QuestionQUESTION: My mower is a Craftsman 917.377580 with Tecumseh 6.75hp engine. Last year I grabbed the wrong gas can and put some 50:1 gas/oil mix into the tank. I mowed for about 5 minutes before realizing error and dumping out bad gas. Since then mower was running rough and loping, also hard to start. Sparkplug was checked (not fouled) and replaced.
This spring I decided to clean carb, thinking this would help remedy the problem. Cleaned float bowl (plastic), upper carb and blew out all parts thoroughly. After reassembly, engine would start but die after 5 seconds. Repeated carb cleaning, but now will not even start. I also drained and cleaned the gas tank. I am pretty certain I re-assembled correctly. There is one part I am wondering about, a plastic “main nozzle tube” with an O-ring on the bottom that fits into the bottom of the float bowl and sticks up into the aluminum throat of the carb. It has 2 small different diameter holes in one side and 1 hole in directly opposite. Now I cannot recall which orientation (1 to 12 o’clock) the 2 holes should face when the tube is inserted into the float bowl, could this be the problem? Any advice appreciated, thanks.
ANSWER: Hello Chris:
From your Description it Sounds like the Carburetor Float Needle is Sticking and Not Allowing Gas to Enter the Bowl. Make Sure the Seat for the Carburetor Float Needle is Seated Properly in the Inlet Port. There is a Flat Side and a Rounded Side to the Square O-Ring Seat. The Flatter Side Mates to the Carburetor Inlet Port and the Slightly Rounded Side Matches the Float Needle. The Engine Model is 143.986700. To View a Breakdown of this Unit Go to this Site Addy, http://www.searspartsdirect.com/partsdirect/index.action and Enter the Model Numbers (143.986700) and Click Search. From this Page you can View Diagrams or Parts Lists for you Equipment. Select the Carburetor File. Make Sure you Assembled the Carburetor According to the Breakdown. 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
---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------
QUESTION: Thanks for the response. I re-assembled the mower and it now starts fine, but surges or runs evenly. It won't stall and I can use it, but it does not function properly. I have read here and elsewhere that this is a result of a dirty carburetor but I know this is not the case, as it was spotless when I reassembled. The air cleaner element is also new. Any ideas where to look next? Thanks!
AnswerHello Again Chris:
I am Glad you Got it Running. You are Saying the Engine is Hunting for the Set Speed? If Yes, then Reset the Governor. Sometimes when Removing and Reinstalling the Carburetor, the Linkage is Pulled or Pushed a Little at the Governor Arm and Governor Shaft Connection. The Following is the Instruction File for Resetting the Governor. **To Reset the Governor; Loosen the Governor Arm Bolt and Turn the Governor Shaft Clockwise Until it Stops. Using the Governor Arm Hold the Carburetor to Full Throttle. Now with the Shaft Full Clockwise and the Governor Arm and Carburetor Held at Full Throttle, Tighten the Governor Arm Bolt. If the Engine Still Runs Full Throttle, then Reverse the Rotation of the Governor Shaft, but Still Hold the Carburetor at Full Throttle with the Governor Arm. If it Still Runs at Full Throttle, then Check the Internal Governor.** 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
