 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. May the All Mighty Bless You and Yours. 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. Thanks.
Respectfully
John
